Visiting Responsibly
Responsible visitors ensure their behaviour and actions respects the landscape, the wildlife in their own habitat, the community where they are visiting and other visitors enjoying the region. Responsible visitation keeps everyone safe including visitors, wildlife and the community, and contributes to a positive visitor experience.
Planning Your Visit
Make sure you plan ahead and book direct, especially during peak times. Booking direct supports the local business.
Visiting our smaller communities
Our region has many fabulous small towns and communities who are keen to welcome visitors, however we need to be conscious that businesses in smaller communities can have limited capacity and smaller teams of staff. It is a delicate balance as many of the businesses heavily depend on visitors like you to survive so when you visit ensure you are patient and respectful.Respect Private Property
The Great Ocean Road has big nature in abundance which we encourage you to explore but private property, the homes and farms of the people that live here are off limits. Please respect that they are the homes and livelihoods of families who work hard to nurture the land and produce the food we all enjoy. Trespassing can disrupt farming activities and put both visitors and livestock at risk. Plus, property owners deeply value their privacy and the peace of their homes. Respecting private property is key to maintaining the harmony of our community.
Enjoy slow tourism
Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your trip. Allow extra time for travel and plan lots of breaks or stops.Look After Yourself & Each Other
Avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations and share the space respectfully with fellow visitors to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Around water
We love our coast, rivers and lakes but please remember to be safe and responsible and always ensure children are within arm’s reach. If heading for a swim at the beach – please seek out patrolled beaches and swim between the flags. Please also read and abide by any water safety advice, guidance and signage where provided and keep yourself and others safe. For more information, safety guidelines and helpful advice, visit beachsafe.org.au
Be mindful of closures
If you see any closed signs along paths or trails, please respect these. Even if it looks OK to you, as it is not safe for you and your family to use them just now – they are closed for good reason.Hiking and Cliff Safety
Stay on established tracks above and avoid the base of cliffs below by the distance of their height or more.Look After The Environment
Tread Carefully
Please be careful not to disturb any animals or wildlife that you come across. Please help us keep our wildlife wild and do not feed the birds and animals. Additionally, be sure to stay on designated paths for the protection of our ecosystem.Take care of our area
Please be careful not to Look after the places you love to visit, and always leave the land as you find it. Our beautiful landscapes bring a lot of joy to those lucky enough to live here or visit – make sure that continues to happen by never causing damage – intentional or accidental.
Remember to:
- Always take your rubbish home with you
- If you’re having a picnic, check the area before you leave for smaller pieces of rubbish easily missed like bread tags, rubber bands and bottle caps – these can severely harm our wildlife and sealife
- Stick to pathways
- Respect barriers
- Never intentionally or recklessly disturb or destroy a plant, bird, animal or geological feature.
10 Ways to travel responsibly
STAY SAFE TRAVEL HAPPY.
Beware the Naughty Things! They’ll trick you into risky and rude moves. Visit responsibly and don’t let the Naughty Things lead you astray! Your safety, the environment, and the locals depend on it.
