Newsroom

Funding confirmed for 12 Apostles Trail

The State Government has again announced $4.5M in funding towards the 12 Apostles Trail from Timboon to Port Campbell and along the Shipwreck Coast.

The funding was previously announced in January and followed an earlier funding commitment by the Federal Government and State Government in 2019.

The project has been on Bicycle Network campaign list for many years and it would be great if actual construction could for once outpace the announcements.

The latest announcement is part of a package of projects to boost tourism in Timboon, the town at the start of the Trail.

The State Government is investing in a range of projects to support Timboon’s jobs growth and to encourage more visitors to stay longer and experience what the hinterland region has to offer.

As well as the 20 km Trail, investments include enhancing local streetscapes, more housing supply and backing local tourism businesses to expand and create more jobs for locals.

The Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said: “We are investing in a range of projects that are backing Timboon to reach its potential as a top tourism destination, supporting local businesses and creating more jobs.”

The Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney: “Locals and visitors love to explore our stunning Great Ocean Road coastline – which is why we are backing projects in Timboon and surrounds to encourage people to stay longer and see what the hinterland region has to offer.”

There is already a rail trail from Camperdown in the Western District to Timboon. But the final link down to the coast was missing.

Once completed, riders would have a great opportunity to get to the Shipwreck Coast by taking the train to Camperdown, and then riding down the trail to Port Campbell. Some sections of the existing trail do require upgrading of the trail surface.

This article was made possible by the support of Bicycle Network's members who enable us to make bike riding better in Australia.