Where summer memories are made
Published on 22 November 2024
Every morning, as the sun rises over the Great Ocean Road, the ritual is the same.
Its warm, welcoming glow spreads over the 355 kilometres of coastal wonder —illuminating rugged cliffs and the vast, shimmering Southern Ocean. Each scene is somehow timeless, yet freshly awe-inspiring with every dawn.
At the Twelve Apostles, the limestone stacks are slowly bathed in light and for a brief moment, each layer of rock is lit in a way that reveals the stories of millions of years of history.
It’s a view that never fails to take your breath away—a humbling reminder of nature’s power and the vast responsibility we share to protect this stunning stretch of coast.
TIDES OF CHANGE
Change is a constant here, as much a part of the coastline as the cliffs and shores themselves.
One of the most visible signs of these changes is erosion.
Waves, wind and storm activity are gradually reshaping our coastline, impacting how we access and use the coast.
In response, we’ve invested in vital beach nourishment and dune reinforcement at Mounts Bay, Skenes Creek and Wye River and are planning ramp and seawall upgrades in Torquay.
Despite these efforts, nature is taking its toll, and we’ve had to close several beach access points and damaged areas.
To meet the challenges of tomorrow head-on, we’re creating a Regional Coastal Adaptation Plan for the coast between Torquay and Warrnambool through the Victorian Resilient Coast program.
This summer we’re ramping up community engagement, and connecting with locals to understand and preserve the coastline’s natural and cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a source of wonder for generations to come.
Looking forward - this is a long-term endeavour - one that requires a whole-of-community approach.
While this project is large-scale, there are other, smaller, things we can all do each time we are out and about this summer, whether you’re a resident or a visitor.
Sometimes, the biggest difference is made through simple actions: leaving no trace, taking out what you bring in, and sticking to designated trails to protect our precious dunes.
Small steps add up, especially when we’re all moving together in the same direction.
OUR EVOLUTION CONTINUES
Nearly four years ago on the morning of December 1, 2020, our journey began as the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority—a fresh start brimming with promise, and an acknowledgment of the significant challenges we inherited.
Established to streamline and strengthen the management and protection of this iconic coastline, gone was the fragmentation of 30 separate organisations, each responsible for its own patch.
In its place stands a single agency with a simple goal – to protect the iconic coast and parks of the Great Ocean Road.
We’ve achieved a lot together in this short space of time, but there’s still much more to do.
We began with simplifying reforms, and within just a few years, nearly 60,000 hectares of coastal reserves, protected forests, and parklands have been transferred to our care, with an additional 110,000 hectares to be entrusted to us over the next year.
Through 45 new and renewed leases, 18 licences, and 110 permits, we’re now encouraging more people to immerse themselves in the coast in more meaningful ways—from sea kayaking in Apollo Bay and lighthouse tours in Aireys Inlet — to enjoying ice cream on the beaches of Torquay.
WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER
The coast and parks are beloved not just by those passing through, but by the locals who know them best. And so, when it comes to our work, we approach community engagement as more than just a box-ticking exercise.
For generations, local voices have shaped the Great Ocean Road’s future, and today, they continue to guide us.
Over the past four years, as we’ve responded to the initiatives outlined in the Great Ocean Road Action Plan, we’ve made it a hallmark of our approach to engage with and listen to our communities.
This year alone, we’ve chalked up over 1,300 days of community engagement, with 90 face-to-face sessions, 36 online sessions, and gathered nearly 3,000 survey responses.
From Bird Rock to Sheoak Falls, Apollo Bay to Port Campbell, we’ve listened to your feedback on everything from the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail to the Marengo Beach Access Ramp.
This collaboration is essential, and it doesn’t end there.
Over the summer there will be plenty of chances to share your thoughts on the things that are most important to you — we’ll be popping up at markets along the Great Ocean Road near you very soon!
The way we see it, our success hinges on this feedback, in fact, we rely on it.
Just as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with Traditional Owners, community groups, and local volunteers, your input helps guide our path forward.
No doubt, important work has come before us, and we’re privileged to continue that legacy, working to protect and care for this remarkable place.
MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER
This brings us to the fun part - whether you’re visiting with family and friends or exploring solo.
With the holiday season around the corner, we’re reminded why we do what we do: so that generations can enjoy this iconic part of Australia.
It’s that time of the year when the boogie boards are dug out from the back of the shed, picnic baskets are packed, and the scent of sunscreen and pine trees fills the air.
Families are planning their getaways, and school is almost out, bringing all the excitement and joy of summertime traditions.
This year our message is simple – be informed, be prepared, be safe.
If you’re heading to the beach, please consider downloading the Beachsafe app for real-time updates on beach conditions and rip currents, and keep the VicEmergency app handy for any emergency alerts or warnings.
Whether you’re spending the night at one of our fantastic holiday parks or simply stopping by, we want every visit to the Great Ocean Road to be safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Be sure to take a stroll along the shore, soak in the sunshine, swim between the flags and let the coast remind you why we’re so passionate about protecting it.
And if you can, make sure you catch one of those magical sunrises, you’ll never forget it.
Enjoy the summer!
Jodie Sizer
CEO