The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority encourages travellers to make advanced plans for a safer and enjoyable summer

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority encourages travellers to make advanced plans for a safer and enjoyable summer
Edited by Travel Weekly


With summer just over the horizon, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has encouraged travellers to plan ahead for a better visit to one of Australia’s most popular destinations.

The Great Ocean Road attracts more visitors than the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru combined and is expected to experience a surge in visitation numbers this summer, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

This year, the message is simple – be informed, be prepared, be safe. Key focus areas for the summer season include water safety, cliff safety, emergency preparedness, and safe travel.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting one of the hottest summers on record, with above-average temperatures and the potential for more extreme heat events expected across the region.

Australia’s climate is strongly influenced by surrounding ocean temperatures, which combined with increased moisture, could also mean more frequent storms and an elevated risk of bushfires.

All this makes it especially important for travellers to prepare early for any trips along the Great Ocean Road.

To support locals and visitors during bushfire season, the Authority has launched a new webpage listing all designated Bushfire Places of Last Resort across the region. They also held a joint briefing with Life Saving Victoria on 31 October in preparation for summer.

More than 55 people heard the latest insights on the upcoming season with a detailed outlook on bushfire preparedness, response plans, weather forecasts, and the 2024 Drowning Report statistics review.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed about both the risks of extreme weather and the steps to take to protect yourself and your family.

“Whether you’re a short-term visitor or a resident now is the time to understand your risk, create an up-to-date plan, know where to go to stay informed and look out for each other,” director community, corporate affairs and visitor economy, Andy Mathers, said.

“If you’re staying at one of our Great Ocean Road Parks, please follow all evacuation directions provided by our experienced park managers. They are trained to ensure your safety during an emergency and will provide timely instructions on what to do. So, grab your sunscreen, plan ahead, and let’s make it a summer to remember – for all the right reasons.”

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