The Twelve Apostles Trail - linking Timboon to Port Campbell - aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal by providing a scenic track from the stunning hinterland to the Great Ocean Road coastline.
In Victoria, we’re lucky enough to have some of the most picturesque hiking trails that are only a stone’s throw away – and we’re about to get one more.
Visitors to the Great Ocean Road are set to benefit from a new bike and walking trail that will encourage more people to stay longer and experience what the hinterland region has to offer.
A 20-kilometre bike and walking path – The Twelve Apostles Trail – linking Timboon to Port Campbell is due to be completed mid-year, aiming to boost the region’s tourism appeal by providing a scenic track from the stunning hinterland to the Great Ocean Road coastline.
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Providing a vital link for the local community, businesses in Port Campbell and Timboon and visitors to the region, the trail will further boost the local economy by bringing visitors to the doorstep of local gourmet food and farmgate businesses, with the Timboon section now complete.
The State Government is investing $4.5 million towards the Twelve Apostles Trail to make the project a reality, announced back in May 2020, included as part of the Victorian Government‘s $2.7 billion Building Works package to stimulate the economy.
It will link to the Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail in Port Campbell allowing visitors to experience even more of the Great Ocean Road.
The project, which has been in the planning for more than 15 years, was brought to head in April 2020 as the Corangamite Shire Council called on Federal and Victorian governments to fast-track funding, believing it could be a lifeline for jobs and businesses, alongside providing long-term benefits from improved walking and cycling opportunities.
For the past few years, the Council have argued that regional tourism growth has been held back by visitors being dependent on vehicles, short stays, and coastal concentration. The Twelve Apostles Trail intends to change this by meeting an increasing demand for active, environmentally sustainable tourism experiences and modes of transport as well as contributing to the long term health of the community and viability of the tourism industry.
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Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas this week viewed progress on the Twelve Apostles Trail delivered through the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, saying “we are proud to support these projects revitalising the Great Ocean Road because they will bring more visitors and jobs to the local area.”
“We know that so far summer has been busy, with tourists and locals flocking to regional Victoria – these projects boost tourism opportunities and showcase what the region has to offer.”
The project will be enhanced by the Government’s $6 million investment in the Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project. Early works for the project’s streetscapes are already underway.
The trail is anticipated to be finished by mid-year and works on Port Campbell will kick off after Easter to avoid disruption to tourism.
You can find out more here.
