Eastern Maar Country
Victoria
Stand Proudly, Tread Lightly
Two striking lookouts along Victoria’s iconic Shipwreck Coast, at the Twelve Apostles and Poombeeyt Koontapool (formerly Loch Ard Gorge Blowhole), redefine how visitors experience this dramatic landscape. Designed by Denton Corker Marshall for Parks Victoria, the designs deliver memorable experiences with deep respect for Country, culture, and environment.
Both are contemporary expressions of Indigenous culture; monotone and highlight colours reflect the black and white cockatoo moieties central to Eastern Maar society, one lookout represents clapsticks, while the other reflects the Southern Right Whale. One cantilevers dramatically over cliffs for a thrilling visitor experience at the continent’s edge, while the other is immersed in low-level landscape, wrapping around the blowhole with a wave-like organic form, concealing then revealing the site’s drama.
Responsive to cultural and environmental influences, these projects enable community to stand proudly, while inviting visitors to tread lightly, and experience culture and coastline anew.
The new lookouts at the Twelve Apostles and the Blowhole in Port Campbell National Park enhance the visitor experience and benefit regional tourism by promoting longer stays along the Great Ocean Road. The viewing platforms have been designed to reveal stunning coastal views while mitigating risks associated with coastal erosion. The designs assert connection to Country, promote cultural values of the landscape, and benefit the way we engage with the natural environment.
Neil Bourne, Design Architect
James Christophidis, Project Architect
Vicki Couzens, Artist
Arup, Structural Engineer
Arup, Civil Consultant
McGregor Coxall, Landscape Consultant
MGAC – Morris Goding Access Consulting, DDA + Accessibility
Steve Watson & Partners, Building Surveyor
Zinc Cost Management, Cost Consultant
Zinc Cost Management, Quantity Surveyor