Surf Coast Walk
About this page
A coastal walk all the way from Torquay to Lorne?
A joint project between GORCC, Surf Coast Shire and other partners is underway to upgrade and extend the Surf Coast Walk with stage one works now in progress.
Created in 1987, the current track is located along the coast between Jan Juc and Moggs Creek. The stage one works involve redeveloping the track over the next two years so that it extends from Point Impossible, east of Torquay, to Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club. In future, it is hoped that the track will extend to Lorne.
The final track will combine existing sections with newly constructed sections. Some sections will be open to walkers only while others will be open to walkers and cyclists.
It’s all about quality
While the existing track already provides some inspiring walking and riding experiences - including wonderful coastal scenery and seasonal treats like whale watching in Winter and wildflowers in Spring - poor track standards and a lack of directional signs and other information often detract from visitors' overall enjoyment of the walk.
The redevelopment project will aim to transform the quality of the track and associated facilities, not necessarily by ‘urbanising’ or sanitising the track but by improving the way it interacts with the landscape, by creating a more interesting and enriching experience for users, and by making it more sustainable.
As is currently the case, the redeveloped Surf Coast Walk will offer a two or three day hike or a series of short walks. It will also continue to provide great everyday walks for local residents.
Getting involved
While the redevelopment project is only just beginning, as it progresses there will be opportunities for community involvement in detailed design, track construction and rehabilitation. It is also hoped that volunteers will help look after the track in the longer term.
An existing working group, comprising local residents and representatives of agencies, businesses and environmental and recreational groups, will continue to help GORCC manage the project.
If you would like to receive further information on the project or to register your interest in volunteering, please contact Project Manager Mike Bodsworth at GORCC (Ph: 03 5220 5028 or Email: mike.b@gorcc.com.au).
Watch this space!
