One of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks has quite literally taken another hit, with the 12 Apostles now officially down to seven after another limestone stack collapsed into the Southern Ocean. It’s the latest reminder that these towering formations, carved by wind and waves over millions of years, are both breathtaking and heartbreakingly temporary. And just as nature chips away at what’s left, new draft proposals suggest human hands might soon do the same, this time with entry fees.
A Fragile Wonder on Borrowed Time
The 12 Apostles, just off the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, are a staple on the Australian bucket list. But despite the name, there haven’t actually been 12 standing for decades. The most recent collapse, caused by relentless coastal erosion, has left only seven visible from the main lookout near Port Campbell.
Geologists say the limestone cliffs here are constantly eroding at around 2cm per year, with undercutting by waves creating inevitable structural failures. Eventually, every remaining Apostle will meet the same fate, it’s not a question of if, but when.
For 4X4ers and photographers, that means time’s running out to see them as they are today. Each visit is a snapshot in geological history, one collapse away from being gone forever.
Charging for a Natural Wonder
While nature is claiming one Apostle at a time, bureaucracy could soon claim a bit of our access too. The Victorian Government’s new draft management plan for the Great Ocean Road region reportedly proposes the introduction of tourist entry fees at key sites, including the 12 Apostles precinct.
The reasoning, according to early discussion papers, is to “support sustainable tourism and conservation efforts” code for raising revenue to manage crowds and maintain facilities. But critics argue that charging people to see a natural icon sets a dangerous precedent.
For locals and 4X4ers who treat the Great Ocean Road as a gateway to adventure the idea of being charged to visit public coastline doesn’t sit well. There’s a strong sense that these landmarks belong to everyone, not just those willing to pay an entry fee.
Tourism’s Double-Edged Sword
It’s easy to see both sides. The 12 Apostles draw over two million visitors a year, putting immense pressure on fragile coastal ecosystems. Carparks overflow, walking tracks erode, and litter accumulates. Charging a small entry fee could help fund repairs, build better infrastructure, and protect the cliffs for future generations.
But once governments start monetising natural attractions, where does it stop? Kakadu, Uluru, and Cradle Mountain all charge park entry, but those are vast wilderness reserves, not single lookout points along a public highway. Charging for a view could feel like turning the coast into a theme park.
See It While You Can
Whether you agree with the fees or not, one thing’s for sure: the Apostles aren’t going to last forever. Each visit is a reminder of how dynamic Australia’s coastline really is, constantly changing, crumbling, and reshaping itself.
If you’ve never stood at that clifftop and watched the sunset over the stacks, now’s the time. Go before another one falls, and before the cost of seeing them climbs higher than the cliffs themselves.
