Parks Victoria renew safety warnings after tourists seen climbing over barriers

As visitors flock back to the region this summer they are being reminded to stay behind barriers or risk hundreds of dollars in fines.

Anyone who is caught ignoring warning signs can be fined $363.

One group of about six tourists was photographed climbing over barriers at The Grotto just after 3.20pm on Sunday.

The visitors scaled to the cliff's edge before turning the corner to walk along the coast.

Parks Victoria acting regional director Dale Antonysen said fences were installed at the locations for a reason.

"Fences and barriers at sites along the Great Ocean Road and Great Ocean Walk are there for a reason - to keep people safe and to protect our environment," he said.

"Climbing barriers to get a perfect selfie or to look for a better view is really dangerous and can lead to serious injury. We urge everyone to be responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

"We unfortunately see some people ignoring safety signage and barriers and climbing onto fragile terrain in many locations. This often appears to be for the purpose of taking a photo.

"During peak visitor periods we also have more park rangers out and about to ensure people stay on the formed paths and behind barriers."

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The statement comes after a series of warnings issued by police about dangerous photo opportunities.

"People need to be mindful that the cliffs are unstable and they can slip at anytime," a Port Campbell police spokesman told The Standard.

It comes after a section of Bells Beach on the Great Ocean Road was closed after a man was killed by falling debris from a 30-metre-high cliff on New Year's Eve.

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