NEW glamping facilities and all-abilities accommodation are set to roll out at Apollo Bay in time for next summer.
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is delivering a revamp of the Bay’s Recreation Reserve, which involves short and long-term measures to improve the site for locals and visitors.
GORCAPA has formed a community reference group of community members, user groups and disability advocates for phase one of its camping uplift project.
The first phase will include installation of 10 all-season disability accommodation offerings, with associated Changing Places facility, playground and picnic areas.
Another 10 upmarket accommodation pods, more powered and unpowered camping sites and improvement of existing facilities such as kitchens, fire safety improvements and Wi-Fi are also in planning for stage one.
Construction is scheduled to start in June and be finished in time for next summer.
GORCAPA will also kick off phase two of the project later this year, which will implement a caravan park and camping optimisation strategy.
The Authority will also consider further facility improvements in a 10-year masterplan for the recreation reserve, which is also home to a host of Apollo Bay sporting clubs; including football-netball, cricket and tennis.
“The masterplan will ensure the community and visitor experience is enhanced and will protect and enhance the natural, cultural, coastal, tourism and local community values of the area. It will be delivered in consultation with partners, stakeholders and the community,” GORCAPA said.
Meanwhile, some smaller-scale improvements are also scheduled for delivery this year further west along the Great Ocean Road at Marengo caravan park, which will see road improvements, playground replacement, lighting upgrades and its own masterplan.
The works are part of a $2 million state government package announced late last year for flagship tourism projects across the Great Ocean Road region.
“Projects like improving camping at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve give tourists even more reasons to visit and stay along our beautiful coastline,” Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney said.
