Nature Doesn’t Negotiate
Published on 01 December 2025
Cliff Safety Month returns with fresh warnings after recent collapses
December marks the return of Cliff Safety Month, our annual reminder to slow down, look up, and the Great Ocean Road’s spectacular cliffs the space they need.
Cliffs make up almost half of Victoria’s coastline, and while they’re a huge part of what makes this place special, they’re also constantly changing. Wind, waves, rain and time are always reshaping the landscape; sometimes subtly, sometimes suddenly and often dangerously.
That’s why this month we’re putting extra focus on the simple things everyone can do to stay safe. Whether you’re a local out for a walk or a family exploring the coast on holidays, a few small choices make a big difference.
Four easy ways to stay safe around cliffs this summer:
1. Stay clear of cliffs and caves
Even calm-looking cliffs can collapse without warning. Loose rock, unstable faces and hidden voids all pose real risks.
2. Stick to established paths
Tracks, rails and fences are placed where they are for a reason: to keep people away from unstable ground.
3. Follow warning signs
They’re based on expert advice and ongoing monitoring, not guesswork.
4. Spread the word
Remind your mates, kids, or family with a simple ‘hey, maybe step back a bit.’, it can go a long way.
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Recent Collapses Highlight the Risk
This year we’ve seen several significant cliff movements along the coast, including a major collapse near the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club in January, a collapse of around twenty metres of cliff face at Demons Bluff in June captured during one of our routine drone assessments, and one at Addiscot Beach (Jarosite Point) in August.
These incidents underline just how dynamic the coastline is, and how collapses can occur without any visible warning at all, even when conditions appear calm.
Our teams carry out regular geotechnical assessments, drone flights and on-ground inspections to track how cliffs are shifting over time. This guides decisions like updating signage, maintaining fencing, moving tracks and closing high-risk areas when needed.
Coastal Reserves Manager Caleb Hurrell says enjoying the coast safely is something everyone plays a part in:
“These landscapes are beautiful, but they’re also alive. We’re seeing big movements and tiny ones, both can be dangerous. 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.”
We absolutely encourage people to get out and enjoy the best of the Great Ocean Road this summer.
Just remember: the coastline is always changing, and a few extra steps back from the edge (or the base) can keep everyone safe.
For more detail on cliff risk and monitoring, you can visit www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Environment/Coastal-Operations/Cliff-Risk.