Skene’s Creek Stairway to Be Decommissioned

Published on 30 May 2025

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will decommission the roadside stairway into the Skene’s Creek Family Caravan Park, following a detailed assessment of safety, environmental, and access considerations.

The stairway has reached the end of its serviceable life and presents an unacceptable safety risk.

After reviewing a range of options with input from engineering, planning, environmental, safety and transport professionals, GORCAPA has determined that decommissioning is the most responsible and sustainable outcome.

As part of this process, the stairway area will be closed and revegetated.

We encourage residents to use the existing pedestrian refuge located approximately 70 metres to the east of the stairway site.

Installed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), the crossing offers clear sightlines and a central refuge island, providing a significantly safer crossing point across the Great Ocean Road corridor.

Works to close and revegetate the stairway site will commence over the coming weeks, weather permitting.

Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Director of Community, Public Affairs and Visitor Economy, Andy Mathers:

“We acknowledge this has been a long-standing issue for the Skenes Creek community, and we sincerely apologise for the delay in bringing it to resolution.”

“This is a safer, more sustainable option for accessing the beach, and it aligns with DTP’s ongoing work to improve pedestrian infrastructure along the Great Ocean Road.”

“By directing people to a purpose-built crossing, we can minimise environmental impact, support road safety, and continue improving community access in the most responsible way.”