Victorian government to introduce admission charge at Twelve Apostles
Visitors to one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks will face a controversial entrance fee.
The Victorian government will announce the entrance fee for the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone monoliths along the Great Ocean Road, on Monday.
Under the new rules, a booking system will also be introduced to manage visitor numbers and parking during peak hours.
Local residents and members of the Eastern Maar First Nations community will not be charged.
Victorian Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said it was “fair” for visitors to pay their own way.
“The Twelve Apostles are visited by more than two million people every year and the Great Ocean Road is visited by more than six million people, we want even more people to come and enjoy it,” Mr. Dimopoulos said.
“We are investing in the future of the Great Ocean Road region and ensuring that every penny spent in the region stays there.
“It’s only fair that visitors to the region pay a small fee to visit this world-class destination, so we can pass it on to future generations.”
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority supported the implementation of the fee, saying it would cover operating and maintenance costs.
“The Victorian Government is protecting the iconic Great Ocean Road shores and parks for future generations by creating an ongoing source of funding to reinvest directly into this special place,” they said in a statement on Monday.
“The upcoming fees will cover the costs of operating and maintaining the new world-class tourism precinct and provide an additional source of revenue for ongoing reinvestment in much-needed visitor infrastructure and environmental protection.”
The state government will begin consulting with key stakeholders on an appropriate fee on Monday.
