Pedal, walk, explore: Bellarine’s new trail guide goes live

THE Bellarine Bicycle Users Group (BBUG) has made it easier than ever to explore the Bellarine Peninsula on foot or two wheels with the launch of its new Ride and Walk the Bellarine website.

Designed to help locals and visitors choose the best routes for cycling and walking, the website brings together detailed trail information alongside links to local groups, events and activities. It also aims to boost active travel, highlight road safety issues and advocate for more shared trails across the peninsula.

At the heart of the site are its featured routes, breaking down popular walks and rides by distance, difficulty, family friendliness and mode. Users can quickly access top options including the North Bellarine Road Circuit, the Bellarine Rail Trail, the Big Bellarine Loop and the Point Lonsdale Ripview Walk.

Group co-convenor Jeremy Klitzing said it was exciting to have a comprehensive resource that served both residents and visitors.

“Over the years we’ve assessed the safety of the different roads for cyclists and walkers and concluded that the roads around the Bellarine were pretty crap for both,” he said.

“We are continuously advocating and chatting to key stakeholders about improving these paths across the region.

“For us, we thought a website would be a great development because it’s somewhere we can bring all the top routes, groups, events and activities together all in one place.”

Mr Klitzing said the platform will also serve as a central hub for BBUG’s long-term vision of a shared off-road trail circling the Bellarine.

“We have hopes of connecting the Bellarine Bayside coastal trail to St Leonards, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington and across to Drysdale,” he said.

“We would have world-class riding right here at home if we can get it up and going.

“This resource – the website – is our way to connect the evidence to the community that this is a great idea.”

For more information, visit ridewalkbellarine.org