Plan for luxury eco resort
AN eco resort featuring luxurious natural hot springs and a wellness centre is planned for the 12 Apostles.
Up to 150 grass-roofed accommodation pods would blend into the coast’s natural landscape and be accompanied by thermal pools, a spa facility, restaurant and bar as part of the plan to attract more overnight and long-stay tourists.
Set along the Great Ocean Road, the mighty limestone pillars draw about 2.6 million visitors each year — mostly in the warmer months and often just for the day.
The 12 Apostles Hot Springs and Resort hopes to boost year- round tourism in the region. The luxurious retreat would allow visitors to soak in the natural thermal pools or indulge themselves in the spa and wellness centre overlooking the rugged, natural views of the coast.
The resort would also feature a large outdoor amphitheatre, zero-waste cafe serving kitchen garden meals, a speciality restaurant and bar, and on-site nursery.
Developer Don Musto said the resort’s focus would be on ecological sustainability.
“It’s really important to us that this project works within its environment,” he said.
“The Shipwreck Coast is wild, pristine and beautiful, and we want to keep it that way.
“We think there is a real market for visitors to experience nature and embrace the elements that the Shipwreck Coast has to offer, so we’ve built in ecological sustainability at every turn.”
Mr Musto said the resort would provide a cash injection to the coastal community.
“It will encourage longer stays in the area and will help counter the seasonability of visits, which has great spin-off benefits to local employment and businesses,” he said.
The resort plans are before Corangamite Shire Council.
If approved, construction would start mid-next year and it would be open to visitors in early 2020.