Thursday, 22 October 2026

Twelve Apostles Gets a $126 Million Makeover: Discover the New Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre

Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre
Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road is welcoming a remarkable new attraction, with the opening of the Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre at the Twelve Apostles on 16 October 2026. The $126 million redevelopment transforms one of Australia’s most famous coastal landmarks into a destination where visitors can explore Aboriginal culture, geological history, local food and breathtaking Southern Ocean views.

The new 3,300-square-metre visitor centre is designed to encourage travellers to spend more time at the Twelve Apostles and discover the wider Great Ocean Road region.

A New Gateway to the Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are among Victoria’s most recognisable natural attractions, drawing visitors from across Australia and around the world to admire the towering limestone formations rising from the Southern Ocean.

The new Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre aims to make a visit much more than a photograph of the famous coastline. Visitors will find immersive exhibitions, interactive displays, regional tourism information, guided experiences and opportunities to enjoy local food and drink.

A rooftop garden and observation area, known as the Great Ocean Lookout, will offer sweeping views across the ocean and surrounding coastline.

Discover Eastern Maar Culture and Ancient Landscapes

Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre
A major feature of the redevelopment is its emphasis on Eastern Maar culture and perspectives. Developed in consultation with Eastern Maar, the visitor centre provides opportunities to understand the region through the knowledge and experiences of one of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Interactive exhibitions, artefacts and audiovisual presentations explore the cultural connections to Country, the evolution of the coastline, the area's geological history and its ecological significance.

The Welcome Garden features native plants and walking trails that introduce visitors to Eastern Maar culture and the natural environment. A dedicated Keerray Woorroong experience brings together stories of climate, geology and environmental change spanning millions of years.

These experiences offer travellers a deeper understanding of the landscape and the cultural heritage connected to this extraordinary part of Victoria.

Local Food, Regional Flavours and Ocean Views

Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre
Food and hospitality are central to the new visitor experience. A 230-seat café and a walk-up kiosk overlooking the Welcome Garden will provide places to relax and enjoy regional produce.

Local businesses, including Timboon Distillery and Timboon Fine Ice Cream, are among those whose products will feature in the offering. Indoor and outdoor dining areas will allow visitors to enjoy refreshments while taking in the surrounding landscape.

The centre will also provide expert visitor advice, suggested itineraries and local recommendations to help travellers discover nearby towns, attractions, accommodation and hospitality businesses.

A Better Experience for Every Visitor

The redevelopment includes family-friendly, accessible and sensory facilities to support a broad range of visitors. Visitor Ambassadors, talks and guided experiences will help bring the precinct's cultural, historical and environmental stories to life.

Twelve Apostles Visitor Precinct General Manager Andre Smaniotto says the new centre gives visitors more opportunities to discover the stories behind the landmark and develop a deeper connection with the coast.

The project is also expected to benefit regional tourism by encouraging longer stays and distributing visitor spending across local accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators.

Bookings Required from 16 October 2026

Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre
Visitors will need a booking to visit the Twelve Apostles from 16 October 2026. Bookings are initially free and can be made through the official website. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as visitors without bookings may experience delays if parking capacity has been reached.

A booking fee is planned for introduction in April 2027, with revenue to be reinvested in coastal protection, conservation and visitor experience improvements across the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

The visitor centre is scheduled to operate every day of the year, with opening hours of 8 am to 8 pm during daylight saving and 9 am to 5 pm during standard time.

Plan Your Great Ocean Road Visit

Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre
The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre redevelopment represents a $126 million investment through the Geelong City Deal. Development Victoria led project delivery, with Grimshaw and Aspect Studios as lead building and landscape architects. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is the site and facility operator.

For travellers planning a Great Ocean Road road trip, the new visitor centre offers another compelling reason to stop, explore and experience the Twelve Apostles beyond the famous views.

Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre – Twelve Apostles

Website and bookings: https://twelveapostles.org.au/
Address: Twelve Apostles Visitor Precinct, Great Ocean Road, near Port Campbell, Victoria, Australia.
Opening: 365 days a year.
Opening hours: 8 am to 8 pm during daylight saving; 9 am to 5 pm during standard time.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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