The Great Ocean Road is Getting a New 76km 7-Day Coastal Trail

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is getting a new 76km seven-day coastal trail along Victoria’s Otway Coast. Move over Great Ocean Walk, here comes the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail.

 

The Victorian Government has invested $25.5 million into Stage One of the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail project, a 76km multi-day walk from Fairhaven to Grey River, through the lush Otway Coast of the Great Ocean Road.

The trail will be able to be walked in multiple ways, either in one hit as a seven-day six-night trek, or divided into full-day walks or shorter circuit walks. There will also be options for independent, supported but self-guided, and fully guided walkers.

The ultimate aim is to one day link the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail with the Surf Coast Walk to the east, and the Great Ocean Walk to the west, to create a non-stop 250km trek along the entire coastline, leading hikers from Torquay to the 12 Apostles.

Where is the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail?

The Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail is located on Gadubanud Country, part of the Eastern Maar Nation, along Victoria’s stunning south coast. Following recent updates, the proposed trail will now stretch 76km from Fairhaven to Grey River through the beautiful Otway Coast. From Melbourne, it’s about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive to the eastern end of the trail, however, it’ll be able to be walked in either direction.

The trail will be divided into seven 9-17km sections, with a consistent grade of 2-3. Most experienced hikers will be able to complete a section in a day while still having time to relax, explore, or reach their accommodation. The sections are currently divided as:

1. Fairhaven to Big Hill
Distance: 17km
Duration: 5-6 hours

2. Big Hill to Lorne
Distance: 12.8km
Duration: 4-6 hours

3. Lorne to Cumberland River
Distance: 11.6km
Duration: 6-7 hours

4. Cumberland River to Jamieson Creek
Distance: 9.4km
Duration: 5-7 hours

5. Jamieson Creek to Kennett River
Distance: 12.5km
Duration: 4-6 hours

6. Kennett River to Wongarra
Distance: 10.7km
Duration:  5-7 hours

7. Wongarra to Skenes Creek
Distance: 16.3km
Duration: 5-7 hours

There’ll also be options for shorter loop walks near charming small towns or multi-day wilderness experiences that include guided tours.

Celebrating the land and cultural legacy of the Gadubanud people of the Eastern Maar Nation, the coastal trail will showcase rich ecosystems shaped by six Eastern Maar seasons, including rugged coastlines, eucalypt woodlands, waterfalls, and hidden gorges.

Works on the project will focus on connecting existing campgrounds and walking and management tracks with new ones, creating a smooth hiking experience. Since the master plan was first developed (which was originally 90km long), changes were made based on site investigations to help protect the environment and community.

She Oak Falls | Photo by Chris Ord

Experience the Great Ocean Road and Surrounding Landscapes in New Ways

The Great Ocean Coastal Trail may become a world-class multi-day walk, setting its benchmark to the likes of Overland Track in Tasmania and Milford Track in New Zealand. The walk offers a fresh way to experience the iconic region, following the traditional walks and trading routes of the Gadubanud people.

‘This initiative will provide a slower and more connected experience in this spectacular region’, said Cath Olive, acting CEO of Great Ocean Road Coast and Park Authority. ‘Explorers will traverse along lush forests, dramatic coastal cliffs, freshwater streams, and charming seaside towns.’

With new and upgraded lookouts, suspension bridges, and walking trails, this walk is expected to boost the local visitor economy, attracting 70,000 visitors within its first five years.

The project’s Master Plan involved collaboration with Traditional Owners, the Eastern Maar peoples, ensuring a partnership that creates more economic and employment opportunities for the Eastern Maar while educating the wider community about Gadubanud Country and its rich history.

Kalimna Falls | Photo by Chris Ord

When can we walk the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail?

The Victorian Government has funded $25.5 million for the project to support Stage One construction of new trails and upgrades to existing ones along a 55km stretch from Fairhaven to Jamieson Creek, allowing visitors to easily explore the charming Kennett River hamlet. The federal government has also chipped in $350,000 for planning and feasibility studies. Construction for this first stage is expected to begin in 2025, pending planning approvals.

Major features planned for Stage One include lookouts, a new hiker campground, and upgrades to car parks and trailheads.

Since May 2024, work has been happening to upgrade sections of the existing trail around Moggs Creek, Sheoak Creek, and areas near Lorne. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is working alongside the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change, Parks Victoria, and the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to bring this project to life.

Ferns in Lorne | Photo by Jontee Langton

A Trail Shaped By the Community

Through 2021 and 2022, the community had a big say in shaping the trail’s Master Plan through online surveys and events. With over 3,000 responses, more than 110 changes were made to the trail’s route based on feedback.

‘We’re looking forward to getting public input to finalise the design of new experiences and infrastructure’, said Cath Olive.

There’s still time to have your say or stay updated — reach out to the Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority, or email haveyoursay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.

More information and project updates can be found at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

Feature photo by @mydreamadventure