Tourists Flock to Heathcote's Pink Cliffs, Ignoring Warnings

A growing number of tourists are flocking to a unique land formation in central Victoria, despite warnings about damaging the site. The Pink Cliffs at Heathcote have become a popular attraction on social media platforms, with dozens of posts featuring the site on TikTok and Instagram.

Recent posts highlighting the site as a unique photo spot have garnered more than 100,000 views. However, Parks Victoria is concerned that visitors may be ignoring signs and barriers to get the perfect picture.

“Social media has probably highlighted what has been a trend [of going off track] for a while,” said ranger Peter Barrow. “It may not impact on the current generation, but the following generations will lose the ability to see this really unique geology.”

The Pink Cliffs are a remnant of local gold mining in the 1800s. Mr. Barrow said visitors were welcome to explore the reserve, but needed to stay on designated walking tracks and behind barriers to protect the area’s unique geology.

Victoria University School for the Visitor Economy director Naomi Dale said social media had the power to influence how people behave at tourist attractions. “People are really driven now with that perfect shot,” she said.

Professor Clive Willman, a geologist, said the Pink Cliffs were created when miners used high-pressure water to wash away large volumes of soil and rock in search of gold. “People see an amazing moonscape. It’s a feast for the eyes but, really, it’s the site of a devastated landscape,” he said.

Mr. Barrow said signage at the reserve had been replaced in the past year, and there was a balance between protecting the formations and allowing visitors to experience them without being surrounded by signs.