Kiwis Will Still Flock To The Apostles Experience

Media Release from Tourism Victoria, Auckland
4th July, 2005

KIWIS WILL STILL FLOCK TO THE APOSTLES EXPERIENCE

It may have taken just a few seconds for one of Victoria's famous Twelve Apostles landmarks to crumble into the Southern Ocean yesterday, but the timeless appeal of this 20 million year old coastline continues to be a huge draw for Kiwi travellers.

The iconic limestone pillars, which stand up to 45 metres tall, are one of Australia's most recognised landmarks - and Victoria's second biggest attraction for New Zealand holidaymakers, after Melbourne.

This year, more than 200,000 Kiwis are expected to head to Melbourne and at least a third will drive down the Great Ocean Road towards the Shipwreck Coast where the Twelve Apostles lie offshore from Port Campbell.

Interest in the historic coastline is likely to grow, not only as a result of the ninth apostle's demise, but also with the 2006 Commonwealth Games happening in Melbourne in March which will focus international media attention on Victoria.

Tourism Victoria's New Zealand manager Margaret Spiro believes news coverage of the dramatic crumbling serves to highlight the region's appeal and that collapses like the ninth apostle - and the nearby London Bridge formation back in 1990 - have become part of the story of the Shipwreck Coast.

She added: ''Perhaps it also serves to remind us that nature is shaping our environment constantly and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles will, in time, change - so make sure you see them. This is history and evolution in the making."

Note to editors: Despite the name, there have only ever been nine apostles... and now there are eight.

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