New inland link to Surf Coast Trail in Jan Juc

We will soon begin works on a new path linking the inland Torquay Golf Course trail to the Surf Coast Trail.

Sections of the Surf Coast Trail between the Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club and Rocky Point in Torquay face permanent closure within the next few years, with an independent geotechnical assessment revealing 1.5 metres of the cliff could erode over the next 20 years. 

The new linking trail will ensure people can continue to access the eastern end of Jan Juc Beach and enjoy ocean views when sections of the trail close.  

The existing coastal trail remains open for now, with safety barriers and a monitoring protocol in place. 

Works on the new trail will begin the week of Monday, 3 March, and are expected to take one week to complete, weather permitting. 

Temporary closures will be in place on the inland golf course trail during construction and signage will be installed to guide trail users.  

Upgrades are also planned for the eastern Jan Juc Beach stairs to maintain beach access, while technical assessments have recommended that the Rocky Point stairs not be replaced. 

Trail users are reminded to follow all safety signs and avoid closed sections of the trail.

Quotes attributable to Acting Director of Environment and Coastal Operations Leia Howes:  

“Protecting the safety of people who live on and visit our coast is our main priority”.  

Erosion – caused by natural processes and accelerated by the impacts of climate change – means the east section of the coastal trail will soon no longer be safe for trail users.” 

‘We’ve long been preparing for this reality and are taking proactive and long-term action to ensure people can continue to move safely between Jan Juc and Torquay by creating access to the inland path near Torquay Golf Course.” 

“We understand that the coastal trail is much-loved and many people will be saddened that it is being impacted by erosion.”