Living with cliffs – Port Campbell
Case studies from Victoria’s south-west coast
Coastal Management Fact Sheet
These case studies demonstrate some of the diversity of our spectacular rocky coast, and show how
coastal cliff hazards have been understood and managed to reduce risk to the public
Victoria’s geological heritage
The rocks that form the coastal cliffs of Victoria vary greatly in
size, geology, age and stability. Understanding how they have
developed and changed enables us to appropriately manage
these iconic landscapes. This ensures they are protected and
can be safely enjoyed for years to come.
Sturgess Point, Port Campbell
The coastal cliffs and plateaus between Princetown and
Warrnambool on the south-west coast of Victoria are
composed of marine limestone deposited between 5 and 10
million years ago. This rock was uplifted out of the ocean and
slowly eroded away to form the spectacular cliffs we see today.
The town of Port Campbell, a popular destination along the
Great Ocean Road, is built on top of these cliffs. Sturgess Point
extends southwest from the town and contains at least four
large sea caves of various sizes. In 1990 Vic Roads discovered
that the Great Ocean Road was undercut by these caves.
Following a risk evaluation, the road was relocated landward.
With the removal of vehicle load, further risk assessment found
the site to be safe for pedestrian access.
Over thousands of years of wave action, the sea caves at
Sturgess Point will be enlarged. They may eventually form an
arch through the headland and then a stack ( Figure 1). In the
short term, ongoing monitoring at the site will enable coastal
managers to determine when and where further risk mitigation
works are required.
Working with the community
The most recent geotechnical study into the cliffs involved an
information gathering phase and asked the community to
provide evidence of changes to the cliff environment.
At the completion of the study, the department along with
geotechnical experts presented the findings of the study at a
public meeting. So whilst the local community is aware of the
intricacies of the site and how risks are treated, visitors are also
encouraged to obey warning signs.
Living with cliffs
Figure 1: Sequential erosion at a rocky headland forming a) sea cave b)
arch and c) stack (adapted from Bird 1993).
Risk management on cliffs
What can I do to help?

Coastal managers are encouraged to consider risk mitigation
strategies that are proportionate to the type and intensity of use,
protecting public safety where required while maintaining the
natural character of the coastline.


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The Sturgess Point demonstrate the different risk management
approaches for a high-use town centre coastline. A cliff collapse
adjoining a township would likely cause more damage to life or
infrastructure. Therefore at Sturgess Point a combination of risk
mitigation strategies, including geotechnical assessments, are
required.

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Avoid walking near cliff edges or at the base of
cliffs and encourage others to do the same
Keep to formalised paths at the cliff top
Do not climb on cliffs as this can cause localised
damage and increase the rate of erosion
Avoid damaging vegetation: vegetation promotes
water infiltration and reduces erosive runoff
Obey all signs and stay behind safety fences
If you see evidence of a recent slip or collapse,
take a photo and report it to your local land
manager.
Ongoing monitoring and review of coastal risks helps ensure
timely implementation of any new mitigation actions where
required, so that the public can continue to safely enjoy these
spectacular rocky landscapes.
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary
Industries Melbourne, September 2013
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Melbourne September 2013
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except
in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
References: Bird, E.C.F., 1993. The Coast of Victoria. Melbourne University
Press, Melbourne 324 pp.
www.depi.vic.gov.au
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