Reopening Loch Ard Gorge Beach Safely

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Update - 28/10

Loch Ard Gorge Open this Weekend!

Visitors can once again enjoy one of Victoria’s most iconic coastal destinations, with beach access at Loch Ard Gorge reopening to the public this weekend following the completion of essential safety repair works by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA).

Nestled along the Great Ocean Road, the gorge offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the power and beauty of the coastline while connecting with the story of the historic Loch Ard shipwreck.

Its breathtaking scenery and natural significance make it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike

Significant rock falls and damage to the stairs was a trigger for closing access by the former land manager Parks Victoria to ensure public safety.  

To restore safe access, GORCAPA has delivered significant repairs to the staircase and installed permanent exclusion fencing and signage on the beach to keep people away from the cliffs, as well as implementing a regular monitoring program given the dynamic nature of the limestone cliffs.

Visitors are encouraged to follow all signage and stay behind the fencing for their safety.

Just up the road, the new $126 million Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre at the Twelve Apostles is now also open, with over 30,000 people visiting since its opening on the 16th of October.

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Work is underway to reopen beach access at Loch Ard Gorge safely.  

Independent geotechnical assessments have deemed the risk of rock fall onto the stairs and beach near the cliffs as high and an engineering assessment of the staircase has identified serious structural faults that need to be rectified.  

Significant rock falls onto the stairs was a trigger for closing access by the former land manager Parks Victoria to ensure public safety.  

Staircase defects include damaged cross bracing, timber cracking, splitting, degraded footing posts and rusted connection bolts.  

There is also loose material overhanging the beach where people are known to explore and sit in the shade near the cliffs as well as above the staircase itself.

To return safe beach access, GORCAPA will do the required repairs and upgrades to the existing staircase and install permanent exclusion fencing and signage on the beach to keep people away from the cliffs (approx 5 metres), as well as implement a regular monitoring program given the dynamic nature of the limestone cliffs.  

Subject to planning approval, works will be complete and the site back open by October this year.  

GORCAPA will also continue to develop long-term plans for the site which may include replacing and relocating the staircase.

Location

Great Ocean Walk, Princetown 3269  View Map

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