The exciting new Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail is a step closer, with community consultation underway on a masterplan to finalise the trail’s route.
The trail will cover about 90 kilometres of Great Ocean Road landscape from Fairhaven to Skenes Creek.
The Victorian government has provided $24 million to plan and deliver the trail, with the commonwealth government contributing $350,000 for planning through the Geelong City Deal.
It’s anticipated the extended Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail will attract an extra 50,000 people to the region in its first five years and an extra $47 million in visitor expenditure.
The trail will connect the Surf Coast and Great Ocean walks and is expected to include several suspension bridges providing new views and experiences – boosting eco-tourism and supporting the economies of local communities.
Improving infrastructure along the Great Ocean Road, and its hinterland, is a priority under G21’s Visitor Economy project.
The masterplan will also finalise the location of infrastructure including camping sites, lookouts, boardwalks, bridges, river crossings, carparks, and day visitor areas. Construction of the trail is expected to begin in 2023.
The consultation builds on engagement on a feasibility study completed in 2019. Have your say here: https://engage.vic.gov.au/trail-design
