How there might quickly be a FEE to go to one in all Australia’s most iconic vacationer locations
Millions of tourists will soon be slugged with an admission fee to visit one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan will on Monday announce plans to turn the Twelve Apostles into a paid attraction.
The aim of the tourist tax is to better manage crowds, protect the coastline and boost local economies along the Great Ocean Road, which attracts 6.8 million visitors each year.
Locals and members of the Eastern Maar Indigenous community will be exempt from the entry fee, which is currently unknown and will be based on consultation with local councils, traditional owners and businesses.
The fee will come into effect later this year to coincide with the opening of the new $126 million visitor centre.
A new booking system will also be introduced to manage visitor numbers and parking during peak periods.
‘It’s only fair that visitors to the region pay a small fee to visit this world-class destination so that we can,’ Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.
Tourists will soon pay an admission fee for Twelve Apostles on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road
The tourist tax is to better manage crowds, protect the coastline and boost local economies along the Great Ocean Road
‘We’re investing in the future of the Great Ocean Road region and making sure every single cent spent in the region stays there.
‘The Twelve Apostles are visited by more than two million people each year and the Great Ocean Road is visited by over six million people – and we want even more people to come and enjoy it.’
The fee would be collected by the Great Ocean Road Parks and Coastal Authority to support upgrades to beach access and visitor facilities, and maintain historic landmarks.
Just seven limestone stacks of the original 12 along the heritage-listed coastal stretch remain.
The Great Ocean Road was closed for several days in January after extreme flash flooding left behind widespread damage.
The entry fee will bring the Twelves Apostles in line with iconic tourist spots such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kosciuszko National Park and Wineglass Bay Lookout.
The decision has already divided Aussies.
‘Disappointing from the government – fees and a booking system. This just stops people from being able to see our natural wonders,’ one Aussie said.
The entry fee will bring the Twelves Apostles in line with iconic tourist spots
3AW host Jacqui Felgate, who grew up in the region, previously described the move as ‘utterly appalling’.
However local state MP Richard Riordan welcomes the idea.
‘This government has managed to find some $130m to build a new toilet block complex at the famed visitor centre but has failed to put a wastewater management plan in place.
‘In essence we have found millions to keep foreign visitors happy but cannot find the funds to keep our native environment, our local coastline and the habitat in the area safe for future generations.’
