General News
1 July, 2026
Completion nears on $126M project
THE state government has announced construction of the new world-class visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles will surpass hundreds of jobs created for workers and apprentices.
The state government last week announced more than 750 people have been employed at the Visitor Experience Centre since construction began last year.
The $126 million redevelopment has also given more than 50 apprentices the once-in-a-lifetime experience of honing their trades skills on the historic project.
Victorian Acting Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos said the centre will also create dozens of ongoing jobs across hospitality, customer service, retail and maintenance while operators and local businesses will benefit as visitors extend their stays in the region.
“The Twelve Apostles Visitor Precinct is more than a tourism project – it’s an investment in regional jobs, regional businesses and the long-term growth of Victoria’s south west,” he said.
“Tourism is a major driver of jobs and economic growth in regional Victoria, and this new precinct will help cement the Great Ocean Road as one of the world’s great visitor destinations.”
The Victorian Government announced the new precinct was taking shape, with works on the visitor centre, landscaping, carparks and connecting roads progressing.
This includes a major planting blitz, with 100,000 native plants to help restore this part of Keerray Woorroong Country.
The project is expected to be completed later this year, with the precinct being viewed as a stunning gateway to drawing millions of visitors to Victoria’s south west.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said she was excited to see an influx of visitors arriving.
“When the new precinct opens, it will showcase the very best of our region and encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more of our local towns which make this part of Victoria so special,” she said.
“Labor is investing in the infrastructure our regions need, creating jobs now while building the foundations for future economic growth.”
The project features a sweeping visitor centre, gallery space, restaurant, kiosk and extensive gardens.
The site is expected to deliver an incredible nature and cultural experience.
Expanded carparking will also help safely manage the high volume of cars, buses and coaches.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said she anticipated the flow of tourism would solidify the economic strength of the south west’s tourism industry.
“People travel from across the globe to experience the Twelve Apostles for a reason,” she said.
“It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression, and these new facilities will help even more people experience the very best of our region.
“It’s fantastic to see so many workers and apprentices contributing to a project that will deliver lasting benefits for south west Victoria.”
The project is funded through a $676 million partnership between the Albanese and Allan governments and City of Greater Geelong.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the region would also benefit from the experience young workers are gaining for years to come.
“It’s crucial for apprentices to build their skills on the job and that’s exactly what we’re enabling at the Twelve Apostles redevelopment,” she said.
“Our infrastructure investments are creating jobs while boosting economic activity across regional Australia.”
The new facilities support Victoria’s $46.7 billion economy, which is now projected to reach $57 billion by 2030.
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