The new arrangements follow the traffic congestion that has occurred at the tourist attraction in previous years when parking areas have been full and visitors have parked along the Great Ocean Road, narrowing traffic lanes and creating safety hazards.  

Parks Victoria said it expected the Twelve Apostles would be busier than ever for this year’s Chinese New Year holiday period. Chinese New Year occurs on Saturday but its associated holiday period extends from January 26 to February 14.

During the Chinese New Year holiday period, Parks Victoria will manage traffic along the Great Ocean Road at Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Glenample Homestead and Loch Ard Gorge car parks.

Only one car will be allowed in as another leaves at Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.

There will be no parking permitted along the Great Ocean Road itself.

Parks Victoria area chief ranger Michael Smith said traffic management personnel would direct traffic and tour bus parking in the Twelve Apostles car park throughout the holiday period.

“To help with the demand for parking, large tour buses will be directed to another option off-site,” he said.

Mr Smith suggested visitors wanting to go to Gibson Steps should park at the Twelve Apostles car park and then take the 20-minute walk, that offers breath-taking views, to the steps.

He also encouraged visitors to stay overnight locally and visit the Twelve Apostles site before 11am to avoid the busiest times.

Chinese visitors to the Twelve Apostles will also be able to hear free talks in Mandarin from seasonal ranger Yan Ma about the Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles.

“Talk times are advertised in the Twelve Apostles kiosk and in the main walkway,” Mr Smith said.