If you’re planning on doing Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk you may just have to pay a little bit more money.
Visitors may soon have to pay an entry fee to see the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road.
The Victorian Government says the proposed charge would help fund improvements to tourist attractions across the south-west of the state.
The exact amount visitors will be required to pay has not yet been determined, as the government plans to consult with local councils, traditional owners and businesses in the region before finalising the fee.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said residents and members of the Eastern Maar community would not be required to pay the charge. He emphasised that the fee would apply only to tourists visiting the iconic coastal site.
According to Mr Dimopoulos, it is reasonable for travellers to contribute a small amount when visiting such a renowned natural attraction. He said the funding would help ensure the site is properly maintained and protected for future generations.
The revenue collected from the entry fee would be managed by the Great Ocean Road Parks and Coastal Authority.
The funds would be used to support improvements to visitor infrastructure, including better beach access and upgraded facilities for tourists. In addition, the money would assist with the preservation and maintenance of important historic landmarks along the coast.
Mr Dimopoulos added that the initiative is part of a broader effort to invest in the long-term future of the Great Ocean Road region while ensuring that money raised locally is reinvested back into the area.