In August 1996, the proposal for a two-stage ecotourism development at Point Grant was announced by then Premier Jeff Kennett. Stage 1 included a Sea Life and Seal Discovery Centre with cafes, dining facilities and an indoor boat trip. Stage 2 involved a 1.5km tunnel leading to a tower for seal viewing both above and below sea level.

Under the plan, vehicle access on both the south coast and into the Summerl