One of Australia's most photographed natural wonders will join the ranks of other world-renowned destinations in charging visitors an entry fee.
The Victorian government plans to introduce an entrance fee for access to the Twelve Apostles, turning the landmark off the coast of Port Campbell National Park into a paid attraction for the first time.
It will join other popular Australian tourist destinations including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kosciuszko National Park and Wineglass Bay Lookout where visitor fees are charged.
A booking system will also be introduced to manage visitation numbers and guarantee parking at peak times.
Just how much it will cost visitors to the area is unknown, but the fees are set to be introduced to coincide with the opening of a $126 million visitor centre at the end of 2026.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the Twelve Apostles were visited by more than two million people each year.
"It's only fair that visitors to the region pay a small fee to visit this world-class destination so that we can maintain it for future generations," Mr Dimopoulos said on Monday.
Money raised by the fees will help upgrade beach access and visitor facilities as well as maintain historical landmarks and new projects that will benefit local communities and attract visitors.
Locals and members of the Eastern Maar Indigenous community will not be charged to access the area.
Regional tourism board Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism said the change would ensure visitors enjoyed a better experience.
"A booking system and entry fee will protect the landscape, manage congestion and ensure visitors have a much better experience," it said in a statement on Monday.
The decision follows a push by the Corangamite Shire Council and Great Ocean Road Tourism Board in September, urging the state government to seize the opportunity to introduce a user-pays model.
Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson labelled the decision another example of the state government running out of money.
"The Allan Labor government has mismanaged the books, mismanaged budgets for a decade, Victoria is now going to have to pay an admission fee," Ms Wilson told reporters.
The Twelve Apostles is a popular tourism destination, despite just seven limestone stacks of the original 12 remaining.
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