A safety alert has been issued for one of Australia’s most famous tourist destinations, the Great Ocean Road. Renowned for having some of the nation’s most scenic views, the 664km stretch attracts over six million visitors a year, but it runs alongside limestone cliffs with hidden dangers.
Warnings about the danger are issued annually as part of Cliff Safety Month, but this holiday season is expected to be particularly problematic.
This summer is expected to be hot, which will dry out cliffs left sodden after a wet spring, causing more cracking and elevating the risk of collapse.
This year, there have already been three major incidents:
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January – Near Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club
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August – Addiscot Beach (Jarosite Point).
How dangerous are the Great Ocean Road’s cliffs?
While most occur without harming visitors, in 2021, a 30-metre cliff face collapsed close to Bells Beach, killing one man and striking six others with debris.
Many of the destination’s popular attractions have also been eroded by the wild wind, waves and rain that pummel the coastline.
In 1990, a 40-metre section of the London Bridge arch formation fell into the ocean without warning, stranding a pair of sightseers.
Just 18km away, the 12 Apostles rock formation is also being weathered away, and there are now just seven standing after collapses in 2005 and 2009.
Collapsing cliffs are dangerous to those above and below. Source: GORCAPA
Can I easily spot cliff dangers?
Stable-looking cliffs can pose a danger, because loose rock, unstable faces and voids can all be hidden from view.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority’s coastal reserves manager, Caleb Hurrell, said because the coastline is always changing, staying away from the edge is integral to staying safe.
“These landscapes are beautiful, but they’re also alive. We’re seeing big movements and tiny ones, both can be dangerous,” he said.
“Giving cliffs a bit of space and following the signs makes a huge difference.
“We want everyone to enjoy the coast and get home safely.”
How do I keep safe when visiting the Great Ocean Road?
Cliffs make up close to half of Victoria’s coastline, and while regular assessments occur, it cannot all be monitored.
So there are four simple rules the Authority recommends visitors keep to:
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Stay away from cliffs and caves
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Keep friends and family safe.
From above, it’s possible to see where rocks have fallen onto the sand below. Source: GORCAPA
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