Our Story
Who We Are
The iconic coast and parks along the Great Ocean Road are among Victoria’s most significant natural landscapes. To protect and manage these places for the long term, the Victorian Government established the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority as the dedicated parks manager for the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
The Authority has a clear and singular role: to manage the Great Ocean Road coast and parks. All of its functions and responsibilities relate to the delivery of this parks management role as outlined in the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 (GOREP Act).
The Great Ocean Road coast and parks include a wide range of public land types; therefore our responsibilities span multiple land management areas, including conservation and field management, port and waterway management, regulation and enforcement, delivery of high-quality visitor experiences, and emergency management.
We manage approximately 170,000 hectares of parks and coastal reserves along the Great Ocean Road, including 355 kilometres of coastline from Point Impossible to the Hopkins River. This includes several National Parks, coastal town foreshores, high-visitation destinations such as the Cape Otway Lightstation Tourism Precinct, the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre Precinct, and marine land extending to the edge of Victorian waters.
We provide advice to the Minister for Environment, the DEECA Secretary and other responsible entities on matters relevant to the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, supporting informed decision-making and effective land management.
Through our work, we deliver the following outcomes:
- A holistic and strategic approach to managing the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, including visitation and the impacts of natural processes, severe weather and climate change
- A consistent and high-quality application of statutory requirements and State policies across the Great Ocean Road coast and parks
- Strong partnerships with Traditional Owners to care for Country, protect cultural landscapes and biocultural values, and support Traditional Owner knowledge, rights, interests and connections to Country
- Improved visitor experiences through well-designed facilities and infrastructure, products, information and services.
Our responsible Minister is Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, and Minister for Outdoor Recreation.
All revenue raised on the land we manage is reinvested into caring for the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
Our objectives
Vision
Our vision for the Great Ocean Road coast and parks is to thrive as one living and integrated natural entity.
Purpose
We exist to protect, conserve, enhance, and manage public land within the Great Ocean Road coast and parks so that they can be enjoyed by all, now and for generations to come.
Values
At the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, we are a committed and capable team working together to care for one of Victoria’s most iconic and sensitive landscapes.
Our work is guided by four core values:
Trust - We act with integrity, transparency, and respect, earning the confidence of our partners, communities, and each other.
Collaboration - We value connection, listen actively, and work in partnership to create shared solutions.
Leadership - We take initiative, empower others, and act decisively to meet today’s challenges and shape a sustainable future.
Evidence - We make informed decisions based on data, expertise, and deep listening, always striving to improve and adapt.
Together, these values guide how we work, how we lead, and how we care for the coast now and for generations to come.
Our strategic objectives
The Minister’s Statement of Expectations sets out the five priority areas for our performance and function.
In delivering on our vision and responsibilities, our work is guided by the protection principles established under the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020.
These principles provide a framework for decision-making, planning, and on-ground management, ensuring the long-term health, sustainability, and cultural integrity of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.