A sustainable destination actively encourages its visitors to understand the area, its history and environment. Expectation is exceeded by focusing on what is already here and not on what could be added.
Why do you love where you live — what inspires you about this place?
Having experienced extensive travels both overseas and within Australia, there’s always the drawcard of returning to an amazing hometown and the community within your hometown. The township of Port Campbell and the surrounding region is still unique and untouched. The feel-good vibes this town offers, the pounding ocean, the stunning national park and the people all create an environment that is calming, nurturing and peaceful.
What is the one thing visitors should know about the region before they arrive?
That we appreciate the stop and stay calm approach — take the time to sit for a little longer, walk a little further and stay a little longer to really appreciate the beautiful scenery and experience all that we have to offer in our village.
What does sustainability mean to you and how do you contribute to sustainable outcomes in our region and beyond?
In our daily practices at Grass Roots Deli cafe we are always looking to find new ways to improve our sustainability habits to help our planet. We always use fresh produce, recycle where we can and avoid using plastics. Our food scraps are distributed to our feathered friends on the farm, coffee grinds are spread around different gardens, cardboard is used under mulch and where possible we use cleaning products with all-natural ingredients. We all can find ways to improve our sustainability and environmental habits to help and consciously make better decisions for our future.
How can visitors help us to better “Treasure the land we love” and reduce the impacts of visitation?
I think visitors need to appreciate the size of our town and the businesses within it and be patient. Taking the time to eat in and avoiding takeaway containers is something that we all should be more mindful of — This has been understandably difficult as we continue to deal with COVID — 19. We love reusable coffee cups and the benefits they bring environmentally at a local level and from a global sustainability perspective.
What is your vision of a truly sustainable destination?
A sustainable destination actively encourages its visitors to understand the area, its history and environment. Expectation is exceeded by focusing on what is already here and not on what could be added. Visitors and residents acknowledge and respect the land and the sights together and don’t intrude on areas that are fenced off or out of bounds.
Favourite local animal?
Always a visit from a koala is special.
Favourite local plant?
I love spring and all the native flowers that come out.
What is one the one place or tip to enjoy the region you would like to share with a mindful visitor?
I love exploring the Otway’s, especially in winter when the waterfalls are at their peak. I also love Wreck Beach – the rock formations, anchors, long beaches and history are amazing.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
