Great Ocean Road Regional Trails Strategy 2025–2035

The Great Ocean Road region, stretching from Torquay to Port Fairy, has long been revered for its awe-inspiring coastal scenery and iconic trails. The trail network, comprising national icons such as the Great Ocean Walk, Twelve Apostles Trail, Surf Coast Walk and Forrest MTB trails to name a few – spans landscapes rich in biodiversity and deep in cultural significance.

The Great Ocean Road Regional Trails Strategy, recently prepared by TRC for the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority sets the strategic direction for planning, developing, maintaining, managing, marketing, and utilising an integrated network of trails over the next decade.

It is intended to serve as the hub of a wheel connecting the broad range of organisations and initiatives that have historically worked independently on the planning nad management of individual trails drawing them together in a shared vision to effectively and consistently develop and manage a world class trails network.

The development of the Strategy has been led by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority in collaboration and coordination with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, State Government Departments and agencies including DEECA, Parks Victoria, Department of Transport and Planning and Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions, the local government areas of Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, Moyne Shire, Surf Coast Shire and Warrnambool City, and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.

Underpinning the Strategy is a Destination Stewardship Framework that reflects the growing complexity of trail management. More than 14 public entities are involved, from local councils to Parks Victoria and community trail groups. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority leads the Strategy’s implementation, working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, government bodies, tourism operators and volunteers.

At its heart is a shared vision: to be a world-class trails destination defined by diversity, quality and connection to Country.

 The Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Peoples are central to the Strategy, partners in governance, planning and storytelling. Their Country Plans shape the Strategy’s commitments to land care, co-design and cultural interpretation.

Informed by extensive consultation and guided by tailored trail guidelines, the Strategy presents a living roadmap for the next decade. From local short walks to multi-day epic journeys, it promotes trails that connect landscapes, communities and cultures -transforming the Great Ocean Road Region into a model of inclusive, climate-resilient and regenerative trail tourism.