Welcome to the Barwon Coast (Ocean Grove & Barwon Heads)
The Barwon Coast, centred on the townships of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove, is a wonderful place, brimming with natural beauty and a rich cultural and historical heritage.
The Barwon Coast Committee of Management (Barwon Coast) has the responsibility for the management of the coastal crown land reserves from Collendina on the eastern boundary of Ocean Grove, through to Blue Rocks to the west of 13th Beach.
The Barwon Coast combines a broad estuary system, fragile dunes and long beaches, producing a landscape with high environmental and conservation values. The coast is also important for recreation, with surf beaches, as well as beaches that are safer for families and a range of accommodation on offer.
We welcome visitors who are keen to enjoy all that this unique region has to offer, in a responsible and respectful way. We also welcome community input to help us balance the wishes of recreational users with the conservation of the natural environment.
Barwon Coast Update
Blue-Green Algae Outbreak
The presence of blue green algae has been confirmed in the Barwon River Estuary at Barwon Heads. DSE and Parks Victoria recommend that people should refrain from recreating in the river. If coming into contact with the water, wask skin thoroughly with clean water. For further information contact DSE on 136 186
Summer Shuttle Bus 2011/12
Barwon Coast with support from the City of Greater Geelong via Cr Farrell and from Coles will again run the free Shuttle Bus around Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove from late December to Australia day. The hourly service links to the beach and the shops and maps will be available late December
2011 Victorian Coastal Award winners
At the 2011 award night Barwon Coast won the State Award for "Education" with our Community Connections program.
We are committed to coastal and marine biodiversity and encourage environmental awareness through a range of practical projects and educational opportunities offered to locals and visitors.
Key messages conveyed through our education program include responsible pet ownership, the value of indigenous flora and fauna, controlled access to protect dunes systems; and threatened species issues.
In addition to greater awareness, the education program has led to improved communication, a decline in dog control breaches and an increase in students seeking work placements with Barwon Coast.
13th Beach Trails
We are promoting 3 new trails to provide a safer access to the beaches on 13th Beach Rd for pedestrians, joggers and recreational cyclists. The 3 trails being:
- 13th Beach 33W “Signpost” car park to the Barwon Heads - 13th Beach Surf Life Saving Club on the inland side of 13th Beach Rd.
- Stephens Parade to 13th Beach 33W “Signpost” car park / beach access stairs
- Stephens Parade to 13th Beach 32W “Beacon” car park / beach access stairs
The period for the lodgement of submissions regarding these proposals has now closed (11th February 2011) and committee members are now considering the matters raised.
Click here for more details.
Dogs on Beaches -View our brochure on dog controls on our beaches
Keep Australia Beautiful Awards - Winner.
Ocean Grove is the Friendliest Beach in Victoria. At the 2010 Keep Australia Beautiful - Clean Beach Awards the Ocean Grove Main Beach was announced as the State winner of a Friendly Beach category. The Award recognises the community benefit of the construction of a ramp to the beach to meet the needs of people of all abilities, whist rebuilding of the Seawall and promenade.
Have a look at our financial statements that record nearly $4m in caravan park revenue that is used to fund nearly $1m of work on our coastal environment plus capital works and caravan park operations
Take a look at the 2008 Victorian Coastal Strategy
Prepared by the Victorian Coastal Council, the new strategy provides a five-year plan for managing Victoria's coastline in the face of major ongoing change.
Ocean Grove Spit Draft Landscape Masterplan.
In late December 2009, a draft of a 10 year landscape masterplan was released for feedback from campers and the local community. The period for commenting on the draft masterplan has now closed and all submissions have been reviewed. A detailed survey of the proposed walking trail will be undertaken as the first stage of the project.
View the Port of Barwon Heads - Safety & Environment Management Plan.
View our 2006/07 to 2009/10 Coastal Management Plan.
Local Community Group Contacts.