Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog
News and stories from our iconic coast
It’s been fun all summer long with more than 50 environmental education activities run with campers of all ages at the Torquay and Lorne Foreshore Caravan Parks.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee has been conducting the free activities as part of their camper activity program throughout January. Read more
Our much-loved Hooded Plovers have been busy with nests located at Point Impossible, Point Roadknight and Moggs Creek, all with three eggs.
The vulnerable beach-nesting shorebirds have one of the lowest survival rates of any species with only 1 in every 100 chicks reaching flying age. Read more
More than 200 beachgoers took part in GORCC led and funded environmental education activities this summer as part of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Parks Victoria 2016 Summer by the Sea (SBTS) program. Read more
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
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) coastal reserves team is working to prepare for the busy peak summer season.
Several major projects have recently completed, while intensive maintenance is underway. From re-gravelling and re-grading carparks to pruning and cleaning, the coast is almost ready for the annual influx of holiday makers and beachgoers.
GORCC Coastal Reserves Manager Rod Goring said ongoing maintenance is an important component of GORCC’s work along the coast to ensure the foreshore areas are at a high standard.
“The coastal reserves team has been undertaking maintenance and upgrades in preparation for the busy Christmas and New Year period,” he said.
Recent work has included:
What are some of your favourite summer, coastal activities? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
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:
For more information about the Victorian regulations click here.
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?
For more information about unstable cliffs visit the Department of Environment and Primary Industries website click here.
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 |
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 
