Tourists planning a trip to Australia’s Great Ocean Road will soon be hit with a new entry fee to see the Twelve Apostles.
The famous rock formation receives some two million visitors annually, with the proposed new fees going into maintenance costs on the 240km stretch of coastline “under threat” from climate change.
There are just seven limestone stacks remaining, due to erosion over time.
Victorian environment minister Steve Dimopoulos, added that the new fee will be tied to the upcoming AUD $126 million (US$90 million) Twelve Apostles visitor experience centre, slated to open end of 2026.
Dimopoulos also noted that such fees are not uncommon, citing examples like Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and Uluru national park.
An exact amount of the proposed fee has not been firmed up yet, to be announced at a later time pending consults with local government, tour operators and local communities. A booking system might also be added to manage crowds.