Victoria to Charge Visitors to See Twelve Apostles

New fees raise concerns about accessibility and safety at iconic Australian landmark

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Victorian government has announced that visitors to the Twelve Apostles, a popular tourist destination along the Great Ocean Road, will now be required to pay a fee to access the viewing platforms and visitor center. This move reflects a broader trend of charging entry fees at natural wonders around the world, but has raised concerns from local residents about the impact on accessibility and public safety.

Why it matters

The Twelve Apostles are one of Australia's most iconic natural landmarks, drawing over 2 million visitors per year. The introduction of fees raises questions about equitable access to public lands and whether it will push tourists towards less safe viewing areas. It also highlights the broader challenge of balancing conservation efforts and infrastructure needs with preserving open access to natural wonders.

The details

Visitors will now be required to book and pay a fee to access the $126 million Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and viewing decks. The Victorian government says the fees will help address overcrowding, protect the environment, and fund necessary safety improvements. However, local residents like Michelle Rowney are concerned the fees will push visitors to attempt dangerous unauthorized access, as has happened at nearby sites like Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.

  • The Victorian government announced the new fees on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The government expects visitor numbers to the Twelve Apostles to rise from 2.2 million annually to 3 million by 2032.

The players

Twelve Apostles

A series of limestone sea stacks off the coast of Victoria, Australia, that are a major tourist attraction along the Great Ocean Road.

Michelle Rowney

A Port Campbell resident and community campaigner who is concerned about the impact of overtourism and the new fees on the local area.

Steve Dimopoulos

The Victorian Environment Minister, who stated that the funds raised from the new fees will partly go towards safety infrastructure.

Jess Wilson

The Opposition leader, who suggested the fees are being implemented due to the government running out of money to fund the park's work.

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What they’re saying

“It's getting worse, and worse.”

— Michelle Rowney, Port Campbell resident and community campaigner (newsy-today.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Victorian government has stated that the new fees and booking system will be implemented in the coming months, ahead of the peak tourist season.

The takeaway

The introduction of fees at the Twelve Apostles highlights the broader challenge of balancing conservation, infrastructure needs, and equitable public access at popular natural landmarks. While fees can generate revenue, they also raise concerns about pricing out visitors and potentially pushing them towards unsafe viewing areas.