Work begins on Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail
Published on 27 June 2024
Construction is underway on a new drawcard for the Great Ocean Road region.
The Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail will be a nationally significant multi-day walk, allowing visitors to experience sweeping coastal views, towering eucalypt forest, waterfalls, and hidden gorges.
The initiative is expected to attract 70,000 visitors per year and see more than 200,000 people stay in the region within its first five years, delivering an extra $38 million in visitor spending.
Supported by $25.5 million from the Victorian Government, work is progressing on six kilometres worth of existing tracks on the trail.
Crews have been carrying out resurfacing and drainage improvements to upgrade existing sections around Moggs Creek, Sheoak Creek and Lorne.
This will improve access to the Ocean View lookout from the Moggs Creek Picnic Area; and to Sheoak Falls and Swallow Caves from the Sheoak Falls Picnic Ground near Lorne.
Planning and design are also underway on new features across a 55km stretch that forms the first major stage of construction, including a campground, bridges, lookouts, car parks and day visitor areas.
Further community engagement on this stage will occur later this year.
The Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail has already been shaped by extensive engagement, with more than 3,000 responses to the Master Plan received from the community.
The trail – to be made up of existing and new tracks - replicates regular trade routes and traditional walks of the Gadubanud people, within the Eastern Maar Nation.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Parks Victoria, and the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the trail.
Once completed, the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail will offer breathtaking views and a variety of experiences, including lookouts, suspension bridges, boardwalks, river crossings, campgrounds, and day visitor areas.
It will offer a range of options, with opportunities for short walks, day walks and multi-day hikes.
In support of the Victorian Government’s allocation of $25.5 million, the Federal Government has contributed $350,000 for planning through the Geelong City Deal.
Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Acting CEO Cath Olive
“The Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail will be a fantastic drawcard for the region and Victoria.
“This initiative will provide a slower and more connected experience in this spectacular region.
“The trail allows visitor and local communities alike to enjoy the breathtaking views and natural attractions by foot.
“We’re looking forward to getting public input to finalise the design of new experiences and infrastructure, to ensure the trail benefits and complements communities right along the coast.”