We’ve been appointed to take on land management responsibility for the Bay of Islands Coastal Park.
Management responsibility for the Bay of Islands Coastal Park transferred to us from Parks Victoria, on 1 November 2024.
This area is on Eastern Maar Country, located within the Registered Aboriginal Party area of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.
This National Park is of significance to the Eastern Maar and treasured by Victorians and visitors alike for its spectacular coastline, precious environment, and rich heritage.
We are working closely with Parks Victoria to ensure a smooth transition.
Parks Victoria staff will continue to be visible in the area, as they will maintain their role in monitoring and caring for the land during the transition period.
Parks Victoria are providing expert support in conservation science and environmental works to ensure that environmental conservation objectives are met.
Why are land management transfers taking place?
The coast and parks along the Great Ocean Road are so special, and so important to Victorians, that the Victorian Government established the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) as a dedicated coast and parks manager.
We will have responsibility to protect and manage visitation of the coast and parks along the full length of the Great Ocean Road. We will provide a holistic approach to address the impacts of increasing visitation, environmental processes, severe weather events and climate change.
As the dedicated coast and parks manager our purpose is to protect, conserve, enhance and manage public land. We are also the designated lead agency for visitation management policy, planning and infrastructure by responsible entities along the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 provides for the management responsibility of approximately 700 parcels of land and sea be transferred to us by 1 November 2025.
All revenue raised on the land we manage is reinvested back into the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, to ensure the special part of the state can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.
What will change following the land management transfers?
We have been working closely with Parks Victoria to ensure the smooth transition of management responsibility, so you should not experience any change in the way you use the areas.
The land remains a National Park and is protected under the National Parks Act as an area designated for conservation.
Bay of Islands Coastal Park is among the 700 parcels of land and sea that are being progressively transferred to the Authority by 1 November 2025.
Who do I contact about my tour operator licence and/or other things?
Parks Victoria will remain the primary point of contact for operational aspects including licences and permits and on-ground park management, until 1 July 2025 or advised otherwise.