General News
11 March, 2026
Iconic beach remains closed
AFTER the reopening of the Gibson Steps, one resident wants to draw attention to another beach closure which has been ongoing for several years.
Loch Ard Gorge beach and steps have been closed to the public due to safety concerns since 2023.
John Baglin said he has reached out to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) multiple times enquiring as to when the steps will be reopened, but has not be satisfied with their response and lack of action.
“Public access to the Loch Ard Gorge beach has been closed for almost three years,” he said.
“There is no physical evidence that GORCAPA has done anything towards reopening the steps.
“There has been no credible explanation or action.
“Their claims that there has been a dangerous rock fall over the steps is false.”
Loch Ard Gorge is famous for a shipwreck which occurred in 1878, where only two survivors – Thomas Pearce and Eva Carmichael – were washed ashore at the iconic location.
It will be 150 years since the incident in 2028, which Mr Baglin said was due to be commemorated if only the beach and steps were open to the public.
“Planning for a commemoration is already underway,” he said.
“Descendants of Eva and Tom have already committed to attending but what sort of commemoration could be had without access to the beach where the drama occurred?
“It would be hollow without access.
“Just the feel of standing on the beach and trying to imagine the plight of the survivors – how did Tom get up the cliffs?
“You don’t feel any of this standing at the top looking down.”
More than two million people visit the Port Campbell National Park annually, who Mr Baglin said were missing out on the full experience of the Loch Ard Gorge.
“These visitors are denied the experience of visiting the beach where the survivors were washed in,” he said.
“The wreck of the ship, the loss of life, the two survivors – it is arguably the most historic site on the Great Ocean Road.
“Local people have also used the beach for swimming and recreation for decades.
“My parents took me there, I took my children there, and I would like to think I might take my grandchildren there.”
Mr Baglin said after the success of the residents rallying behind the reopening of the Gibson Steps, he hoped Loch Ard Gorge could soon follow.
“The Friends of Gibson Steps movement has been successful with their efforts to reopen the steps to the public,” he said.
“Many thanks are due to Dion Webber and Michelle Rowney for their tireless and ongoing work to get the steps open and highlight the damage caused by the run off from the nearby construction site – the new 12 Apostles visitors centre.
“Our local member Richard Riordan has also been most helpful.
“GORCAPA have a history of closing things and then doing nothing – access to the arch has been closed for many years and no rectification work has been carried out.
“The authority and the Victorian Government seem happy to spend millions on viewing platforms and construction but nothing on maintenance to access major attractions along the Great Ocean Road.”
When asked why the beach and steps access were closed and if there were any plans to reopen them, GORCAPA said there were plans in place for later in the year.
“Beach access remains closed at Loch Ard Gorge due to serious public safety issues regarding the stairs, but we are committed to getting it back open as soon as possible,” a GORCAPA spokesperson said.
“We understand the importance of the site for visitors and locals alike and can appreciate the frustration within the community given it has been closed for an extended period.
“We are taking action to return beach access later this year.”
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