Eco tourism – Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog

A new trail marathon event is set to shine the spotlight on the Surf Coast Walk.

The inaugural Surf Coast Trail Marathon will take place on Saturday, 28 June, 2014, with marathon runners starting at Torquay, an hour south west of Melbourne, and finishing 42.2km further west on the beaches of Fairhaven, located on the world-renowned Great Ocean Road.

A new marathon event is set to hit the stunning Surf Coast Walk.

Runners will be enticed off road by a course that takes in impressive coastal scenery, including a short run along world-famous Bells Beach.

There is also a half marathon course being offered, beginning from Point Addis, and a relay team option allowing two runners to complete half of the marathon course each.

The Surf Coast Trail Marathon will benefit local organisations with a percentage of each entry fee going towards three Surf Coast beneficiaries, including the Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club, where the event finishes, and the Anglesea Primary School.

Some funds will also go back into supporting the trail and environs via the Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee.

Participants will pass by some iconic coastal landmarks.

There has been a marked increase in the popularity of ‘adventure racing’ and nature based tourism and sports on the coast, with many opportunities to get inv0lved and active in the great outdoors.

Are you entering for the marathon?

Entries have opened for the Surf Coast Trail Marathon and runners can stay in touch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/surfcoasttrailmarathon

Learn more about the Surf Coast Walk here

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) have reported three sightings of whales along the coast of Marengo on the Great Ocean Road (read the full media release).

DSE has called on Victorians to report any sightings of whales over the next few weeks after earlier than usual sightings of migrating humpbacks off our coast.

DSE Senior Biodiversity Officer at Warrnambool, Mandy Watson said they have had two sightings of Humpback Whales off the Victorian coast this year and they are keen to hear from anyone if they see any more.
“We normally don’t start seeing Humpback Whales until April or May so we are very interested in hearing any further reports of these early starters.”

“Anyone sighting migrating humpback or southern right whales over the next few weeks should call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186,” Ms Watson said.

Marine mammals are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and rules and regulations are in place to protect them.

To report an emergency (stranding, entanglement, injury or death) involving a whale or a dolphin call the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline – 1300 136 017.