The iconic Summer by the Sea program is back on the Surf Coast from 2-26 January with an exciting line up of free activities including popular stand-up paddle boarding and fossil hunting activities. Read more
Category: Tourism
Free coastal fun for all
Summer by the Sea is almost here and in 2015 the program features stand up paddle-boarding – a new addition to a growing line-up of free activities.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries and Parks Victoria program which runs from 2-26 January 2015, is an opportunity for everyone to discover Victoria’s marine and coastal environment.
In 2015 more than 300 free, guided activities will be on offer across the state. In the Surf Coast region activities are being funded and run by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC), a program partner.
Stand up paddle boarding will feature in Torquay and Lorne and GORCC Education Activity Leader Pete Crowcroft who is organising and leading activities on the Surf Coast, said the activity is a fun way to explore and learn about estuaries and rivers.
“Stand up paddle-boarding is a popular but expensive recreational activity so we’re pleased to be able to offer it for free to participants,” he said.
In addition to activities for the more adventurous such as snorkelling, canoeing and stand up paddle-boarding, there are a huge variety of options available with something for every age and level of ability.
Participants can engage in everything from fossil safaris and walking tours through to coastal craft and playing detective both on the beach and in the bush.
“Those looking for something a little more relaxed can engage in activities like guided coastal walks along the stunning Surf Coast Walk, kite making sessions, rockpool rambles or calico craft,” said Mr. Crowcroft.
GORCC sponsored activities will be offered in Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Lorne and at the Torquay NightJar Markets.
“It’s wonderful to be able to get people of all ages to engage with our incredible coastline and experiencing and learning about the environment.
“It is particularly great for kids, as it’s very important that they learn to connect with and appreciate the natural environment from a young age,” Mr. Crowcroft said.
GORCC Community Liaison Manager, Jane Lovejoy said every previous January for four years GORCC had run a free environmental education program for campers.
“We are excited to partner with DEPI and Parks Victoria in Summer by the Sea and expand our activities to make them available to everyone on the coast.
“We look forward to seeing excited and happy participants of all ages enjoying what we have on offer,” she said.
Bookings are essential for most activities and the majority of activities are free. For more information, visit www.depi.vic.gov.au or www.parks.vic.gov.au.
Tis the season to be safe
Summer is the perfect time to visit our beautiful beaches along the surf coast and enjoy the glorious sunshine.
To ensure everyone has a great time this holiday season, read our top tips for keeping you and your family safe.
Water safety
Swim between the flags
Swimming between the flags is one of the easiest ways to stay safe this summer. Volunteer and paid lifeguards are patrolling Victorian beaches all summer to help protect beachgoers. The ocean is unpredictable which is why you always need someone looking out for you.
If you have young children, please remember that you must be within an arm’s reach of your child at all times and give them your full attention to ensure their safety.
You can view a full list of patrolled beaches and key dates in Victoria on Life Saving Victoria’s website. http://www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/www/html/1402-patrolled-beaches.asp
If you are swimming in an unpatrolled beach, make sure you read and obey the safety signs and check that it is okay to swim before you enter the water as conditions can change regularly. It is vital that you know how to swim well and always recommended to have someone to look out for you whilst you are in the water.
More safety by the water information can be found on Life Saving Victoria’s website.
Wear a lifejacket
The Victorian boating regulations require Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) to be carried on a boat for all persons.
All occupants must wear a PFD if they are:
- in a powerboat up to and including 4.8 metres in length
- off-the-beach sailing yachts
- in a personal watercraft
- using canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and rafts
- using a pedal boats, fun boats and stand up paddle boards
- kite boarding and sail boarding
- a recreational tenders
- a child under the age of 10
For more information about the Victorian regulations click here.
Take caution around cliffs
Many areas along the coast are subject to seasonal coastline erosion, especially Jan Juc and Anglesea regions causing unstable cliffs. To keep your family safe, please read and obey the advisory signs and take care when near cliffs. It is recommended to stay on designated walking tracks to avoid areas of cliff instability.
What can I do?
- Avoid walking near cliff edges, or at the base of cliffs especially after wet weather and high tides
- Keep to the walking tracks
- Do not climb on cliffs as this can cause localised damage and increase the rate of erosion
- Avoid damaging the vegetation as this promotes water infiltration and reduces erosive runoff
- Obey all signs and stay behind safety fences
- If you see evidence of a recent cliff collapse, take a photo and report it to your local land manager
For more information about unstable cliffs visit the Department of Environment and Primary Industries website click here.
Time check the tides
There are several spots between Point Addis and Anglesea River that can become impassable at high tide. It is important to check the current tide times and be aware of tidal changes to avoid being caught. Always read the warning signs and familiarise yourself with the area before walking along the coastline. If you are unsure about an area ask a local or seek further information.
For information about local coastal walks and their accessibility click here.
Related blogs:
 Beachgoers and dunes at risk |
 Top tips to care for coast |
 Take 3 to keep coast healthy |
Gromsearch reveals local surfing skills
Many locals may have attended the first Ripcurl Gromsearch series event in Jan Juc several weekends ago.
Billy Harrison of Barwon Heads will be one of many local finalists competing in the Rip Curl Gromsearch National Final after placing second in the first series event, held 20-21 September in Jan Juc.
Harrison was leading in the final heat of the day after catching a wave in the final 5 minutes, however Reef Hazelwood (Moffat Beach/QLD) took off on the inside right, executing a series of strong turns to take the lead in the final minutes.
Harrison fell painfully short with a heat total of 13.24 against Hazelwood’s 13.30 total, however both competitors will go head to head in North Narrabeen, NSW in January.
Hazlewood was not confident he had done enough to move into first place.
“I didn’t think I had the score, but the judges must have seen it differently,” he said.
“I’m stoked with the win, it was a really hard final with Billy getting that wave in the final 3 minutes.”
In the first male 14 and under heat of the day, Harrison also placed second to Caleb Tancred (Avoca/NSW), who dominated the heat final with a total of 15.50
Tully Wylie (9.53 points, Jan Juc/VIC) & Tane Bowden (8.90 points, Jan Juc/VIC) could not find the waves needed and placed in third and fourth respectively.
Interstate competitors dominated the female heats, with Kirra-Belle Olsson (Copacabana/NSW) claiming her second title at the Jan Juc event.
Ecstatic with the win, Olsson was just happy to make the final in the older age division.
“I’m so happy. Just to be through to the finals in the 16 & Under Division is an awesome achievement for me.”
“I was trying to just be confident in the water and not let any of the other girls hassle me in the water.”
Only catching 4 waves in the final, Olsson put the rest of the surfers in a combination situation with a 15.83 total heat score on her first two waves.
Alyssa Lock (Tweed Heads/NSW) was the next placed surfer finishing with 8.66 points.
Kobie Enright (7.67 points, Tweed Heads/NSW) and Lucy Callister (5.17 points, Palm Beach/QLD) finished in third and fourth respectively.
Tancred was awarded with the best overall performance of the event, claiming a brand new FireWire surfboard.
The “Surfing Life Rising Star” award went to Billy Harrison and Kirra-Belle Olsson for their epic performances across multiple age divisions. Both received subscriptions to Surfing Life magazine.
Working in conjunction with Surfing Australia, the Rip Curl GromSearch includes boys’ and girls’ divisions in 16 and under, 14 and under, and 12 and under. The series includes a National Ratings system, which will be used to qualify surfers for the National Final at North Narrabeen.
Check out the video below to see the sufers in action:
Current ASP World Tour surfers who have competed in the Rip Curl GromSearch finals include:
– Male: Gabriel Medina (Brazil), Kolohe Andino (USA), Felipe Toledo (Brazil), Owen Wright (Australia), Jordy Smith (South Africa), Matt Wilkinson (Australia).
– Female: Tyler Wright (Australia), Stephanie Gilmore (Australia). Malia Manuel (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia), Laura Enever (Australia), Alana Blanchard (Hawaii).
Full Results from the event can be found here.
Did you know any of the competing grommets? How did they go?
Wildflower Weekend a Growing Success
Over 1, 300 attendees enjoyed the activities and displays available at the 2014 Annual Wildflower Weekend and Art Show held 20-21 September, hosted by Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna (ANGAIR).
The Show, which saw an increase in numbers this year, aims to celebrate local flora and fauna and raise awareness around current environmental issues.
The 2014 Show included a versatile range of indigenous flora, guided wildflower walks and bus tours, plant sales, bird watching, plant propagation, children’s activities, and art and craft stalls.
The Estuary Watch ‘Water Bug’ children’s activity proved popular, allowing children to view living animals in their natural aquatic habitat through a microscope.
Estuary Watch Coordinator Rose Herben said children enjoyed the activity which raised awareness of the water quality and river health of local waterways.
“A highlight of the day was identifying a large dragonfly, known for its alien like retractable jaw,” she said.
ANGAIR President Helen Tutt said feedback from the day had been positive, with more emphasis on marine life this year.
“Above the stage, there was a beautiful screen display covered in marine photography – it looked stunning,” she said.
If you would like more information regarding similar events and activities, visit the ANGAIR website here.
Did you attend the Annual Wildflower and Art Show? What was your favourite part?
Local lookout at Rocky Point
Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast Blog we like to feature stories about our coast and the locals who live on and love our coast.
Marian Charlton is one such local – an active Torquay community member and a lover of the natural environment.
Marian walks the scenic Surf Coast Walk on a regular basis, appreciating all our breathtaking coast has to offer.
Rocky Point Lookout, in particular, holds strong sentimental value to Marian, a place her and her family have been visiting for over 50 years.
“Rocky Point has always been a significant place for me since our family camped here over 50 years ago,
“It is a great place to just appreciate our coast with its rock headlands and great sweeps of beach with breaking waves,” she said.
Marian recognises the importance of caring for our coast and taking action to ensure it can be enjoyed by all.
“We should all appreciate and care for our coastal environment so that it is there for all to enjoy, including future generations,
“As a local community person I notify the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee of any hazards or problems I see on my walks. This includes both live and dead seals on our beaches, trees that have fallen on the path, and issues with local toilet blocks,” Marian said.
Marian is eager to see the transformation of Rocky Point Lookout as it undergoes a restoration, generously funded by RACV and DEPI.
The site is set to be fully restored by late September.
For more information on the Rocky Point Lookout redevelopment click here.
Want to get involved? Friends of the Surf Coast Walk are always looking for new supporters – learn more here.
What’s your favourite spot on the coast or the Surf Coast Walk?
Top 10 ways to have fun on the beach when its cold outside
Its suddenly a little cool down our way and we haven’t even hit winter yet!
Don’t despair though, because in our eyes it’s still beach weather. What? We hear you ask ….
Yes, we know, you usually spend time on the beach when its 35 degrees plus, but we reckon that if you don’t come down in the cooler months you might just be missing out on a really great holiday.
Not only are the below ideas fun for all ages, but they are also FREE.
First things first – what are the advantages of visiting the beach in the cooler months?
- You won’t have to fight for a spot on the sand – take your pick!
- All of the activities below are FREE.
- You’re much less likely to get sunburt – although make sure to use SPF even when its overcast.
Here’s our top ten fun things to do on the beach when its NOT 40 degrees:
- Sand art: Test your creative skills and make sand castles or sand sculptures. This one is fun and can be made into a competition – you just need an impartial judge! The only materials required are a bucket and a trowl, there’s plenty of natural decorations to be found lying around.
- Volleyball, Football, Soccor or Cricket: The best way to warm up is to get moving! You’re not going to feel the cold when you’re running around hitting or catching a ball and the soft sand is the perfect crash mat for those epic catches.
- Cycling: We are blessed with some fantastic bicycle tracks on the coast …get on your bike and check some out! There are tracks for all levels of rider and parts of the Surf Coast Walk is perfect for cycling.
- Photography: There’s nowhere quite like the great ocean road for spectacular scenery. Get your camera out and take some incredible shots of cliffs, wildlife, beach scenery or your friends and family.
- Wildlife spotting: Grab a pair of binoculars and head off on a beach safari. See if you can spot endangered animals like the Hooded Plover or Rufus Bristlebird or some of our more common but equally cute friends such as echidnas and koalas. For a sure fire way to view some wildlife, head on over to the Jirrahlinga Koala Wildlife Sanctuary where you can meet all sorts of furry friends.
Head out on a wildlife walk – there’s so many amazing animals to be spotted. - Have a picnic. If it’s not swimming weather but it’s not too windy or overly cold a picnic is a great activity. You’re spoilt for scenic spots and if it is a little chilly you can bring some hot chocolate.
- Fly a kite: There’s no place quite so perfect for kites as the beach. Kites are inexpensive and can even be made at home. Kids and adults alike will love this activity.
- Play Pictionary: The beach is a perfect canvas for drawing pictures which you can turn into your very own outdoor Pictionary game.
- Visit the rockpools: Rockpools are often full of interesting wildlife and sea plants. Discover little underwater worlds and identify the sea life.
- Do nothing. This is probably one of our favourite options! Lie around, read a book, eat great food and RELAX.
Are you someone who likes the beach in the cooler months? What do you like to do at the beach when the weather is a little more wintery?
Get outside! Nature nutures health
Spending time in the natural environment results in improvements to mental, physical and social health.
Research highlights the link between the environment and our health, including a 2010 project undertaken by Deakin University, which found that psychological benefits stem from engaging with outdoor open spaces.
These benefits include improved mood, lower levels of anxiety, lower stress levels, lower levels of depression and increased physical activity.
Active in Parks, a Healthy Parks – Healthy People Program, is fostered by People and Parks Foundation, Barwon Medicare Local, G21 and Parks Victoria, while Medibank Community Fund is the program’s major sponsor.
Active in Parks co-ordinator Jayde Mulder said the initiative aimed to connect people to their local parks and outdoor spaces to enhance their physical and mental health.
“Parks provide a place for community connectedness, establishing social relationships and engaging in physical activity which can all have positive effects on people’s physical and mental health.
“The Active in Parks initiative provides various outdoor programs for all ages including, exercise classes, walking groups and adventure activities for kids which are all fantastic ways of staying active and engaging with your local environment.”
Coastal volunteering is another great way to experience these physical and psychological benefits.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) recognises this link and works to immerse schools and other groups in the natural coastal environment.
The committee also supports and works with a variety of environmental volunteer groups.
GORCC conservation officer Georgina Beale said coastal volunteering not only benefited our environment, but our health and wellbeing as well.
“Coastal volunteering increases physical fitness and gives people a sense of belonging and pride.”
Volunteers can participate in a range of conservation tasks including weeding, revegetation, and monitoring native birds and animals. “Volunteer groups such as Friends of Taylors Park, Friends of Eastern Otway’s and Friends of Queens Park in Lorne are always looking for extra hands to help protect and enhance the environment,” Ms Beale said.
“Get involved! It’s not just good for the coast, it’s great for you, too.
“From meeting new people through to getting some exercise, there are so many reasons to get involved.”
More information about environmental volunteering is available here.
For more information about Active in Parks, head to activeinparks.org.
This article featured in the Surf Coast Time’s fortnightly Green the Coast column. View the article here.
Our top 3 tips for staying safe and having fun in the sun
Australians, and our many overseas visitors, have a profound love for the coastline and the Surf Coast is home to some of Australia’s most scenic and popular beaches.
Each summer, the surf coast population almost doubles with visitors. In the lead up to the holiday season, here are our three top tips for having fun in the sun and playing it safe at the beach this summer.
1. Swim between the flags
We all love a day at the beach, but it is important to remember the surf can be unpredictable. That’s why lifeguards put up red and yellow flags to show you the supervised area. The majority of Australians know this, but over half sometimes swim outside of the flags.
If you are thinking about swimming, make sure you know which beaches are patrolled or unpatrolled to ensure your safety. You can view a full list of patrolled beaches and key dates in Victoria on Life Saving Victoria’s website here.
During summer, many of our surf coast beaches are patrolled by life savers with red and yellow flags indicating the safest areas to swim at each beach – please swim between the flags.
2. Take care near cliffs & high tide marks
Many cliffs along the Great Ocean Road coast, particularly in the area between Jan Juc and Point Roadknight, and also at Aireys Inlet, can be unstable due to high tides and erosion. It is important to read and pay attention to advisory signs, take care near cliffs and keep to designated walking tracks.
There are also areas of seasonal coastal shoreline erosion which can also create unstable, temporary ‘sand cliffs’. These are not like normal cliffs and are more prone to collapse.
3. Take 3 for you, me and the sea
Our beaches are often lined along the tide marks with plastics, bottles, cigarette butts, fishing line and hooks, and other rubbish discarded by people. Not only can litter pose threats to physical safety, it also poses a major threat to marine life.
Most beaches along our surf coast have rubbish bins positioned in strategic locations so you don’t have to walk too far to dispose of your litter.
Remember to dispose of your rubbish appropriately or pick up three pieces of rubbish every time you leave the beach and help protect our beautiful coast and its marine life.
Other tips for ensuring your safety in or by the water can be found on our website.
Related blogs:
| Beachgoers and dunes at risk |
| Top tips to care for coast |
 Rubbish dumping still a threat to our coast |
 Deal with waste responsibly |
Take care, be aware and share on the Surf Coast Walk
Offering natural beauty and easy access, the recently redeveloped Surf Coast Walk along the edge of the Great Ocean Road offers a world-class walking destination for all to enjoy.
The track has proved popular since its official reopening last year and from dogs to bicycles to pram to runners, everyone is out and about enjoying different sections at different paces.
In recognition of the multiple uses of the track and in response to some community concern around safety, GORCC has installed some signs in high use areas around Torquay and Jan Juc, to promote safe shared use.
The Take care- Be aware- Share campaign encourages those who are cycling along the path to:
- Give way to pedestrians
- Travel at safe speeds
- sSlow down and use their bell when passin
The signs also remind dog owners to clean up after their pets and to keep appropriate control over them at all times. Additionally, all users are asked to be vigilant of vegetation and wildlife and to keep to the left of the paths.
To stay safe and ensure you have an enjoyable Surf Coast Walk experience you should also:
- Wearing sturdy, non-slip footwear
- Carry plenty of drinking water and a well-charged mobile phone
- Take care when walking near the edge or base of cliffs
- Beware of snakes in late spring and summer
- On days of extreme fire to seek information from Visitor Information Centres or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667, as some walks may be closed to the public.
More information including detailed maps are available at http://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/surfcoastwalk.
More tips on staying safe on the coast are available here.
Did you know the Surf Coast Walk also has an official volunteer group, the Friends of the Surf Coast Walk?
Have you been out and about on the Surf Coast Walk lately? Let us know below or join in the conversation on the official Surf Coast Walk Facebook page.
Related Blog Posts:
 Carers sought for coast walk |
![dog-on-the-beach[1]](https://gorcc.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/dog-on-the-beach1.jpg?w=150&h=100) Top tips to care for the coast |
 Steps to stay safe on the beach |
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 
