A new coastal trail will enable walkers to experience a 90-kilometre walk which traverses breathtaking and culturally significant Gadubanud Country between Fairhaven and Grey River. The trail – the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail – will provide a 7-day, 6-night hike, as well as day walks and shorter walks. When complete, it will link the Surf Coast Walk and Great Ocean Walk, resulting in uninterrupted track stretching from Torquay to the Twelve Apostles.
The Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail Master Plan was released recently, and the Engage Victoria site has been updated with next steps, the project video and the Master Plan. The plan was shaped by over 12 months of community and stakeholder consultation. Over 3,000 responses were received, focussing on design principles and trail alignment; environmental excellence; suspension bridges; lookouts; accessibility; camping and car parks.
The trail’s guiding principles ensure that the trail respects and promotes the rich cultural heritage and natural values of the area; existing tracks will be utilised where possible. In places, the preferred trail alignment has moved further inland, incorporating more of the Great Otway National Park. This short video explains how the Master Plan was developed. Significant funding has been invested by the Victorian Government; construction is expected to begin next year.