Warning as cliffs show signs of collapse

Fresh cracks along the cliffs at Demons Bluff Beach in Anglesea have raised concerns a collapse could be imminent, with land managers closely monitoring the site.

Aerial footage shared on social media by local pilot Dean Snow this week shows a significant section of cliff face has fractured, with debris already scattered across the beach below.

The vision, captured on Monday, also shows two surfers directly below the fractured cliff face, in what remains a popular surf break despite the area’s long-standing closure.

Demons Bluff Beach has been closed since 2021 due to the high risk of landslips, and multiple collapses have occurred along this stretch of coastline in the past year.

A Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority spokesperson said fluctuating conditions – including recent rainfall followed by drying – can destabilise cliff faces and trigger sudden falls.

“This area is known for regular falls, which is why it is closed and the safety advice is the same as ever around unstable cliffs,” the spokesperson said.

“There is an exclusion zone already in place around the cliff and signage is installed near public access points.”

People are asked to stay clear of cliffs and caves, stick to established paths and follow warning signs.

For more information about cliff safety, head to greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au