The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s best road trips. Here is the best itinerary from Torquay to Warrnambool, complete with amazing scenery and exciting attractions.
Beach
Keep an eye on your children
Leave dogs at home during prohibited hours
Keep noise levels in check
Ultimate guide to beach etiquette and cabana use
From reserving a patch of sand with your cabana to spraying sand while shaking your towel - how you behave at the beach affects other people. Here's a guide to proper beach etiquette.
A trip to the beach is a classic way to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy nature. But while beaches are meant to be relaxing and fun, they can also become crowded and chaotic at the peak of summer.
If you’re planning on going coastal, observing the unwritten rules of beach etiquette will help everyone keep their cool this summer. From minding your cabana to turning down your music, here's a refresher on the unwritten rules of good beach behaviour.
Respect other people's personal space and pitch your cabana at the back of the beach. Image: Getty
10 rules of beach etiquette
Respect personal space
One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, aspects of beach etiquette is respecting other people's personal space. Avoid setting up your towel or umbrella right next to someone else. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least two metres of space between you and the adjoining party, which allows everyone room to spread out and move around comfortably. If you have a large group be mindful of not encroaching on others.
Don't leave your cabana unattended for hours
Beaches can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, and beachgoers are always keen to claim their own patch of sand. But it's frowned upon to pitch a cabana or beach tent early in the morning and leave it there for your return in the afternoon. If you have a prime spot, make the most of it, or leave it for someone else. An unattended cabana or beach tent could also become dangerous for other beachgoers if destablised or damaged by wind.
Don't pitch your cabana or beach tent too close to the shore
Looking at the sea and the horizon offers a sense of calm and relaxation, and it's one of the reasons people love going to the beach. If you have a cabana or beach tent, consider pitching it towards the back of the beach, so that all beachgoers can enjoy the view.
More: The best beaches in Melbourne for swimming and relaxing
As a popular beach destination that's close to Melbourne, Ocean Grove gets busy in summer.
Share the water
When enjoying the ocean, remember that others are also looking to enjoy the waves. Always be considerate of the safety of others, especially in crowded conditions. Surfers should avoid surfing too close to those enjoying other water activities. In turn, swimmers should avoid popular surf breaks. If you're using a boogie board, make sure you have a clear run before you catch a wave to avoid crashing into others, especially children.
Be mindful of where you shake your towel
While shaking out your towel is an unavoidable part of the whole beach experience, be aware of where you’re shaking it and in what direction the wind is blowing, so that you’re not tossing sand all over the person relaxing next to you.
Don't kick sand all over people
If you're running along the beach or running into the water, be courteous and avoid kicking sand over nearby people. This also applies to games of beach cricket, volleyball or footy, when it's easy to forget about other people as you duck, dip, dive, and dodge.
Good etiquette is required at busy beaches like Torquay on the Great Ocean Road. Image: Getty
Keep an eye on your children
Pay attention to your kids at all times to make sure they’re not only playing it safe around the water, but also not disturbing fellow beachgoers, kicking sand in other people's lunches, or creating hazards.
Leave dogs at home during prohibited hours
Victoria has its fair share of off-leash dog beaches, but there are restrictions during summer at popular swimming beaches. Always check before taking your dog to the beach to avoid disappointment. If your dog is allowed on the beach, make sure it is well behaved and doesn't run up to strangers and other dogs uninvited, and be sure to pick up after your best friend.
Respect wildlife and nature
Be conscious of the environment and avoid stepping on fragile dunes or walking too close to protected wildlife areas or bird reserves.
Keep noise levels in check
The beach is a shared space, so it's important to be mindful of the noise you create. Loud music, boisterous conversations, and shouting can disturb others who are there to relax. Consider using earphones or keep the volume low if you're listening to music.
Dog owners need to heed the beach access signs and pick up after their pooches. Picture: Getty
Don't smoke on the beach
Smoking (and vaping) are banned during patrolled times at all of Victoria's patrolled beaches. Some councils have also introduced local laws prohibiting smoking on the beach. Even if there's no signage, it's good manners to consider others. If the foreshore is heaving with people, find a quiet spot away from the crowds to light up and put your butts in the bin.
Fill in any holes dug in the sand
Playing in the sand is a rite of passage at the beach but, when you’re ready to leave, fill in any holes so that you’re not creating a trip hazard for people arriving after you.
Be considerate when parking
Parking can sometimes be a challenge at busy beaches. Always park in designated areas and avoid blocking access to pathways or other vehicles. If you're visiting a popular beach, consider using public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
Take your rubbish
Australians are lucky to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. To keep them that way, always clean up after yourself. If the bins are full, take your rubbish with you. If you try to squeeze your oily fish and chips parcels or empty soft drink cans into an overflowing bin, the rubbish could end up polluting the ocean.
