Vision to make the Great Ocean Road an outstanding trails destination
Published on 10 September 2024
We have released a shared vision to establish the region as one of Australia’s outstanding trail destinations.
The draft Great Ocean Road Regional Trail Strategy 2024-2034 provides a framework for coordinated planning, management and promotion of trails in the region.
The Great Ocean Road region has long been recognised as an exceptional destination for nature-based tourism, with its trails being a major attraction for visitors and an asset for residents.
The trail system in the Great Ocean Road region traverses the lands of both the Eastern Maar and the Wadawurrung people.
More than 14 public entities are responsible for trail development, infrastructure delivery, asset maintenance, emergency management, destination promotion, and the management of biocultural landscapes across the region.
The draft Strategy has been developed in collaboration and coordination with organisations across the Great Ocean Road region, including state departments and authorities, five local governments, Traditional Owners and various committees of management.
The Strategy aims to bring together all these organisations under a shared vision to develop and manage an outstanding network of trails across the region. It also applies to key trails in the area from Torquay in the east to Port Fairy in the west, bound by the coast to the south and Colac and Camperdown to the north.
The trails included in the strategy are:
- Proposed Anglesea Mountain Bike Trail Network (including the Anglesea Bike Park)
- Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail
- Forrest Mountain Bike Network
- Proposed Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail
- Great Ocean Walk
- Otway Walks & Waterfalls
- Old Beechy Rail Trail
- Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail
- Proposed Otway Hinterland Horse Trail
- Surf Coast Walk
- Twelve Apostles Trail
- Warrnambool Foreshore Promenade.
The purpose of the Strategy is to:
- Guide future coordination, development, management, and promotion for trails across the Great Ocean Road region
- Achieve greater consistency, connectivity, advocacy, and investment activity
- Provide recognition of & tangible support for Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung people
- Strengthen brand identity and promotion
- Provide an enhanced experience for community and visitors
- Continue care for the protection of environmental & cultural values.
The Great Ocean Road Visitor Economy Master Plan identifies nature based and trail tourism as a key pillar of the region’s tourism offering.
We need your help to finalise the Strategy and to guide its implementation. Have Your Say until Wednesday 7 November 2024 at www.haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/manytrails-onedirection
Quotes attribute to Director Infrastructure and Planning Cath Olive:
“Whether it’s walking, hiking, running, or mountain biking – trails allow people to actively enjoy the great outdoors.
We recognise the need to collaborate with stakeholders to create an outstanding trails destination right here on the Great Ocean Road.
Working together to improve trails across the region would strengthen our visitor economy, generate income and jobs, and improve our quality of life.
Let us know which trails you use and the opportunities for the trail network.
The region's trails are a major attraction for visitors and an asset for residents, offering opportunities for walking and mountain biking, and providing access to areas of outstanding natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique recreational experiences.”