Twelve apostles to charge visitors for access, sparking local outcry

Melbourne – The iconic Twelve Apostles along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road are set for a financial barrier to entry, prompting a fierce debate about access to natural wonders. The state government announced Monday that visitor fees will be implemented for access to the popular landmark and its visitor center, a move that has ignited concerns about accessibility and safety.

Fees proposed for iconic coastal formation

The proposal, which will require bookings and charge for parking and access to the $126 million Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, comes as annual visitor numbers are projected to climb from 2.2 million to 3 million by 2032. The government argues the fees are necessary to combat overtourism and protect the fragile coastal environment.

“Fair and reasonable” fees, according to Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos, align with the management of other major Australian tourist destinations. The local council and tourism board have voiced support for the plan. Yet, the move echoes debates surrounding similar sites globally, raising questions about the balance between conservation and public access.

The debate isn’t new. In the United States, national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon have entry fees, ranging from US$15 to $35. However, a recent executive order by President Donald Trump proposed raising fees for international visitors. The UK’s decision to divert a highway around Stonehenge, a World Heritage site, faced strong opposition from the public and environmental groups, with concerns about irreversible damage to the historic monument.

Tasmania offers a contrasting model, with a parks pass required for entry to national parks like Wineglass Bay, but with varying fees depending on the location and mode of transport. The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa national park in the Northern Territory charges a fee, with a portion of the revenue returned to the traditional owners. In New South Wales, vehicle entry fees are common in national parks, though many areas remain free for foot, bicycle, or public transport.

Local residents along the Great Ocean Road are increasingly worried about the impact of tourism. Michelle Rowney, a Port Campbell resident and community campaigner, says the area is overwhelmed, particularly during peak season. “It’s getting worse and worse,” she states, voicing fears that the fee for the viewing platform will encourage visitors to seek out less safe vantage points along the treacherous cliffs.

Rowney points to the recent closure of Gibson Steps, a popular access point, following erosion caused by the visitor centre development. A 23-year-old man fell 15 meters near Gibson Steps last October, underscoring the risks associated with informal access. The government claims revenue from the fees will contribute to safety infrastructure improvements at various sites.

Opposition leader Jess Wilson has criticized the move, alleging the government is resorting to fees due to a lack of funding for park maintenance. Rowney argues the proposed fee contradicts the core principle of national parks: accessibility for everyone. “Anybody should be able to see the Twelve Apostles,” she insists, adding that fees for services like parking or toilet facilities are acceptable.

The decision to charge for access to the Twelve Apostles arrives at a time when tourism revenue is a vital economic driver for the region. But the potential consequences for public access and safety are weighing heavily on those who call this dramatic coastline home. The government’s calculation appears simple: revenue to address safety concerns—but at what cost to the very experience it seeks to protect?

The revenue generated from the new fees will be allocated to safety infrastructure improvements at other sites, according to the government. Critics, however, fear the fee could inadvertently increase risks as visitors seek cheaper, less-managed viewing locations.