Project Overview
Kurrak Panyul, as Wadawurrung People call Point Impossible, holds immense significance as a rich bio-cultural landscape where multi-clan gatherings came for ceremony and celebration over many thousands of years.
This area is also affectionately known as "Possos". It holds a special place in the hearts of many, and together with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, we're inviting locals and all who love this spot to help us plan for a future for Possos that respects its unique Cultural values, environment, and awesome surf vibes.
The Authority manages the foreshore at Point Impossible and the associated infrastructure which includes the car park, beach access paths, signage and the toilet. We're collaborating with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to develop a Masterplan for the section of Point Impossible shown in the map below. The Masterplan will protect Cultural, recreational and environmental values of this open space and facilities, consistent with the natural character of Point Impossible.
Point Impossible is known by a few names, 'Kurrak Panyul' 'Point Impossible' and 'Possos'. It lies approximately five kilometres northeast of Torquay and is renowned for its natural landscape setting, ideal for surfing, birdwatching, leisurely strolls, relaxation, and watching the waves roll in.
In addition to its recreational offerings, Point Impossible is rich in Wadawurrung Cultural heritage and plays a vital role in supporting habitat for threatened plants and animals.
Recent years have seen a significant rise in visitors, which has created some challenges, such as illegal camping, off-leash dogs disturbing nesting birds, overcrowding, overuse of facilities, and littering.
Informal tracks used by visitors to access the beach have led to the trampling of vegetation. This contributes to dune erosion and damages culturally sensitive sites and habitats for threatened species.
Point Impossible features essential amenities, including a carpark, toilet facilities, and informative signage, serving as the starting point for the iconic Surf Coast Walk. Its minimal built infrastructure adds to its value as a natural landscape, offering a peaceful escape just a stone's throw from the bustling urban areas of Torquay and Geelong.
Project area map
Imagery © 2023 Nearmap
Point Impossible Open Day
We held a Point Impossible Open Day on 11th November 2023
The Open Day was well attended by over 100 people. Teams from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Authority combined to host a site hub where people could learn more about Wadawurrung Cultural values, local history, environmental significance, and challenges such as coastal erosion.
Attendees also shared their own knowledge on how they use and value Point Impossible, and how they think it can be managed into the future. This information will be used alongside feedback received in the community survey to develop an Issues and Opportunities Paper that will inform the Draft Masterplan for Point Impossible.
Walk and Talk with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners
We offered guided walks with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners during the Point Impossible Open Day.
Over 100 people attended guided Walk and Talks where they learned about Wadawurrung Cultural values, local history, environmental significance, and ongoing challenges in the Point Impossible area. We received overwhelming positive feedback:
Have Your Say
We're seeking community input to help us better understand the issues and opportunities for managing Point Impossible
This project is being delivered by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is the project sponsor and is represented on the Project Control Group, which is the body given responsibility for making decisions about the project.
We're also working closely with a range of stakeholders and adjacent land and waterway managers including Surf Coast Shire, Barwon Coast Committee of Management, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria.
This project is funded by the Victorian State Government's Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Grant. More information about the Surf Coast Distinctive Areas and Landscape can be found here