Background and project history
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 Trail traverses Gadubanud Country along the Otway coast, boasting breathtaking views from suspension bridges and lookouts, as well as a new camp site, boardwalks, river crossings, and day visitor areas.
Consisting of both new and existing trails, the proposed 76km route covers coastal locations from Fairhaven through to Grey River.
The trail will provide a diverse range of walking options and experiences from short loops, day walks to multi-day experiences.
The trail will be a drawcard for Victoria, link communities along the coast and support local businesses by encouraging longer stays in the region all year round, including outside traditional holidays.
A copy of the Master Plan is available on here: Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail Master Plan
Walking on Gadubanud Country
This project brings together government agencies and Traditional Owners, the Eastern Maar Peoples, to work on Country in designing and constructing the trails that will ultimately make up the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail.
The ancient and dynamic cultural landscapes of the Otway Coast are rich in Aboriginal values. Working with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail acknowledges a balanced history of the region, while supporting Traditional Owners to create opportunities to actively shape the future of their traditional lands, waterways, and seas.
Future trail management and land management
Most of the planned trail will be in the Great Otway National Park (Crown land) currently managed by Parks Victoria. Planning and construction of the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail is led by DEECA, with ongoing management eventually transferring to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
The journey continues
As detailed design and construction gets underway, the next stage of community engagement will be led by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
On this page, you can read information and updates about the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail and find out about opportunities to Have Your Say.
Want to know more?
Contact the project team at: haveyoursay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
Learn more about the Otway Coast’s Traditional Owners – The Eastern Maar
For more information from the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority – https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Home
Explore the Great Otway National Park – https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/great-otway-national-park
Page last updated: 04/09/24