Overview

Parks Victoria is working with the Victorian Government to deliver the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, which is a comprehensive program to protect the coast and improve visitor opportunities, highlighting the importance of the region for Victoria’s tourism economy.

Stage One consists of a series of projects funded for $9.8 million, including three infrastructure projects within Port Campbell National Park and a digital upgrade at the Twelve Apostles. The projects include new world class lookouts at the Twelve Apostles Saddle and the Blowhole within the Loch Ard Precinct, as well as a new pedestrian bridge over Port Campbell Creek in the Port Campbell township.

Parks Victoria has been working in close association with project partners including local and state government, as well as the Traditional Owners, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, to develop the three projects.

Through an extensive Request for Tender process, Parks Victoria recently appointed architects Denton Corker Marshall (in partnership with landscape architects McGregor Coxall and Arup) to design the three infrastructure projects.

Each site has undergone significant technical investigations to understand the geological, environmental and cultural heritage opportunities and constraints. These have directly informed the development of each design and further information can be found in the fact sheets.

Parks Victoria is seeking feedback on elements of the concept designs which includes the following infrastructure.

The Saddle Lookout

Perched on the limestone saddle, this new lookout aims to provide an unforgettable visitor experience by unveiling a spectacular view of the iconic Twelve Apostles. The proposed Saddle Lookout is two long rectangular black and white blocks with one resting on the saddle and the other cantilevered towards the sky. The view is hidden when visitors enter and as they continue through the lookout, the view of the coastline is revealed.

The design has been informed through engagement with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal community and the lookout's situation, forms and expression are designed to be a contemporary reflection of cultural heritage.

The new lookout will be complemented by a one-way circuit loop walking track with rest stops. The track will be shrouded in vegetation, meaning visitors are more protected from the weather and can enjoy an intimate experience, focussing on the native flora of the area and cultural heritage.

In order to construct the new Saddle Lookout, the Castle Rock Lookout will be removed and the area revegetated.

The Blowhole Lookout

Located in the Loch Ard precinct, the Blowhole Lookout is designed to provide a new visitor experience, respecting the environmental and cultural characteristics of this tucked away site nestled amongst native vegetation. The lookout is subsumed into the landscape and curves around the edge of the blowhole.

Improved access tracks aim to conceal and reveal views so visitors experience the blowhole and native vegetation from a range of locations and perspectives.

The Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge

The new suspension bridge will provide a walking connection over Port Campbell Creek. It is designed to have minimal visual and physical impact, using materials that blend into the natural landscape. The wire cabling of the bridge maximises uninterrupted views along the creek.

The pedestrian bridge will connect a new boardwalk path on the Port Campbell township side that wraps around the dunes to the Port Campbell foreshore. The boardwalk will have resting points for users to sit and enjoy the view.

The bridge will facilitate a year round connection from Port Campbell to the Discovery Trail and Port Campbell National Park.

Acknowledgement

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Eastern Maar Peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country through which the Shipwreck Coast travels.

We pay our respects to their ancestors and Elders, past and present.

We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to their traditional lands, which continue to be important to them today.

Gallery

These images provide a range of views of the proposed concept designs for the Saddle Lookout, the Blowhole Lookout and Port Campbell Creek pedestrian bridge.
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout - aerial view from a north-west perspective
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout - aerial view from a north-east perspective
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout - ground view looking south
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout - view from Gibson Steps beach
Design concept for the Blowhole Lookout, Loch Ard Precinct - aerial view
Design concept for Port Campbell Creek pedestrian bridge - aerial view
Design concept 2 for Port Campbell Creek pedestrian bridge - ground level view from township side of creek
Design concept 3 for Port Campbell Creek pedestrian bridge - view on bridge facing Port Campbell township
Design concept for Port Campbell Creek pedestrian bridge - side view
Design concept for Port Campbell Creek pedestrian bridge - ground view facing Port Campbell National Park
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout
Design concept for the Saddle Lookout

Survey

The time period for contributing to this survey has now closed. Thank you.
1. What is your interest in the project?
2. Where do you live? Required
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3. What is your age range? Required

Adopting a low visual and physical impact design approach for the Port Campbell Creek Pedestrian Bridge means there will be some movement when pedestrians cross, which is typical for suspension bridges. Keep in mind, there will be no difference to the safety of the bridge.

The design concepts propose an accessible pathway on the Port Campbell side of the bridge that will be located around the front of the dune vegetation connecting to the surf club forecourt and providing access for all abilities. On this pathway, there is scope to incorporate two resting point areas with seating. On the Port Campbell National Park side of the bridge, the design concepts propose a limestone path which will be partly excavated into the cliff face, steeply zig-zagging up the hill. There is scope to widen parts of this path to also provide seated resting points if there is desire from the community.

The survey form is now closed. Thanks for your contributions.