Construction begins on Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail

WORK has begun on the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail, a major new attraction set to draw visitors to the region.

The multi-day walk, supported by a $25.5 million investment from the Victorian government, promises sweeping coastal views, towering eucalypt forests, waterfalls, and hidden gorges.

The trail is expected to attract 70,000 visitors annually, boosting regional tourism with over 200,000 additional stays within its first five years, expected to result in an extra $38 million in visitor spending.

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority acting chief executive Cath Olive said the trail would be a significant benefit for regional tourism.

“The Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail will be a fantastic drawcard for the region and Victoria,” Ms Olive said.

“This initiative will provide a slower and more connected experience in this spectacular region.”

Once completed, the trail will offer a range of experiences including lookouts, suspension bridges, boardwalks, river crossings, campgrounds, and day visitor areas, catering to short walks, day walks, and multi-day hikes.

Crews are now upgrading six kilometres of existing tracks around Moggs Creek, Sheoak Creek, and Lorne, focusing on resurfacing and drainage improvements.

These upgrades will enhance 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 for new features across a 55km stretch are also underway, with this first major stage of construction set to include campgrounds, bridges, lookouts, car parks, and day visitor areas.

Further community engagement on this stage is expected later this year.

“The trail allows visitor and local communities alike to enjoy the breathtaking views and natural attractions by foot,” Ms Olive said.

“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.”

The project has been shaped by extensive community input, with over 3,000 responses received for the Master Plan.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is collaborating with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Parks Victoria, and the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the trail.

The initiative is also supported by a $350,000 contribution from the federal government for planning through the Geelong City Deal.