Point Addis, Great Ocean Road (Patreon)

I wanna talk about gatekeeping locations.

Gatekeeping: noun

The activity of trying to control who gets particular resources, power, or opportunities, and who does not.

Anna and I had heard about this specific location and had seen magical photos taken, so of course, we wanted to visit. But after watching several YouTube videos and googling different blogs - nothing!

We hiked up and down looking for the small entrance that would lead us to the cliffs edge but kept coming to a dead end. The one blog we found explained that it was a short, swift hike taking a right at the lookout, but these directions led us on a deliberate wild goose chase. The writers intention? Maybe.

With the rising trend of social media and snapping pictures at pretty places, hikers' most treasured spots have slowly become a tourist attraction. And with tourists means more foot traffic through sensitive vegetation and rubbish.

So this has resulted in people gatekeeping, with the only way of knowing directions is being within the 'inner-circle'.

Being outdoors is imperative to our health and well-being. Participating in outdoor activities can increase vitamin D levels, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost life satisfaction. Shouldn’t everyone have access to this?

This is where the controversy comes in.

Some say people only deserve access to a 'secret spot' if they research and find the location themselves.

Others say it should be easily accessible to everyone as self navigation can result in getting lost.

I'm still very much on the fence about this subject. Although I would have enjoyed a layed out map to find this cliffs edge, I also enjoyed the bush bashing and adventure to get there. It also meant I had the place to myself!

What do you think about gatekeeping locations?