Iconic views for everybody at the 12 Apostles
With the completion of a new viewing platform at the Twelve Apostles, the famous Great Ocean Road attraction is ready for new visitors from near and far and with all abilities.
The “Saddle Lookout” has replaced viewing areas no longer suitable for growing visitor numbers, providing a safer, more immersive and inclusive experience at one of the Victoria’s most visited locations.
Previously visitors had to navigate a series of steps to reach the best viewing locations at the site, however the new lookout, which is cantilevered above the cliff, to capture exciting new perspectives, offers a smooth even concrete surface, so all visitors can see what all the fuss is about!
The works have been completed by Parks Victoria, who partnered with the local Eastern Maar community to design the lookout, which resembles two ‘clapsticks’. Colours have been used that reflect Ngayook (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo) and Ponponpoorramook (Red Tailed Black Cockatoo), important totemic species to Eastern Maar peoples.
At the start of the walk you will find the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre. Come in and meet the friendly team, or the centre is equiped with wheelchair accessible toilets, designated accessible parking spaces.
To elevate your experience here and get a different perspective, 12 Apostles Helicopters operate from the site, and offer special assistance to cater for people of all abilities.
The nearby town of Port Campbell also offers many public spaces that have undergone improvements to cater for people of all abilities. The Port Campbell Playground is nautical-themed and designed with nature in mind. The slides, climbing nets, swings, and balance boards are surrounded by sand, rocks, wooden elements, and grass. The Carousel is ideal for wheelchairs and prams and there are no steps to either the playground or the barbeque area. The playground and barbeque area are all accessible and the toilet block has both accessible and MLAK toilets.
At the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club, which fronts one of the Great Ocean Road regions most beautiful, protected bays, there are also accessible toilets, and beach wheelchairs for hire. The town’s streetscape and foreshore area is also undergoing a major revitalisation, which will provide better access throughout the township, and particularly on the foreshore, with a new tiered structure built into what was previously a steep lawned area to get to the beach. There will also be more seating and picnic areas, creating a better experience for all visitors to be able to enjoy this spectacular part of the world. This is due for completion by December 2024.
In the area you can check out the Port Campbell Suspension Bridge, and the new shared use cycling and walking trail linking Port Campbell to Timboon (which has some steep sections). Accessible dining venues not to miss on your trip include REAL Pizza, Pasta Salads, Timboon Ice Creamery and Sow and Piglets Brewery.
