The Victorian Trails Strategy 2005 –2010 - Tourism Victoria

Victorian Trails Strategy 

VICTORIAN TRAILS 

CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE 

2005 – 2010

Foreword 

The development of Victoria’s trail network has been the result of significant 

state and local government and community effort over many years. Local 

groups, communities and visitors have long recognised the value and 

potential of trails as places for enjoyable, healthy outdoor activities and as 

environmentally friendly transport routes. Victoria has a great variety of trails 

in diverse natural and cultural environments. Trails have been in existence 

in parks, forests and other places for more than 100 years, taking people to 

many scenic and special places. 

This Strategy, the result of discussion, review of current research and community consultation, is 

a coordinated government approach to trail development, management and marketing. Guiding 

principles for trail development are identified and important future directions are outlined. Everyone 

likes to see new trails opened, but this must be in the context of proper planning relating to a genuine 

need and the capacity to maintain both new and existing trails. The Strategy sets out a framework for 

assessing trail proposals that will be invaluable for both government and the community. It also sets out 

key directions over the next five years that will assist with the delivery of a satisfying and sustainable 

trail network. 

The Victorian Trails Strategy will guide trail development to ensure that the network evolves sustainably 

to meet current and future community needs through continued and valued community support and 

interest. I commend it to you. 

Hon. John Thwaites MP 

Minister for Environment 

© The State of Victoria, Parks Victoria 2004. 

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria 

and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without 

flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes 

and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other 

consequences which may arise from you relying on any information 

in this publication. 

ISBN: 0 7311 8234 X 

This product is printed on recycled paper 

Cover images – left to right 

Crosscut Saw from Mt Howitt, Alpine NP 

Buckland Valley & Mt Buffalo NP 

Salmon Sun-orchid 

Note: NP = National Park

Table of Contents 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 4 

• Strategy influences 4 

• Strategy development 5 

BENEFITS OF TRAILS AND TRAIL USE 6 

• Individual and community social health 

and wellbeing 6 

• Protection of natural and cultural 

heritage 6 

• Economic 6 

EXISTING TRAILS 7 

• Profile of Victorian trails 7 

• National park and state forest trails 8 

• Metropolitan Melbourne 8 

• Local government areas 9 

• Rail Trails 10 

DEMAND FOR TRAILS 11 

• Physical activity 11 

• Nature based tourists 11 

• Visitors to metropolitan, state & national 

parks & forests 12 

• Trail activity in parks 13 

• Trail users and their requirements 14 

– walkers 14 

– cyclists & mountain bikers 15 

– horseriders 16 

– canoeists/kayakers & divers 16 

ANALYSIS 17 

• Existing trail network 18 

• Key issues 18 

– achieving sustainable trails 18 

– managing environmental impacts 18 

– maintaining community involvement 18 

– marketing of trail opportunities 18 

– equity of access 19 

– lack of agreed standards 19 

– shared use of trails 20 

– lack of flagship trails 21 

– lack of coordinated and shared research 22 

THE STRATEGY 23 

Vision 23 

Guiding principles 23 

TRAIL EVALUATION FRAMEWORK 24 

• Individual & community social health 

& wellbeing 24 

– community involvement 24 

– distribution of trail opportunities 24 

– existing plans and policies 24 

– trail users 24 

• Protection of natural & cultural heritage 

environments 25 

– protection and sustainability 25 

– information, interpretation and education 25 

– use of trails 25 

• Economic benefits to state and region 26 

– return to community 26 

– trail attraction 26 

– tour operators 26 

KEY DIRECTIONS 27 

• Trail network management 27 

• Coordination 

– development 

– management 

• Trail marketing 27 

• Trail research 27 

• Strategy implementation 27 

ACTION PLAN 

A Trail network management 28 

– trail coordination 28 

– trail development 28 

- general 28 

- short distance trails 29 

- long distance trails 29 

- cycling trails 30 

- metropolitan trail network 30 

- rail trails 30 

– Trail Management 30 

B Trail marketing 31 

C Trail research 32 

APPENDICES 

A References 33 

B Victorian Trails Coordinating Committee 34 

C Rail Trail network priorities 35 

D Metropolitan trails reference guide 37 

E Metropolitan trails location-map 39 

F Regional Victoria trails reference guide 40 

G Regional Victoria trails locations-map 46 

1

Grampians National Park.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Victoria has more than 2,000 trails, with a total length of some 8,000 kilometres. From short recreation loops to longer 

distance shared paths and activity trails taking one or more days to traverse, the State’s trail network offers a wide 

range of physical challenges. Combined with diverse landscapes – forests, mountains, coasts, river valleys and historic 

areas – the network offers a great variety of experiences. 

The demand for walking, mountain biking, horseriding and other recreational trails requires careful consideration to 

ensure respective needs are met. This raises particular challenges for equity of access, sustainable environmental 

management and long-term maintenance and management. 

This Victorian Trails Strategy has been developed by the Victorian Trails Coordinating Committee (VTCC) to ensure the 

development of an integrated and sustainable trail network that meets community and trail user needs, while uniting 

the community with a shared vision of Victoria as a premier trail destination. 

The Victorian Trails Strategy is the key document to guide trail development in Victoria. It presents a clear vision for the 

State trail network and is underpinned by long term guiding principles based on the concept of ecologically sustainable 

development. The strategy establishes key directions for trail development, management, marketing and research, 

and identifies priority action projects for implementation from 2005 to 2010. The development of the Victorian 

Trails Strategy promotes coordination of short-term and long-term issues and sets out directions for trail network 

enhancement and sustainability. 

The key directions are: 

• Trail network management 

Cross-organisation coordination for appropriate trail network development and management to provide for a 

range of trail experiences and opportunities. 

• Trail marketing 

Coordinated and integrated marketing, including promotion of Victoria’s trails, to optimise awareness of trail 

opportunities and their sustainable use. 

• Trail research 

Coordinated research and facilitated information-sharing to increase knowledge of trails and trail users. 

Image: Vallejo Gantner Hut, 

Macalister Springs, Alpine NP 

3

INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE 

Victoria has a large and diverse network of trails in 

parks, forests and reserves and on private land. The 

current developed trail network offers a variety of 

challenges and experiences for a range of trail users. 

With more than 2,000 trails totalling approximately 

8,000 km, Victoria has a substantial trail network. 

The state is also at the forefront of rail trail development 

and improvement. Parks Victoria, the Department 

of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and local 

government (including local community committees of 

management) manage the trail network. 

4 

A co-ordinated approach is required to ensure that 

the network is sustainably managed with appropriate 

maintenance, development, use, marketing and 

research. 

Ensuring an equitable and diverse range of trail 

recreation and tourism opportunities in a variety of 

settings is important for community health, wellbeing 

and education. Crucial elements of managing the trail 

network include providing for long-term sustainability 

and the protection of environmental and cultural values. 

The Victorian Trails Strategy has been developed to 

give government trail managers a strategic framework 

for developing and maintaining trails in Victoria. The 

Strategy encourages agencies and the community to 

work in partnership for the enhancement of the state 

trail network. 

A trail is described for Strategy purposes as a defined 

path, route or track which often traverses natural areas 

and is used by people for non-motorised recreation 

such as walking, cycling, mountain biking and horse 

riding. The Strategy focuses on terrestrial trails but also 

considers water-based ‘trail’ opportunities such 

as canoeing, kayaking and diving. 

Port Phillip 

Strategy influences 

The Victorian government supports the principles of 

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)* which 

means using our resources to meet the needs of the 

community today, while conserving our ecosystems 

to enable future generations to meet their own needs. 

In terms of the Victorian Trails Strategy ESD requires 

managing the public trail network to consider long and 

short term environmental, social and economic impacts. 

Additionally, there is a need to consider other relevant 

documentation for inclusion when setting the principles 

for a sustainable trail network. 

Strategies of direct relevance to maintaining a 

sustainable trail network include: 

Melbourne 2030, Victorian State Government 

Nature Based Tourism Directions and Opportunities Plan 

2000-2003 

Policy for Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on 

Victoria’s Public Land 2002 

Linking People and Spaces 2002 

Victorian Heritage Strategy 2000-2005 

Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 

Physical Activity Framework 2001 

Victoria’s Tourism Industry Strategic Plan 2002-2006 

Relevant Park and Forest Management Plans and 

Council Plans 

Regional Tourism Development Plans 2004, Tourism 

Victoria 

*National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, 1992.

Strategy Development 

The Victorian Trails Coordinating Committee (VTCC) 

has overseen the development of the Victorian Trails 

Strategy. 

Established in 1997, the VTCC was chaired by a 

Government MP and reported to the then Minister for 

Environment and Conservation. The VTCC included 

representation from Parks Victoria (PV), Tourism Victoria 

(TV), Department of Sustainability and Environment 

(DSE), Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) – a division 

of the Department for Victorian Communities (DVC), 

VicRoads and user group representatives. 

The VTCC provided strategic coordination and advice to 

the State Government about the ongoing development, 

promotion and use of trails in Victoria. 

The Strategy development involved consultation with 

government agencies and community recreation groups. 

Existing trail-related research and State Government 

policy commitments were reviewed, and an initial 

assessment made of Victoria’s existing network of 

recreation and tourism trails. In addition, information 

on current and future demand for trails, key issues, 

priorities, current gaps and new opportunities for trails 

were analysed. 

Minister for Environment 

VTCC Chairman 

Member of Government 

VTCC 

Parks 


Tourism 


DSE 

VicRoads 

SRV 

Community 

Reps 

5

BENEFITS OF TRAILS 

AND TRAIL USE 

6 

Trails offer a variety of benefits to individuals, 

communities and the environment. These include 

promotion of physical and social health and wellbeing 

opportunities, education about natural and cultural 

environments, and economic returns to local 

communities and the state. 

Individual and community social 

health and wellbeing 

Benefits of trails include: 

• provision of enjoyable recreational activities 

• safe settings for pursuing various individual or group 

activities 

• developing and fostering partnerships between 

landowners, local government, community and user 

groups 

• provision of a diversity of recreation and tourism 

opportunities 

• linkages for people and places, connecting 

communities through recreation and tourism 

• choices for people to gain access to an active lifestyle 

at low cost 

• opportunities for social interaction. 

Healthy Parks Healthy People 

Parks and open space play an important role in the 

health of individuals and the community. Healthy 

Parks Healthy People is an initiative of Parks Victoria, 

endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General 

Practitioners. The Heart Foundation and Parks Victoria 

are working together to make parks and trails even 

more heart friendly. Beautiful environments uplift the 

spirit and offer many opportunities for healthy exercise, 

enjoyment and spiritual and mental renewal. 

Protection of natural and 

cultural heritage 


• experiences that offer opportunities to understand the 

natural and cultural environment 

• routes that are ‘green’ commuter transport opportunities 

in a variety of Victorian landscapes and settings 

• reducing fragmentation impacts on the natural 

environment through appropriate trail design, 

landscaping and habitat protection or enhancement 

• managing appropriate access to sensitive areas 

• reusing and maintaining existing heritage 

infrastructures with rail trails. 

Economic 


• the creation of employment opportunities in regional 

and rural Victoria through the provision of facilities 

and services such as food, accommodation, transport, 

equipment, entertainment and guided tourism 

products 

• flow-on economic benefits to the health, tourism, retail 

and transport sectors 

• boosting property values near trails 

• creating business partnership opportunities through 

packaging of services and cooperative relationships 

• reducing community health costs through active 

community participation and time spent outdoors. 

Examples of economic benefits of trails: 

• The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is expected 

to contribute $0.5 million per annum to the local 

community, with a multiplying effect of up to $1.9 

million per annum (Geddes 1999) 

• VTCC Stepping Out brochure evaluation (2000) 

indicated Victorian trip spending of between $200 and 

$1200, with an average of $400-$500 per trip 

• Mundaring (WA) Trail Users Survey (2001) indicates 

that visitors from outside the shire spend an average 

of $11.43 per visit in the shire and $12.28 outside the 

shire, which amounts to $10 million per annum to the 

local economy 

• Rail trails offer enormous economic, social and 

environmental benefits to the wider community as well 

as to the visitors (and other users) themselves. (Fact 

Sheet: An Economic Analysis of Rail Trails in Victoria, 

Australia. Dr. Sue Beeton, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, 

LaTrobe University, s.beeton@latrobe.edu.au). 

Image: Black Range State Park

EXISTING TRAILS 

Profile of Victorian Trails 

Victoria’s Trail Managers 

Victoria has more than 2,000 trails 8,000 km in length. 

Parks Victoria, DSE and local government (including 

local community committees of management) manage 

the trail network, as shown in the diagram below. 

VICTORIA’S TRAILS & MANAGEMENT AGENCIES 

DSE (includes rail trails) 

2800 km 35% 

Local Government 

1200km 15% 

Parks Victoria 

4000km 50% 

Approximate kilometres. Does not include canoe and kayak trails. 

Victoria’s trails include shared-use trails, historic rail 

trails, short interpretive walks, half and full day walks, 

long distance walks and overnight walks and rides. 

Hikers near the Bluff, Alpine NP 

As the existing trail network has largely developed in a 

fragmented manner, there are regional inconsistencies. 

7

National park and state forest 

Parks Victoria and DSE manage 85% of the total trail 

length (in excess of 6,000km). This includes trails in 

national and state parks, state forests and reserves, 

and consists of walking-only trails and shared-use trails 

for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Most trails are 

for walking only, with a limited number catering for 

horseriding and cyclists, and water-based trails. 

Most coastal areas are managed by committees under 

DSE. Foreshore trail management is included in their 

responsibilities. 

Some state forest areas also have trails designated for 

adventure activities such as mountain biking and horse 

riding. 

Parks Victoria and DSE work co-operatively to ensure 

a safe and sustainable trail network in national and 

state parks, reserves and state forests. Management 

and community needs need to be met by strategically 

assessing trails for priority development, redevelopment 

or rationalisation. 

Canoe and kayak river trails and marine trails 

Many rivers and coastal inlets in Victoria offer excellent 

flat water and white water canoeing, kayaking and 

rafting experiences that are ideal for day and overnight 

trips. When optimum conditions allow, the Lower 

Glenelg, Mitta Mitta, Snowy, Upper Murray/Mitchell 

and Thomson Rivers, together with coastal inlets in 

East Gippsland, are renowned as areas for water-based 

trail opportunities. A number of marine dive trails and 

snorkel trails have been established. For instance, the 

‘Octopuses Garden’ snorkel trail under Rye Pier is easily 

accessible, with several colourful interpretive signs 

attached to the jetty structure. 

Rollerblader 

Metropolitan Melbourne 

Trails are an essential link between people and places 

and are also important recreational venues in their own 

right. Shared trails are used for popular activities such 

as cycling, walking, in-line skating and jogging. Properly 

planned and managed trail networks can promote 

personal health benefits while having minimal impacts 

on environmental values. 

The Metropolitan Trail Network (MTN) links Melbourne’s 

significant open space areas with local trails, recreation 

precincts, other interesting destinations and public 

transport. The network comprises existing and proposed 

trails totalling approximately 1,200 km. Many of these 

trails are run through parklands, and along major creek 

systems, waterways and foreshores. 

Key trails in the MTN include: 

• The Bay Trail 

• Capital City Trail 

• Main Yarra Trail 

• Anniversary Trail 

• Maribyrnong River Trail 

8

The planning and development of the MTN is 

coordinated by Parks Victoria and has been developed 

through consultation with other government agencies, 

councils and organisations with interests in metropolitan 

trails. Priorities for developing trails are based on 

criteria aimed at achieving a safe, affordable and easily 

maintained system. 

Local government and agencies play a vital role in 

implementing the MTN. The design, construction and 

maintenance of particular sections of the trail network 

are the responsibility of the relevant land manager. 

Approximately 700km of the MTN have already been 

completed, with Parks Victoria working in conjunction 

with local government and other land management 

agencies to provide resources. 

Significant work is required to complete the network. 

As well as closing gaps in existing trails, new trails will 

extend into future growth areas and create links to 

destinations. Further details of the MTN priorities are 

outlined in the Parks Victoria planning document 

Linking People and Spaces 2002. 

Complementing the MTN is the largely on-road Principal 

Bicycle Network (PBN), the development of which is 

coordinated by VicRoads. The PBN comprises 2400 km 

of existing and proposed on-road lanes, and is generally 

based on the arterial road network, along with some offroad 

paths alongside roads and through areas of open 

space, and use of some local roads. Approximately 

600 km of the PBN has been completed. 

The two metropolitan networks, MTN and PBN, were 

identified by VicRoads through the Victorian Bicycle 

Advisory Council, in consultation with Parks Victoria, 

local government and Bicycle Victoria. The PBN 

provides cyclists with safer road access to MTN paths, 

and together these networks cater for recreational, 

commuting and general purpose cycling. 

Local government areas 

Across Victoria, local government plays an important 

role in providing and maintaining a 1200km trail local 

network that links common open space and places 

within communities. Guided by community planning 

processes, local government works to maintain 

appropriate recreation opportunities, such as linked 

bicycle and walking trails. 

Many local councils also develop Municipal Bicycle 

Networks, which include both on-and off-road shared 

paths, forming the local trail network, and road bicycle 

lanes. In the metropolitan area these municipal networks 

complement the metropolitan PBN, giving access to 

more local destinations. 

In regional Victoria municipal networks function as the 

principal networks and include identified arterial Priority 

Bicycle Routes that form a framework for obtaining state 

funding through VicRoads. 

Left: Bushwalkers. Right: Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail 

9

Rail Trails 

Changed transport needs have left a network of disused 

railway lines across Australia. Victoria has led the 

way in converting these into recreation and tourism 

destinations. 

With easy gradients, interesting natural and cultural 

heritage values, and a trail width that can usually 

accommodate shared use, rail trails offer a great 

diversity of safe off-road environments and experiences 

for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. 

Rail trails play an integral role in linking communities 

and offering recreation and tourism experiences that 

encourage visitors to extend their stay, thereby delivering 

social and economic benefits to regional and rural 

communities. They are also of physical, social and 

psychological benefit to local communities themselves. 

O’Keefe Rail Trail near Bendigo 

The following features influence rail trail developments: 

• Accessibility to large population centres (greater than 

7,000 residents) 

• Existing or easily developed tourism infrastructure near 

townships 

• Heritage values on the trail such as historic stations, 

bridges, tunnels etc 

• Recreation equity for people to gain access to this 

type of experience within the region 

• Community and adjacent landholders’ level of support 

for the project to move ahead. 

Rail trails covering over 750km of former railway line 

in Victoria were selected on the basis of potential 

recreation or tourism yield in conjunction with their 

natural or cultural heritage values. These are being 

developed as shared-use trails within conservation 

corridors. To date, 18 trails covering 462km have been 

converted for public use. Other former railways may be 

considered for addition to the rail trail network in future, 

such as Yarra Glen–Healesville. Some rail trails are best 

suited for local recreational use, but many others have 

regional or state tourism significance and several have 

national or international appeal, particularly if extensions 

are made to connect to services in towns. Ongoing 

development of rail trails will add considerable value to 

the regional and rural trail network and for surrounding 

communities. 

DSE is the lead agency for establishment of Victorian rail 

trails and supports the delegated managers. Delegated 

management responsibilities often take the form of 

committees of management such as a government 

authority or multiple municipal or community bodies. 

For example, the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail 

committee of management involves three councils. 

10

DEMAND FOR TRAILS 

Trails are established for, and used by, people 

predominantly for local recreation and tourism activities. 

The following sections outline more broadly the demand 

for trail activities, including park visitor activity profiles 

and trail user characteristics. Most trail use is for 

short-term recreation activities undertaken by the local 

Victorian community. Greater product development and 

marketing will be required to increase interstate and 

overseas visitors to trails. 

Physical activity 

Changing population demographics, current interest 

in health and wellbeing, plus the focus on health 

promotion in Australia, will create increased demand 

for recreation and tourism facilities and services. For 

example, Australia’s ageing population is healthier, 

longer living and more active than previous generations, 

with recreational needs expecting to rise. 

Approximately 7.5 million Australians aged 18 years 

and over undertake some level of physical activity. Of 

40 major different activities walking has the greatest 

participation rate at 30.5% (ABS). Participation in 

cycling activities (including mountain biking) ranked 

fourth while bushwalking rated 10th, horse-riding 25th 

and canoeing/kayaking 34th. 

The Victorian Government’s ‘Go for your life’ campaign 

encourages all Victorians to become more active and 

involved in physical activity. Walking is recognised as the 

most accessible form of physical activity and is an area 

for priority action. 

Nature-based tourism 

The natural environment of Victoria has strong appeal 

for both Victorian and interstate visitors. Walking in 

national parks attracted 2.5 million overnight domestic 

visitors and ranked as the 6th most popular pursuit 

overall (15% of visitors). 

Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail 

Nature-based tourist segments 

Tourism Victoria’s research has identified four domestic 

target value market segments that have the greatest 

affinity with, or potential for, Victoria’s trail experiences. 

These segments are based on the Roy Morgan value 

segments that reflect lifecycle and lifestyle. 

Socially Aware, representing 11% of the Victorian 

population. Social issues oriented, politically and 

community active, 35-49 years, wealth managers. 

They like to explore and experience new and different 

holidays, value higher level interpretation and seek 

nature-based experiences. This segment will enjoy the 

full spectrum of trail opportunities, including self-reliant 

trips. 

11

Visible Achievement, representing 16% of the Victorian 

population. Success and career driven, status seekers 

aged 35-49 years. Prefer family holidays and indulgence 

with no surprises. Enjoy scenic, nature and historic 

attractions. Comfortable trail experiences preferred. 

Young Optimists, representing 7% of the Victorian 

population. Young and progressive aged 18-24, they 

seek new and different things, like outdoor adventure 

and action and stay in budget accommodation. 

Adventurous and challenging trail experiences preferred. 

Traditional Family Life, representing 19% of the Victorian 

population. Retired middle Australia with family focused 

lives, this segment are cautious about new things but 

enjoy forays to experience nature and wildlife with higher 

level of service and facilities. Gentle, well marked trails 

such as rail trails particularly appeal to this group. 

* Victorian’s Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport (2001/02), 

Sports and Recreation – VicHealth 

Visitors to metropolitan, state 

and national parks and forests 

Parks Victoria manages 17% of Victoria’s total area. 

This includes many iconic natural features and highly 

utilised locations, from piers and jetties, urban parks, 

and national and other parks from remote natural 

areas to high yield tourism destinations. In all, Parks 

Victoria supplies 50% of Victorian trails to support and 

encourage appropriate visitor access and experiences. 

Victoria’s national, state, regional parks and metropolitan 

locations, including piers and jetties, experienced 66.4 

million visit days during 2002 and 2003. Within this, the 

protected area parks (i.e. national, state and regional 

parks) captured 24.9 million visit days (38%), while 

metropolitan parks had 11.6 million visits (17%) and 

piers and jetties 29.9 million visit days (45%).* 

Appropriate trail networks are required to accommodate 

access for these visitors to their place of interest. 

State Forest areas comprise about 14% of Victoria and 

provide a trail network complementary to that provided 

across the park estate. Managed by DSE, State Forests 

attract 4 million visit days a year. Only limited data on 

trail use is available. 

*Parks Victoria Visitor Research 2003 

Great South West Walk, Lower Glenelg NP 

12

Trail activity in parks 

Parks Victoria’s Visitor Satisfaction Monitors from 2002 

to 2004 highlight walking and sightseeing as the most 

popular activities undertaken by visitors in park locations 

(sharing 28%), followed by socialising and children’s 

play (11%) and picnicking (9%). 

Short walks of up to one hour are the major primary 

activity for visitors to metropolitan and regional parks. 

The data is derived from intercept surveys of visitor 

sites: these sites capture some trail activities better than 

others (such as cyclists). 

PARK VISITORS PRIMARY ACTIVITY 

2002 to 2004 (average percent) 

PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES IN PARKS 

2002 to 2004 (% of cases) 

Physical Activity/ 

Walking 

Relaxing 

Sightseeing 

Socialising and 

Children's Play 

Picnicking 

Camping 

Events 

Other 

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 

Physical Activity/ 

Walking 

Relaxing 

Sightseeing 

Socialising and 

Children's Play 

Picnicking 

Camping 

Events 

Other 

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 

NATIONAL PARK TRAIL ACTIVITIES 


METROPOLITAN PARK TRAIL ACTIVITIES 


Short walk (up to 1hr) 84% 

Long Walk or Day Walk 

(more than 4 hours) 8.5% 

Other* 2% 

Cycling 2.5% 

Jogging/Running 1% 

Skiing (Cross Country) 2% 

Short walk (up to 1hr) 67% 

Roller skating/in-line skating/ 

skateboard 1% 

Other* 1% 

Cycling 10.5% 

Jogging/running 10% 

Walking the dog 10.5% 

* Mountain Biking/Horseriding/roller skating/In-line skating or skateboarding/ 

trail bike/Medium walk or half day walk) 

* (Mountain Biking/Horseriding/medium walk or Half day walk/long walk 

or day walk) 

13

Trail users and their 

requirements 

Visitors to trails are motivated by appreciating natural 

scenic beauty, experiencing physical challenge and 

exercise, involvement in the natural environment, 

gaining an awareness and knowledge of nature, and the 

opportunity to socialise with friends or family or pursue a 

special interest. 

Trail user needs differ according to experience, 

motivation and trail settings. While walkers, cyclists, 

mountain bikers, horse riders, canoeists and kayakers 

can have similar basic requirements for using trails, they 

often have differing activity needs. Also, the motivations 

of frequent local recreation users are different from 

tourists using a trail for the first time. That is, the need 

for descriptive information and direction for a circular 

route of a reasonable distance will be higher for the 

tourist than for the local user. For all user groups, basic 

information about trail opportunities and directional 

signage is important for facilitating use of the trail 

network. 

User needs specific to trails include appropriate services 

to match expectations, such as: 

• setting and challenge that addresses safety 

considerations 

• suitable trail surface/corridor and maintenance 

routines 

• information about a trail and/or directional signage 

• access to drinking water and other facilities that aid 

comfort and enhance the experience. 

Walkers 

There are minimal participation barriers to walking 

in terms of equipment and opportunities. Victoria 

has a range of trails to cater for most abilities, from 

the local and well-serviced to highly remote and selfreliant 

experiences. Although the existing trail network 

offers a range of walking opportunities there is a 

lack of overnight walks supported by off-park roofed 

accommodation. The target market is small and 

specific, and similar experiences are currently supplied 

in Tasmania, Western Australia and New Zealand. 

Assessment of walking opportunities may show gaps 

such as short, easily accessible or day walk trails in key 

areas, and also of return or loop walks in addition to 

one-way trails. 

Participation in trail activities varies across the state, 

proximity to population being related to use. The table 

below gives some estimates of annual trail use: 

Walking clubs are active in introducing many walkers 

to bushwalking, offer diverse walking programs with 

a range of walking opportunities, facilitate social 

interaction and create opportunities for people to 

acquire bushcraft skills. 

Estimates of Annual Trail Use 

Trail Distance (km) Day Visitors (estimate ) Overnight Trail Users (estimate) 

Great South West Walk 250 100 000 100 (whole distance) 

Australian Alps Walking Track 650 Up to 15 000 200 (whole distance) 

Main Yarra Trail 35 1.5 million 0 

Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail 38 100 000 5000 

Great Prom Walk 45 60 000 10 000 

Lower Glenelg River Canoeing 52 1000 9000 

14

Cyclists and mountain bikers 

Cycling and mountain bike riding in natural areas are 

activities that often lead to greater understanding and 

enjoyment of the natural and cultural environment. 

Cyclists seek a range of trail opportunities for recreation, 

from well-developed sealed paths suitable for all bike 

types to ‘single track’ (narrow) routes most suited to 

mountain bike use. Opportunities for conventional 

cycling are well catered for in Victoria through the 

improving metropolitan cycle path network, the 

developing Victoria-wide rail trail network and designated 

bike lanes on public roads. 

In Australia, mountain bikes are now the most popular 

recreational bikes. Research and trend data including 

sales figures, organised event participant numbers and 

social rides, land manager anecdotal evidence and 

strong club membership, indicate that mountain biking 

is increasing in popularity. Legitimate opportunities for 

mountain bike riding are limited, and this has resulted 

in unauthorised mountain biking in some parks and 

reserves. Growing mountain bike use is placing an 

increased demand on Victoria’s public land managers 

to provide suitable and safe places for people to ride. 

Mountain bike access to public land was one of the 

most frequently raised issues in submissions to the 

Draft Victorian Trails Strategy. These submissions 

highlighted the need for land managers to respond to 

the demand for legitimate mountain biking opportunities 

and address issues such as trail location, trail sharing, 

competitive events, liability, environmental sustainability 

and the need for more information on mountain biking 

opportunities. 

The inclusion of mountain biking in the 2006 

Commonwealth Games in Melbourne demonstrates the 

international recognition of the sport and will further 

increase its profile locally. 

Actions of this strategy include the development of a 

clear policy on managing mountain bike use of trails, 

and the further assessment of the supply of existing and 

potential opportunities. 

Murray to Mountains Rail Trail 

15

Horse riders 

Horse riders require safe trail opportunities preferably on 

soft, unmodified surfaces. Horse riding is permitted on 

many rail trails, state forest trails and in some protected 

areas. In popular horse riding areas many informal trails 

exist along roadside corridors. In addition, tour operators 

offer horse riding opportunities throughout Victoria and 

are keen regular users. 

Local land managers indicate that horse riding requests 

and use of trails within the parks and forests are static, 

with no indication of increasing trends. 

Canoeists/kayakers and divers 

Canoeists and kayakers require a variety of activity 

environments depending on skill, experience and 

personal preferences, from gentle water to white water in 

remote and challenging environments. 

Activity participation in canoeing/kayaking is 0.7% 

(ABS 1999/2000). Although equipment and skill barriers 

to participation are high, opportunities to participate 

in this activity are provided by tour operators. Tour 

operators also facilitate opportunities for combined 

walking/canoeing trips. 

Murray River canoeing 

16

ANALYSIS 

Existing Trail Network 

The following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Victoria’s trails were identified by stakeholder 

consultation with peak user groups, including feedback from the earlier draft, and International trail consultants. 

STRENGTHS 

• Walking is a prime recreation activity undertaken by a large 

proportion of the community and there is considerable 

community support for trail development. 

• Trail activities have considerable social, health and wellbeing 

benefits, and the extensive existing trail network supports these 

activities. 

• An extensive network of trails in regional and rural Victoria 

is providing increasing economic and social benefits to local 

communities. 

• Existing trails are located in a diverse range of environmental 

settings and close to population centres, coasts, rainforest, 

alpine and urban areas, providing for a variety of experiences. 

• There are established long distance trails in remote, relatively 

undeveloped areas - eg the Australian Alps Walking Track and 

Great Ocean Walk. 

• Victoria’s rail trail network offers easy-access shared-use 

trails that connect with regional towns where there are often 

existing services, established tourist accommodation and 

complementary tourism packages. 

• Trails users describe the trails as safe, with a year-round walking 

season in Victoria’s temperate climate. 

• VTCC assists in coordinating the management, promotion and 

further development of trails. 

OPPORTUNITIES 

• Identify trails for recreation and tourism use and prioritise for 

development, maintenance and promotion. 

• Enhance the trail network and market positioning through cooperative 

partnerships. 

• Increase trail information integration on the Internet. 

• Maximise integration with accommodation, transport and tourguiding 

packages to increase tourism yield opportunities. 

• Further strengthen local community ‘social capital’ through 

involvement in trail management, development, maintenance 

and use. 

• Improve environmental protection by promoting sustainable 

trail management practices and rationalisation of trails in 

sensitive areas. 

• Commission research to quantify economic, social and 

environmental benefits of Victorian trails 

WEAKNESSES 

• Lack of highly identifiable and marketable icon trails, 

particularly trails with roofed accommodation options. 

• Lack of packaged, linked and accessible productparticularly 

transport, and cabins, lodges and other 

roofed accommodation. 

• Lack of world heritage natural areas that would enable 

the State to compete internationally with other trails. 

• Trail maintenance regimes are often inconsistent. 

• Inconsistent trail classification, branding and signage, 

compromising visitor service expectations. 

• Poor supply of trail support infrastructure in many 

places (such as toilets, showers, parking, signage and 

information). 

• Limited directional signage from public transport to the 

start/finish of most trails. 

• Trail usage and social and economic benefits are not 

adequately understood or quantified. 

• Uneven supply of opportunities to some trail activity 

types. 

THREATS 

• Continued development in-or-near trail corridors create 

negative impacts for trail users. 

• Loss of support for trails by land managers, landholders 

or local government, resulting in an unfunded and 

incomplete network. 

• Lack of strategic assessment and integrated focus, 

causing regional inconsistencies. 

• Risk of the trails not satisfactorily competing for funding 

due to regional economic and social values having not 

been adequately quantified through research. 

• Loss of publicly-owned corridors and opposition from 

adjacent private landholders hindering full community 

benefits arising from trail development. 

• Inappropriate distribution of trails and/or trail access 

points limits some recreation opportunities, leading to 

supply issues. 

17

Key Issues 

Achieving sustainable trails 

Land management agencies have a finite capacity to 

develop and maintain trails within the current network. 

Land managers are challenged with community demand 

for new trails. There is underutilisation of portions of 

the current trail network while some trails suffer from 

overuse. Land managers need to balance community 

expectations with resource availability. This may include 

the need to review the diversity of opportunity, and 

equity of access for different recreational experiences. 

Track design and construction standards can have 

a significant impact on ongoing maintenance costs. 

These costs can often be controlled through careful 

and creative design, choice of alignment, construction 

techniques and materials and drainage. There may be 

a requirement over the life of the trail for upgrades and 

realignment. When planning trail proposals it is essential 

to consider ongoing maintenance costs. 

Risk management requires ongoing trail management 

and maintenance work, including monitoring. Options for 

increased construction costs in the short term may be 

better for managers than higher long-term maintenance 

costs. Trail design can also influence the experience 

of trail users, with preferences for gentle to steep hill 

climbs and curved rather than straight alignments (Hugo 

2000). Track maintenance can become an issue for trail 

users if inadequate maintenance puts visitors at risk or 

affects enjoyment. 

Managing environmental impacts 

While trails can offer positive environmental benefits, 

such as habitat corridor creation, they can also 

contribute to habitat fragmentation and weed invasion. 

Without careful alignment or design consideration, 

they may create or contribute to soil erosion, requiring 

remedial action. 

For flora and fauna habitat rehabilitation and 

enhancement, and ongoing maintenance (e.g. weed 

spraying), mulching, heavy-duty tree guards and 

revegetation with tube stock plants, seedlings or direct 

seeding should be considered as ongoing commitments. 

Maintaining community involvement 

The extent and quality of the existing trail network 

in Victoria are most unlikely to be sustained without 

continued community involvement. Many trails in 

Victoria would not exist without the individual and 

community efforts that have established, managed, 

maintained and promoted them. Volunteer involvement 

and support are integral ingredients of success and 

ongoing viability for many trails. 

It is important to provide opportunities for professional 

development of trail community groups in construction, 

management and maintenance of trails, and in 

implementing consistent standards, sharing knowledge 

and information, and fostering long-term community 

commitment. 

Local Indigenous community participation can enhance 

cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Friends 

groups, committees of management, recreation groups 

and clubs, and Landcare and other conservation groups 

also enable the community to be involved, contributing 

significantly to creating a quality trail network. 

Marketing of trail opportunities 

It is difficult for land managers to raise awareness of the 

full range of recreational activities that are expected by 

and available for visitors. It is also difficult to maintain 

hard copies of all the information available in the 

quantities required. Increasing interests and diversifying 

trends mean that the Internet is a valuable tool for both 

providing information and promoting Victoria’s trail 

attractions and accessibility to user groups. 

18

Construction and maintenance standards should be 

guided by visitor use; that is, intensively used trails 

will be highly formed and reinforced for large number 

of users, whereas, others will be minimally formed for 

smaller numbers or individuals. These considerations 

should also review the potential impact of changing 

demographics/user patterns on the type of trail provided. 

Additionally, trail identification and directional signage 

should be improved and types of signs used should be 

consistent, in order to increase user satisfaction and 

reduce barriers to participation. 

Current recognized trail standards are the ‘AustRoads 

Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice – Part 14 

Bicycles’* and the Australian Standard for Walking Track 

Classification 2156.1–2001**. These standards give 

more guidance in the construction of trails than in their 

classification and promotion for public use. 

Dandenong Ranges National Park 

Equity of access 

Providing access to Victoria’s trails for disabled and 

elderly visitors and visitors with young children is a high 

priority. 

Wherever possible, trail design should accommodate the 

needs and aspirations of people of all abilities, cultures 

and ages. Trails that provide access for disabled and 

elderly visitors, and visitors with young children, are a 

major consideration in trail support in funding. 

It is essential to ensure that people can use existing or 

proposed trails, and have access to a range of natural 

environments, irrespective of their mobility range. 

Lack of agreed standards 

Currently, each trail management group develops and 

maintains trails to different construction and descriptive 

standards. This has resulted in similar trails being 

classified and described in different ways. 

To enhance the trail network, there is potential for the 

introduction of a system encompassing the Australian 

Standard for Walking Track Classification 2156.1– 

2001** to be applied across Victoria. Released in 

2000, it is a classification system for walking trails that 

gives design guidance, fabrication, trail marker use and 

information signs to be used for walking tracks. The 

system can also identify participant fitness or skill levels 

required. For consistency, the standard signs can be 

used in literature, maps and promotional material. 

Similar standards are also required for other trail 

activities. 

The industry has endorsed a Victorian Government 

funded project to develop documented Adventure 

Activity Standards (AAS)* for the outdoor recreation 

industry. 

Relevant AAS for trails include: 

• Bushwalking 

• Diving/Snorkeling 

• Mountain Biking 

• Canoeing/Kayaking 

• Horse Riding 

• White Water Rafting 

These standards may guide the future development of 

Australian standards for trail based activities. 

*For information www.austroads.com.au 

** For information www.standards.org.au 

19

Shared use of trails 

Research shows that trail users prefer to interact with 

people or groups engaged in the same activity, or 

groups with similar values. Trail users are less tolerant of 

interaction with dissimilar activity groups or large groups 

of people (Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania 1994). 

Interestingly, this is not necessarily the experience 

overseas (USA/UK) where shared-use trails are 

becoming more common. 

In Victoria shared use of trails is currently more common 

in urban areas. In regional Victoria, with the exception of 

the Rail Trails, the vast majority of the trail network is for 

walkers. While walkers’ needs predominate at present, a 

long-term sustainable trail network may require walkers 

to share trails with other user groups. 

In many shared-use trails, engineering approaches and 

considerations, partial trail re-routing or designating 

user groups offer suitable solutions to safety or conflict 

issues. 

Trail managers are encouraged to promote trail sharing 

through literature such as ‘Sharing the Trail’ brochures 

and signage on trails. This material should detail 

appropriate behaviour, foster realistic expectations and 

promote a strong sharing message. The promotion 

of greater understanding and consideration of other 

trail users’ legitimate uses and needs is essential for 

the sustainable management of the trail network. The 

development of a code of conduct for the appropriate 

use of trails and provision of information for users will 

assist trail managers in the difficult tasks of reconciling 

often diverse management objectives and balancing the 

need for conservation with use. 

Management strategies for maximising harmony 

between different user groups include: 

• involving potential user groups as early as possible in 

the trail planning process 

• recognising conflict as a difference between different 

users’ goals, not an inherent incompatibility between 

activities 

• understanding user needs 

• identifying actual sources of conflict 

• minimising interaction in problem areas 

• providing adequate trail opportunities 

• widely promoting appropriate trail behaviour 

Trail sign 

• creating directional divisions on trail with line markings 

or other design measures 

• introducing trail patrols with a focus on education 

about appropriate behaviour. 

20 

* For information www.orc.org.au

Lack of flagship trails 

Long-distance trails are classified as being multiple-day 

experiences. Iconic walks can motivate visitors to come 

to Victoria for that particular evocative experience. 

Victoria’s long-distance trails, set in a variety of 

landscapes, offer exceptional recreation opportunities. 

Most, such as the Australian Alps Walking Track, 

Bicentennial National Trail, Great South West Walk, 

Great Ocean Walk and Great Dividing Trail, have 

simple camping facilities that provide for self-reliant 

experiences. However, they do have the facilities and 

experiences suitable for many nature-based tourists. 

Victoria lacks the market positioning that other states, 

such as Tasmania, have as a nature-based destination. 

Currently there are few opportunities in Victoria for nontent-based 

overnight walking experiences which would 

enhance the state’s nature-based tourism branding. 

Highly scenic or historic areas such as the Great Ocean 

Road, Victorian Alps, East Gippsland and the Goldfields 

have been identified as having potential for this type of 

experience. 

The creation of well-supported state ‘icon’ or drawcard 

trails may become activity attractions in their own right. 

The popularity of long-distance walks depends on: 

• Walk experience on offer 

• Walk duration (two nights is ideal) 

• Walk distance (10-15km/day is ideal) 

• Roofed accommodation (rather than tent-based) 

There is only a small market wanting to experience longdistance 

walks. Anecdotally, most visits made to longdistance 

trails use only small sections at any one time, 

due to the limitation of overnight roofed accommodation. 

Future investment in long-distance trails will need 

to consider carefully the likely levels of use for the 

significant investment required for a sustainable 

product. 

As a consequence, people seeking walks with a high 

degree of comfort in remote natural areas are limited to 

day walks. There is potential to investigate and develop 

this opportunity further to enable overnight walking for a 

broader range of visitors. 

Bass Coast Rail Trail at Kilcunda 

21

Lack of coordinated and shared research 

There is currently a lack of research into demands 

and future trends of user groups, trail designs, current 

utilisation and segmentation of recreation users. 

Opportunities to better integrate current research and 

to undertake joint investigations are required to assist in 

data collection, interpretation and coordination, and to 

guide investment. 

Left: Avon River, Avon Wilderness Park. Right: Australian Alps Walking Track near Mt St Phillack. 

22

THE STRATEGY 

Vision 

To have a sustainable trail network that provides diversity of 

experience and equity of access for the health and wellbeing of 

Victorians and visitors alike. 

Guiding principles 

A sustainable trail network considers the social and 

economic returns to communities, successful delivery of 

the anticipated visitor experience and also the highest 

levels of environmental protection to natural and cultural 

sites. 

1. Individual and community health and wellbeing 

Trails should optimise users’ experience and create 

recreational opportunities that will satisfy community 

needs including exercise, health and wellbeing. 

2. Protection of natural and cultural heritage 

Natural and cultural heritage assets must 

be protected through environmentally sound 

conservation planning and practices. 

3. Economic benefits to state or region 

The development of Victoria’s trail system must 

consider ways to maximise economic returns, 

particularly in regional areas. 

Bike riders, St Kilda foreshore 

Image: Great Southern Rail Trail 

23

TRAIL EVALUATION 

FRAMEWORK 

To assess the merits of any proposed or existing 

trail with the aim of creating a sustainable network, 

the following framework should be considered. Trail 

development and redevelopment should return social 

and economic benefits to communities and also ensure 

the highest levels of environmental protection for natural 

and cultural sites. 

1. Individual and community 

health and well being 

Community involvement 

A key factor in the success of a trail (and the trail 

network) is the level of community support for 

and involvement in it. Proposals for new trails or 

trail redevelopment should strongly involve local 

communities. 

Such community projects can foster shared values 

and community allegiance that may strengthen the 

health and wellbeing of local and regional communities. 

Community participation in advocacy for trails, 

management, planning and conservation is important 

and is to be encouraged. Local trail committees of 

management and Friends groups facilitate participation 

in many different ways. 

Distribution of trail opportunities 

It is important that the existing network is more 

fully utilised before the construction of new trails is 

considered. To develop new trails without clear analysis 

of need may lead to unsustainable resourcing and 

contribute to potential and long-term unnecessary 

environmental impacts. Any trail redevelopment or 

new trail proposals should meet regional priorities 

set by management plans for recreation or tourism 

opportunities in different environments. Within the 

Victorian network some experiences are well catered 

for, such as challenging self-reliant long-distance 

trails, whereas there are opportunity gaps for others 

– for instance, a lack of adequate trails accessible for 

mountain biking in or near the metropolitan area. 

Existing plans and policies 

Proposed trails should be consistent with existing park 

or forest management plans, and other frameworks. 

Additional plans may include: 

• Victorian Government Linking People and Spaces 

(2002) 

• Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002, Victorian Heritage 

Strategy 2000-2005 

• Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Victoria’s 

Public Land Policy 2002 

• Regional Tourism Development Plans 2004, 

Tourism Victoria 

• Local Government planning schemes and 

infrastructure audits. 

There must be consultation about delivery commitments 

for trail proposals between relevant local government 

departments and agencies, organisations, community 

groups and stakeholders. 

Trail users 

The need for levels of trail development, facilities, 

services and information must be considered along with 

those of the particular trail users. Appropriate access 

and infrastructure can be informed by applying the 

‘Recreation Opportunity Spectrum’ (ROS). The ROS 

offers a framework for understanding the relationship 

between access, remoteness, naturalness, social 

encounters, visitor impacts, visitor management, and 

appropriate facilities available on a given area of land. 

Information about trails targets the expectations and 

needs of identified users. Trails should have suitable 

facilities and services for the comfort and safety of users 

appropriate to the style, setting and user group of the 

trail. 

Trails should receive sufficient use to justify expenditure 

on management, maintenance, marketing and services. 

Some trails may have very low use but are maintained 

in the network for heritage, community or unique 

recreation values, and distributed in accordance with 

recreation needs. 

24 

Image: Great Southern Rail Trail

2. Protection of natural and 

cultural heritage 

Protection and sustainability 

Trail development proposals should include aims to 

protect the ecological, heritage, cultural or landscape 

qualities of the area and minimise impacts on them. 

New trail developments are favoured if existing corridors 

can be used and natural values rehabilitated where 

necessary. The development of trails is to be avoided 

in environmentally or culturally sensitive areas, or areas 

where trails require frequent maintenance and/or have 

high maintenance costs. 

Trail use for commuter transport will be encouraged to 

lessen impacts on the natural environment by reducing 

dependence on vehicle use, hence reducing air 

pollution, noise, congestion and road accidents. 

Information, interpretation and education 

To inform and encourage future natural and cultural 

heritage protection, it is important to communicate 

messages about minimising user impacts, promoting 

appropriate user behaviour and features near trails. 

Trail interpretation can lead to an increase in visitor 

understanding and appreciation of the environmental, 

heritage and cultural values of the area. Participating in 

a licensed tour operator experience can further increase 

appreciation of the natural environment and cultural 

heritage of the area visited. 

Use of trails 

Trails should serve identified tourism or recreation 

needs and ideally should be located in areas of greatest 

demand i.e. close to regional centres or existing tourist 

destinations. Some trails may have very low use but 

are maintained in the network for particular values or 


Left: Billy Buttons and Silver Snow Daisies, Alpine NP. Right: Discovery Walk, Port Campbell NP 

25

3. Economic benefits to state 

or region 

Return to community 

Proposed and existing expenditure on planning, 

construction and maintenance should be commensurate 

with social and economic benefits to local communities. 

The ability to raise ongoing maintenance or development 

funds must be considered. The trail should provide 

some direct (e.g. entry or tour fees, where relevant) or 

indirect (accommodation, food and supplies) economic 

return to the local community and the state. 

Trail attraction 

Trails can become key local and regional attractions in 

their own right. Management, marketing and services 

should enhance visitors’ experiences and encourage 

increased length of stay and repeat visitation for 

optimum regional economic and social benefit. Before 

capital and infrastructure investment decisions are made 

an assessment of a trail’s potential tourism or recreation 

interest and attraction value is essential. 

These trail evaluation considerations will be further 

developed by the VTCC to assist trail managers, 

planners and the community to develop sustainable 

trail opportunities for network enhancement. 

Tour operators 

Trails enable tour operator businesses to present more 

varied tour programs. Currently, 250 tour operators are 

licensed to conduct outdoor activities on public land in 

Victoria. They offer a range of activities including short 

interpretive guided walks, overnight hiking tours and 

supported mountain bike tours. Tour operators can 

further develop packaging, transport and equipment 

hire opportunities in Victoria with the enhancement of 

existing trails and development of new ones, particularly 

linear rail trails and long-distance walks. This has 

been successfully achieved in interstate and overseas 

destinations such as New Zealand, where tour operators 

have packaged a range of soft and hard adventure 

trail experiences incorporating walking, canoeing and 

mountain bike riding. 

From Mt Erica track to ‘The Rocks’, Baw Baw NP 

26

KEY DIRECTIONS 

The Victorian Trails Strategy Action Plan has the 

following key directions for the next five years (2005- 

2010) supported by general and specific actions: 

A Trail network management 

Cross-organisation coordination for appropriate trail 

network development and management to provide for 

a range of trail experiences and opportunities. 

Coordination 

• Continue to communicate, liaise and provide advice to 

the Victorian government on trail development. 

• Progress the development of uniform trail classification 

standards for the different trail activity types, for 

adoption by trail managers. 

• Promote best practice among trail managers, and 

responsible trail user behaviour. 

• Identify and develop a hierarchy of trails (from icon 

to state, regional and local) to assist in prioritising 

trail upgrading, new development, maintenance or 

rationalisation. 

Development 

• Ensure that a diverse range of trail experiences and 

opportunities, from remote and self-reliant recreation 

to trails accessible to all people, is provided and 

maintained. 

• Complete recognised trail gaps in the existing network 

in urban areas. 

• Continue to maintain, upgrade and develop regional 

trails, with priority for completing existing trails and 

reuse of disused railway corridors. 

Management 

• Establish guidelines to increase shared trail 


• Investigate the potential for implementation of a 

limited number of highly desirable flagship trails that 

link to roofed accommodation that caters for overnight 

trail experiences not previously available in Victoria. 

B Trail marketing 

Coordinated and integrated marketing, including 

promotion of Victoria’s trails, to optimise awareness 

of trail opportunities and their sustainable use. 

• Market trail opportunities for increased use with flowon 

social health and wellbeing and regional economic 

benefits. 

• Identify and encourage tourism packaging 

opportunities which combine trails, transport, tours, 

accommodation and attractions. 

C Trail research 

Coordinated research and facilitated informationsharing 

to increase knowledge of trails and trail users. 

• Undertake research initiatives to increase trail 

understanding, including trail user needs and the 

environmental, social and economic effects of trails. 

• Continue to disseminate Australian and international 

research outcomes widely to trail managers and 

interest groups to facilitate and support opportunities 

for sharing trail knowledge and expertise. 

Strategy Implementation 

Strategy principles and actions will be followed 

and implemented by a range of lead agencies, key 

stakeholders and the VTCC. The community is a 

principal stakeholder in trails. Community use of trails 

and involvement in trail development and management 

are integral to the evolution of a sustainable network. 

Involvement is encouraged through participation in 

community recreation and conservation groups and 

committees of management. 

Government agencies and other agencies, including 

local government, will be guided by the principles 

outlined in the Strategy and in the implementation of 

other actions. 

27

ACTION RATIONALE LEAD and support* 

* The organisation listed first and/or in upper case takes the lead role. 

28 

ACTION PLAN 

Progressive implementation of these priority actions is scheduled from 2005 to 2010. 

Many actions will be delivered in partnership between agencies and with the community. 

KEY DIRECTION 

A Trail Network Management 

TRAIL COORDINATION 

1 Continue VTCC as a co-ordinating and advisory group for Victorian 

trails with marketing, developing and research programs, until such 

time as it is repositioned within the Nature-based Framework. 

2 Identify and establish a hierarchy of Victorian trails for marketing 

and management purposes. 

3 Investigate the development of uniform trail classification standards 

for the different trail activity types. 

4 Adopt the best practice for agreed trail standards, such as those 

developed by Standards Australia across all trail management 

agencies. 

5 Use consistent signage messages and appropriate placement, eg. 

between public transport nodes, town centres, other cycling or path 

networks, trail heads and attraction destinations. 

6 Provide accessible information sheets to assist interested 

community groups, local government and agencies to plan trails 

that meet current and potential future demands. 

TRAIL DEVELOPMENT 

General 

1 Continue to assess the supply of trails across public land 

tenures and in protected areas, to direct priority development, 

redevelopment and rationalisation as appropriate for sustainability. 

Coordinating trail development, marketing and research is a key role of VTCC to assist with the 

implementation of the Strategy. There is a requirement to encourage greater interaction with local 

governments and health promotion agencies. The Nature-based Framework that is currently being 

developed will become the future vehicle for strategy coordination. 

A diversity of trail experiences and opportunities is required in the network. The development 

of a trail hierarchy and inventory will assist in identifying management (including maintenance), 

marketing and research priorities. 

There are currently no uniform standards for classifying trails by recreational activity. Consistent 

classification standards across DSE and PV land tenures for different trail grades for different 

activities (ie. walking, mountain biking, horse riding) will enable users to make informed choices 

when selecting trails. 

There is an inconsistent approach to trail standards and signage, particularly trail ratings/degree of 

difficulty. The Australian Standard for Walking Track Classification (AS2156.1-2001), and Austroads 

Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice – Part 14 Bicycles, will be considered in the development of a 

new system. 

There are many gaps and inconsistencies in metropolitan, regional and rural trail networks. Many 

metropolitan trails and attractions (e.g. parks, historic places, rail trails) have public transport 

linkages but lack of directional signage creates frustration and difficulty for users. 

The Victorian government frequently receives requests for trail funding that do not adequately 

consider market demand, sustainability or the need for support. Accessible information such as fact 

sheets will guide local communities as well as state and local government in recognising priorities by 

adhering to sound trail development principles. 

There is a need to ensure that a diverse range of trail experiences and opportunities, from remote 

and self-reliant recreation to trails accessible to all people, is provided and maintained. There are 

many trail kilometres that are either inappropriately placed or unable to be maintained to acceptable 

standards. A thorough state-wide trail assessment on all public land is required to fashion a wellmaintained, 

environmentally sound and comprehensive suite of trails to determine priority actions. 

Specific trail supply assessment for recreation opportunities, such as mountain biking, and tourism 

product need gaps, is required. Existing infrastructure audits and programs such as Parks Victoria’s 

Level of Service framework will be used to assist in priority setting. 

VTCC 

VTCC 

VTCC 

DSE, PV 

VicRoads, Local 

Government, Bicycle 

Victoria, PV and DSE 

VTCC 

PV, DSE, TV, Local 

Government

PV, DSE, local community 

and Local Government 

PV, DSE, Great Dividing 

Trail Association, Local 

Government 

PV, TV, DSE, regional tourism 

bodies, local community, 

private industry 

PV, TV, Grampians product 

region tourism associations, 

private sector, AGV 

AGV, private sector, TV, PV, 

DSE and Local Government 

29 

ACTION PV, DSE, TV, VicRoads 

Where these low-value trails are not needed for management they may be rationalised. 

RATIONALE LEAD and support 

2 Develop new or improved branded trails in a targeted number of locations that achieve real economic or social benefits while rationalising low-value trails elsewhere in the trail network 

Opportunities exist to create new or improved trails or new links in areas with emerging tourism importance or residential recreational needs. At the same time Victoria’s public land contains many 

kilometres of trails/vehicle tracks which were created for earlier activities such as mining and logging. 

Short-Distance Trails 

3 Stocktake and review the distribution equity of half-day and wholeday 

walks within 90 minutes’ drive of Melbourne. 

4 Investigate the potential of providing connections between current 

existing well-used linear trails using potential resources such as 

disused aqueducts, rail trails and road reserves. 

5 Develop short walks from key visitor nodes in icon parks and alpine 

resorts to further the objectives of year-round use of alpine resorts 

(under the Government’s Alpine Resorts 2020 Strategy). 

There is an identified shortage of designated half-day walks within 90 minutes drive of Melbourne. PV. DSE, VicWalk, TV, VNPA, 

Local Government 

Many linear trails have potential loops or connections nearby that are worthy of investigation, eg. 

a link between the O’Shannassy Aqueduct and the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail and to the former 

Healesville-Lilydale railway line. Also investigate linking of trails on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Short walks of less than 1 hour (for summer use) are very popular but undersupplied or in need of 

upgrade in some icon national parks and alpine resorts. 

Local Government, Community 

groups, VicRoads, BV, TV, 

DSE and PV 

PV, DSE, Alpine Resorts, 

Private Sector, TV, VicRoads, 

Local Government, 

Dept of Infrastructure 

6 Develop a range of short interpretive walks which showcase 

particular natural or cultural environments such as box-ironbark 

forest, native grasslands and places of European and indigenous 

heritage significance. 

Long-Distance Trails 

7 Support the completion of the Great Dividing Trail link from 

Blackwood to Mt. Macedon. 

8 Investigate the feasibility of developing new or branded trails in East 

Gippsland where these can develop tourism benefits through linked 

accommodation and services such as supported overnight walks. 

9 Investigate the development of a 3-4 day long-distance walk using 

existing trails in Grampians NP, connecting many spectacular peaks 

and linked, if possible, to private accommodation. 

10 Investigate opportunities for the creation of interpretive overnight 

hiking trails on appropriate non-park public land or private land, 

where there is either existing accommodation or interest in the 

development of hut or cabin style accommodation within short 

walking distances of established trails. 

Short interpreted walks which present an educational “snapshot” of an area can be further 

developed as new areas are added to the Victorian protected area estate. This is an opportunity to 

enhance awareness and conservation of special natural and cultural heritage environments. 

The Great Dividing Trail has now been completed and opened. The development of links with nearby 

accommodation and trail transport or porter services will add value to the experience and cater for 

other types of tourists. 

Various planning documents have identified the need for further trail development in East Gippsland 

to assist in broadening the regional product base and boost economic development. The park estate 

(Croajingolong NP, Errinundra NP and Cape Conran CP) offers variety in scenery and landscapes, 

while coastal townships and settlements may offer existing accommodation with scope for further 

development. 

Investigate the development of a limited number of highly desirable flagship trails with links to roofed 

accommodation that cater for overnight trail experiences not previously available in Victoria The 

Grampians is one of Victoria’s prime bushwalking areas yet lacks a designated overnight walking trail 

linked to accommodation. 

There is potential for the development of overnight trails on private rural properties using 

purpose-built or existing farm B&B accommodation. These trail types provide opportunities to 

interpret Victorian pastoral landscapes and landcare values. Multiple-day trails with nearby roofed 

accommodation are popular and successful overseas. These opportunities will assist in competitively 

positioning Victoria as a trail destination and fill an existing recreation opportunity gap. Eg linking 

trails to the Australian Alps Walking Track between Mt Hotham and Falls Creek with accommodation 

outside the Alpine National Park.

30 

ACTION RATIONALE LEAD and support 

11 Investigate the Murray Valley Trail opportunity that may have one or 

two-day walking or cycling loops using existing trails around rural 

centres such as Swan Hill, Echuca/Moama and Albury/Wodonga. 

Cycling Trails 

12 Cater for cyclists by developing on-and off-road cycle trails in the 

Goldfields and Gippsland regions, such as Bendigo Bushland Trail, 

O’Keefe Rail Trail, and Great Dividing Trail. 

13 Develop identified and industry-approved mountain biking trail 

opportunities both in and around Melbourne and regional areas. 

There is an existing 1,800km Murray River Trail proposal that extends the length of the Murray River 

(Victoria’s North East to the South Australian mouth). One-or two-day loops around key towns using 

existing trails are considered most likely to attract significant usage, and most appropriate given trail 

user preferences. 

Cycle touring routes, both on-road and off-road, have not been clearly identified statewide. The 

undulating landscape and close proximity of towns in these regions make them ideal for cycling, 

providing travel routes and linking communities. 

Increase the current supply, distribution, management and provision of opportunities for mountain 

biking. 

Murray Darling Association, 

Local Government, DSE, PV, 

TV, VicRoads 

PV, DSE, VicRoads, Bicycle 

Victoria, Local Government 

DSE, PV , local clubs, ORC, 

Bicycle Victoria, Mountain 

Bike Australia 

Melbourne Trail Network 

14 Complete Metropolitan Trail Network (MTN) short term priorities as 

identified in Linking People and Spaces: Bay Trail, Plenty River Trail, 

Darebin Creek Trail, Maribyrnong Trail, Werribee River Trail and the 

Northbank Trail. 

Rail Trails 

15 Complete rail trail development identified as part of the Victorian 

Rail Trails Project and other trail developments outside the project. 

As part of a strategic assessment of rail trail supply opportunities, 

further network opportunities can be considered once existing 

priorities have been completed. Refer to Appendix C: Rail Trails 

Approximately half of Melbourne’s metropolitan trail network has been completed. Development of 

the network will focus on closing gaps in the existing trail system and creating new trails to meet 

demand in future growth areas. Linking People and Spaces detail priority actions 

The original Rail Trail project is at varying development stages with few totally complete. These trails 

start from and link regional towns, where tourism support and recreation infrastructure already exists. 

Rail trails have the potential to link significant tourism destinations and encourage longer visitor 

stays, such as the Old Beechy and Camperdown – Timboon Rail Trails linking via the Great Ocean 

Road and the West Coast Railway. 

PV, VicRoads, Local 

Government, DSE, DOI, 

Melbourne Water, Bicycle 


DSE, Local Government, TV, 

PV, VicRoads, private land 

owners, local tourism and 

development associations, 

Bicycle Victoria, Rail Trails 

Australia 

TRAIL MANAGEMENT 

1 Undertake a trial into shared-use tracks (eg. walkers and mountain 

bikes) to establish guidelines and protocols for potential expansion 

of the shared trail network. 

2 Investigate the possible development or upgrading of trails in 

regional and rural Victoria, such as the Great Ocean Walk, with 

accommodation options. 

3 Develop strategic trail links in areas accessible to existing off park 

roofed accommodation. 

Shared trails offer the opportunity to increase the range of trail experiences for non-walkers (i.e. 

mountain bikers and horseriders) without having to increase the trail network. This minimises 

environmental impact and resource allocation. 

The Great Ocean Walk offers spectacular coastal scenery and has the potential to be an icon trail for 

Victoria. 

DSE, PV, VicWalk, Mountain 

Biking Community and 

Horseriding community 

PV, TV, DSE, Great Ocean 

Road Marketing, Local 

Government, private sector 

Trails with the option of roofed accommodation are a distinct supply gap. PV, TV, Private Industry


TV, PV, DSE 

DVC, PV, VicFit, Health agencies, 

DSE, ORC, VicWalk, Bicycle 


TV, DVC, PV, DSE 

TV, PV 

PV, HV, DSE, Local Government, 

Local Indigenous Communities, 

local community interest groups 

PV, DSE, VicWalk, Bicycle 

Victoria, VicRoads, ORC 

DSE, PV, Bicycle Victoria, Local 

Government, ORC 

PV, TV, Private land owners, Local 

Government, VNPA, VicWalk, 

local community groups 

TAV, Tourism Operators, Friends 

Groups, trail committees of 

management, PV, TV 

31 

KEY DIRECTION 

B Trail Marketing 

1 Use Victoria’s trail hierarchy to brand Victoria’s greatest short, long 

distance and iconic trails. 

2 Promote fun, healthy outdoor activities, such as walking and cycling, 

particularly in regional Victoria, through the supply of information and 

promotional material. 

3 Continue to develop and distribute information about trails, such as 

special trail events (ie . Rail Trail Discovery Weekend) and promotions 

to the Victorian audience such as the Tourism Victoria campaigns, 

Visitor Information Centres, and websites. 

4 Support the development and distribution of trail publications for 

selected international and domestic markets and promote park 

locations through showcasing website links for tourism package 

purposes at opportunities such as Australian Tourism Exchange. 

5 Promote cultural heritage and art themes on existing and new trails. 

Develop statewide links with existing heritage and art/artist trails. 

Encourage the appropriate use of local Indigenous names for trails. 

6 Consistently promote trail standards to users on challenge rating and 

surface standards via integration of information, signage and maps. 

7 Promote appropriate and responsible trail behaviour in all publications 

and the media. Develop and communicate a trail code of behaviour, 

and highlight the ‘Sharing the Trail’ brochure to promote greater 

understanding and consideration among trail users. 

8 Promote current overnight walks that do not require navigation skills 

(standard 3-4) and are within 2-3 hours of Melbourne to maximise 

customer awareness and product confidence. 

9 Identify, facilitate and encourage the packaging and provision of 

trail services, such as transport, accommodation and attractions, for 

enhancement of visitor experiences and easy use of trails. 

While Victoria has an extensive trail network only the iconic trails will assist to establish the 

state as a highly desirable destination for walking and riding. Apart from Stepping Out, there 

has been no consistent theme to trails in Victoria, each management agency adopting its 

own approach to trail promotion. 

There is increasing awareness of the benefits of parks being the setting for recreational 

and tourism activities that encourage and engage people in achieving better health and life 

approaches. 

Information about trail opportunities should be widely available to a broad audience to 

maximise awareness and use. This may include health-linked campaigns to motivate both 

the health-conscious and less active parts of the Victorian population. Websites should have 

up-to-date information including maps and photographs showing trail settings, and the 

potential to include a complete trails database. 

Several international markets have a high level of interest in bushwalking and bike riding, 

particularly Germany and the UK. Currently there is insufficient information available for 

these markets. 

Cultural heritage examples include local Indigenous history or current places of interest, 

European and Asian pioneers, railway history on rail trails, trail links to built heritage 

attractions, other places of interest, and artist trails, eg. Clarice Beckett, Port Phillip, 

Dandenong Ranges and Heidelberg School trails. 

A consistent approach to walking and cycling trail standards will enable users to better match 

their abilities and expectations with the trail experience offered. 

There are many current variations of codes and a co-ordinated approach to development of a 

trail users’ code is required. The development of tourism and recreation codes of appropriate 

behaviour will encourage sustainable use. 

There is a need to coordinate current and emerging overnight walks to ensure they are well 

signed and require minimal navigation skills to encourage equity and sustainable supply. 

Current examples exist in Wilsons Promontory NP, the Baw Baw Plateau and the Beeripmo 

Walk with emerging opportunities on the Great Dividing Trail and the Great Ocean Walk. 

Services that can enhance trail experience and make trail use easier can extend a regional 

stay and encourage broader audience participation. Packages including accommodation, 

porter services, wineries, restaurants, bike hire and tour guiding will be encouraged. Canoe/ 

walk, mountain bike/walk/canoe options are also encouraged.

AGV Accommodation Getaways Victoria BV Bicycle Victoria DOI Dept of Infrastructure 

DPI Dept of Primary Industries DSE Dept of Sustainability and Environment DVC Dept for Victorian Communities 

HV Heritage Victoria ORC Outdoor Recreation Centre PV Parks Victoria 

SRV Sport and Recreation Victoria TAV Tourism Alliance Victoria Limited TV Tourism Victoria 

VTCC Victorian Trails Coordinating Committee VNPA Victorian National Parks Association 

32 

KEY DIRECTION 

C Trail Research 


1 Conduct research with existing and potential trail users to further 

determine demand and preferences for trail development and use. 

This will include identifying barriers to participation. Link with broader 

consumer research on natural attractions 

2 Commission research to quantify economic, social and environmental 

benefits of trails. Disseminate findings for use in the strategic 

assessment of the network, management purposes, funding 

applications and trail planning 

3 Conduct trail impact, visitor number and satisfaction monitoring on 

selected trails from each trail classification 

4 Research trail behaviour to develop guidelines for shared-use and trail 

conflict issues and planning. Communicate to trail managers 

5 Create, facilitate and support opportunities for sharing trail-related 

knowledge and expertise among trail managers, volunteer groups, 

the community and trail specialists. Widely disseminate research 

outcomes. 

There is a gap in detailed understanding of the demands of trail users and visitors to natural 

attractions in Victoria. Only limited data is available on use of trails. There is a need to 

increase our understanding of the motivations for and triggers of trail use. 

There is a risk of trails not satisfactorily competing for funding because regional economic 

and social values have not been adequately quantified through research. 

There is limited knowledge of the number of visitors using trails and their satisfaction with 

various aspects of trails. In addition, little or no research has been undertaken on visitor 

impacts. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests that conflicts between user groups and increasing usage on 

some trails are creating problems. A review of existing literature is required to formulate an 

information sheet. 

Providing guidance and opportunities for knowledge and information sharing are important 

for trail network development and improvement and marketing. This could include a trail 

newsletter and workshop or conference opportunities with a national, state, regional or local 

focus. New trail research should be widely disseminated to the trail community. 

VTCC 

VTCC 

PV, DSE, Local Government, 

Bicycle Victoria, trail committees 

of management 

DSE, PV, TV 

VTCC 

Handy websites 

• Bicycle Victoria www.bv.com.au 

• Dept. Sustainability & Environment www.dse.vic.gov.au 

• Dept. Victorian Communities www.dvc.vic.gov.au 

• Outdoor Recreation Centre www.orc.org.au 

• Parks Victoria www parkweb.vic.gov.au 

• Rail Trails www.dse.railtrails.org.au 

• Sport and Recreation Victoria www.sport.vic.gov.au 

• Tourism Victoria www.visitvictoria.com.au 

• VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au 

• Outdoor Recreation Centre www.orc.org.au 

• Tourism Victoria Corporate site www.tourismvictoria.com.au 

• Go for your life www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au

33 

APPENDIX A: REFERENCES 

Aitkin, Dr B (2001) Across the range: an overview of strategic approaches to walking 

tracks in Scotland. Mountain Track Management Forum, Mt Buffalo. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Participation in Sport & Physical Activities Australia 

1998/99, 1999/2000, Cat No. 4177.0 

Austroads (1999) Cycling Australia, The National Strategy 1999-2004. Sydney 

Bureau of Tourism Research. International Visitor Survey December 1999. Canberra. 

Bureau of Tourism Research (2001) Travel by Australians 1999. Annual Results of the 

National Visitor Survey BTR Canberra. 

Colquhoun, F.; McCooke, A.; Aitkin, V. and Peace, R. (2001) Rail Trails of Victoria and 

South Australia 

Department of Infrastructure, Heritage Victoria, Victorian Heritage Strategy 2000-2005 

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002) Policy for Sustainable 

Recreation & Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land 

Geddes, A. (1999). Australian Railtrails. Charles Sturt University, Albury. 

Go for Green (1999) The Economic Benefits of Trails. Trail Monitor 1. Ontario, Canada. 

Go for Green (1999) The Social, Health and Heritage Benefits of Trails. Trail Monitor 2. 

Ontario, Canada. 

Hugo, Leon, M. (2000) A Comprehensive approach towards the Planning, Grading and 

Auditing of Hiking Trails as Ecotourism Products. University of Pretoria, Pretoria. South 

Africa 

Leung, Y. and Marion, J.L. (1996). Trail degradation as influenced by environmental 

factors: a state of the knowledge review. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 51 (3): 

130-136. 

International Mountain Bicycling Association (2001) A Trail of One’s Own? Separate Trails 

Divide; Shared Trails Unite. Jim Hasenauer. 

Linking People and Spaces (2002) A Strategy for Melbourne’s open space network, 

Parks Victoria 

Maher Brampton Associates (February 2001) The Draft State Trails Master Plan. Western 

Australian Planning Commission, Sport and Recreation WA. Como WA. 

Melbourne 2030, Department of Sustainability and Environment 

Parks Victoria Corporate Plan 2003-2004 

Parks Victoria. Visitor Satisfaction Monitor, 2002 to 2004 

Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania. (1994) Walking Track Management Strategy for the 

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Volume 3. Appendices B-G and References. 

Department of Environment and Land Management, Hobart. 

Sport and Recreation Victoria (November 2001) Physical Activity Framework. 

Tourism Tasmania, Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Tasmania (1997) Tasmanian 

Walking Tracks Strategy and Marketing Plan. Department of Environment and Land 

Management, Hobart. 

Tourism Victoria (November 2000) Nature Based Tourism Directions and Opportunities 

Paper for Victoria 2000-2003. 

Tourism Victoria (2002) Strategic Plan 2002-2006. 

Tourism Victoria (1996) Grampians Regional Tourism Development Plan 

U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks Service (1995) Economic Impacts of 

Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenways Corridors. A Resource Book. USA. 

Victorian Coastal Council. Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 

Weir D.V. and Dyck L. (1997) Environmental and Social Impact Review. A discussion 

paper on Environmental and Social Impact Review for Multiple-Use Trails in Alberta.

VicRoads manages Victoria’s arterial road network for all road users. It is progressively 

constructing a network of on-road bicycle lanes on many of these arterial roads. VicRoads 

also develops off-road paths where on-road bicycle lanes are inappropriate, such as along 

urban freeways. 

34 

APPENDIX B: VTCC MEMBERSHIP 

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 

Lead role: policy, land and resource management 

The Department is responsible for policy setting and integrated management of Victoria’s 

natural resource base, including land identification, resource development and utilisation, 

and the protection, conservation and management of Victoria’s natural environment. 

The Department plays a significant role in developing key policy guidelines for recreation 

and tourism management on public land, and manages Victoria’s Rail Trail Program. 

It will also be responsible for ensuring the implementation of government initiatives on State 

forest (around 3.4 million hectares of Victoria’s public land) and other public lands such as 

coastal reserves and disused railway corridors. 

Parks Victoria (PV) 

Lead role: land management 

Parks Victoria manages around 4.1 million hectares of Victoria’s natural, recreational and 

tourism assets, bays and waterways in Melbourne and sites of cultural significance across 

the State. This takes in Victoria’s national, marine and state parks including internationally 

known icons such as Port Campbell and Wilsons Promontory national parks. Many of these 

parks contain the State’s most significant walking tracks. Parks Victoria is responsible for the 

coordination of the development of the Metropolitan Trail Network. 

Parks Victoria also manages the licensing system for tour operators conducting a trade or 

business on public land. 

Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) 

Lead Role: recreation policy 

SRV, a Division of the Department for Victorian Communities seeks to develop all facets 

of the sport and recreation industry. One key objective is to improve the range and quality 

of sport and recreation participation opportunities by supporting the development of 

community facilities. 

SRV’s funding programs accordingly support local government facility planning and 

development, which may include the construction of multi-purpose walking and cycling 

tracks. 

Tourism Victoria (TV) 

Lead role: marketing and product development 

Tourism Victoria acts as a catalyst in stimulating tourism growth through marketing and 

product development initiatives, with a mission to maximise employment and economic 

benefits by developing the State as a competitive holiday destination. 

Tourism Victoria plays a key role in the marketing of Victoria’s trails as well assisting in 

product development and packaging associated with long-distance walks and cycling trails. 

VicRoads 

Lead Role: arterial road management

35 

APPENDIX C: RAIL TRAIL NETWORK PRIORITIES 

Priorities: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High 

Rail Trail Reserved as Crown Land Priority for 

developing 

trail surface 

High Country 

(Bandiana to Cudgewa) 

Great Southern 

(Leongatha to Yarram) 

Priority for visitor facilities, 

services, information and 

interpretation 

Marketing 

priority 

Overall 

priority 

Future priorities 

Reserved Bandiana to Old 

H M H H Complete gaps in trail at Sandy Inlet. 

Tallangatta 

Balance unreserved 

Reserve Koetong-Shelley section and open this section for public use. 

Reserved Leongatha to Foster H H H H Develop from Leogatha-Foster. Assess the future development of Foster–Yarram. 

Warburton Lilydale to Warburton reserved, 

excepting 1km section in Lilydale 

township. 

Murray to Mountains 

(Wangaratta to Bright and 

Beechworth) 

East Gippsland 

(Bairnsdale to Orbost) 

Bellarine 

(Sth Geelong to Queenscliff) 

H H H H Upgrade visitor services and link the two section of the Trail where it is broken at 

Lilydale. Develop links to other trails and trail circuit routes. 

Reserved Complete H H H Complete visitor services. Encourage transport services. Consider extensions. 

Reserved Bairnsdale to Bruthen Construct Nowa Nowa to Orbost. 

M H H H Reserve to Orbost. Visitor services required for other sections. 

Reserved Complete H H H Visitor Services. Market with links to other trails and Great Ocean Road. 

Warrnambool–Pt Fairy Unreserved Unreserved 

H 

H 

(when reservation complete) 

L 

(until developed) 

Ballarat–Skipton Reserved H M M 


Camperdown–Timboon Camperdown to Timboon. 

Reserved 

Mirboo North–Boolarra Mirboo North to Boolarra. 

Reserved 

O’Keefe 

(Bendigo to Axedale) 

Bass Coast 

(Nyora to Wonthaggi) 

Old Beechy 

(Colac to Beech Forest) 

Bendigo to Junortoun reserved, 

thereafter Local Government 

managed land to Axedale. 

Reserved Anderson to Wonthaggi, 

Nyora to Anderson unreserved. 

Mostly private land access 

arrangements 

L Major planning and a feasibility study required 

(Future M-H) 

M Upgrade trail surface, facilities, visitor information and marketing between Ballarat 

and Smythesdale. Connect trail to Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. 

H M M M Trail development and bridge repair. 

L M H M Upgrade visitor facilities. Market and package with other Gippsland Rail Trails. 

M Investigate extension to Heathcote using other easements to elevate it to a 

development of Anderson-Nyora section Future connection to bike paths on Phillip 

Island for continuous trail from Cowes to Wonthaggi. 

H M M Upgrade trail surface Junortoun to Axedale. Further develop visitor services. 

tourism trail. 

M M M M Upgrade surface Anderson -Wonthaggi. Revegetation works. Reserve and plan 

M M 

(until developed and then H) 

M H Develop trail and visitor facilities. Provide marketing and promotion. 

Investigate link to Great Ocean Rd and Camperdown – Timboon Rail Trail 

Red Hill Consider future link to Bittern. 

Local Government managed M M M M Further surface maintenance, signage and cultural history/ interpretation. 

Walhalla Goldfields 

Reserved M L M M Upgrade surface and improve creek crossing and signage. 

(Erica to Walhalla) 

Gippsland Plains 

(Traralgon to Stratford) 

Reserved M L L M Develop trail surface and creek crossings. Interpret grasslands.

36 

RAIL TRAIL NETWORK PRIORITIES CONTINUED… 

Rail Trail Crown Land Reserved for 

Rail Trail purposes 

Goulburn Valley 

(Tallarook-Alexandra- 

Mansfield) 

East Gippsland Discovery 

(Moe to Yallourn) 

Yea and Bonnie Doon only 

Reserved 

Hamilton-Coleraine Reserved for conservation 

purposes 

Heatherlie 

(Grampians to Stawell) 

Priority for 

developing 

trail surface 

H 

(when reservation 

complete) 

Priority for visitor facilities, 

services, information and 

interpretation 

L 


Marketing 

priority 

L 


Overall 

priority 

L 

(Future M-H) 

Future priorities 

Moe – Yallourn Reserved L M L L Upgrade visitor services. 

Assess feasibility study undertaken by Mitchell and Murrindindi Shire Councils with 

a view to further land acquisition and rail trail development plan for connection to 

Seymour using other easements. 

L Assess future development as a rail trail. 

College (with corporate sponsorship). 

L L L Continue to develop as a conservation reserve. 

L L L L Leased Crown Land. Future consideration. Under construction by Stawell Secondary 

Rushworth - Murchinson East L L L L Local community interest. 

Yarra Valley 

L L L L Local community interest. 

(Lilydale – Healesville) 

Hepburn 

L L L L Active and under construction. Local community interest. 

(Daylesford-Trentham- 

Carlsruhe/Kyneton) 

Arapiles 

L L L L Local community interest. 

(Horsham to Arapiles) 

Goldfields 

(Castlemaine to Maldon to 

Shelbourne) 

L L L L Local community interest.

APPENDIX D: METROPOLITAN TRAILS REFERENCE GUIDE 

37 

LENGTH OF TRAIL, 30 MINUTES (

38 

LENGTH OF TRAIL, HALF DAY (6-12 KM) 

Trail Number Trail Name 

166 See also Cycling Trails 

170 Brisbane Ranges NP – various 

179 Mornington Peninsula NP – Two Bays Walking Track 

182 You Yangs RP – Flinders Peak-West Loop Walk 

183 Phillip Island–Cape Woolamai 

LENGTH OF TRAIL, FULL DAY (12-25 KM) 


5 Main Yarra Trail 

39 Bay Trail -Williamstown to Brighton 

206 Macedon Ranges RP – Ranges Walking Trail 

207 Lilydale Warburton RT 

210 Brisbane Ranges NP – various 

214 Dandenong Ranges NP – Olinda Forest Trail and Western Trail 

220 See also Cycling Trails 

224 Kinglake NP – Masons Falls to Mt Sugarloaf 

OVERNIGHT TRAILS (TENT) 


234 Brisbane Ranges NP walks 

OVERNIGHT – ROOFED ACCOMMODATION 


254 Peninsula Coastal Walk – Portsea to Sorrento 

OFF-ROAD CYCLING 


258 Maribyrnong River Trail 

5 Main Yarra Trail 

14 Moonee Ponds Creek Trail 

16 Merri Creek Trail 


21 Gardiners Creek 

273 Dandenong Creek 

1 Capital City Trail 

5 Bay Trail 

22 Diamond Creek Trail 

89 Plenty River Trail 

18 Western Ring Road path 

17 Anniversary Trail 

20 Mullum Mullum Creek 

19 Scotchmans Creek 

284 Dandenong Ranges NP trails 

94 Lilydale Lake 

307 Darebin Creek Trail 

ON-ROAD CYCLING (TOURS) 


39 Bay Trail 

264 Bellarine RT 

286 Werribee River Trail 

289 Principal Bicycle Network trails 

290 Mornington Peninsula Wineries 

HORSE RIDING TRAILS 



295 Dandenong Ranges NP 

296 Merricks–Red Hill Trail 

299 Kinglake NP horse trails 

REGIONAL CENTRES 


305 Barwon River Ride

APPENDIX E: METROPOLITAN TRAILS MAP 

39

APPENDIX F: REGIONAL VICTORIA TRAILS REFERENCE GUIDE 

40 

This is an indicative and not comprehensive list of existing trails. 

1 HOUR FROM MELBOURNE 

1 – 2 HOURS FROM MELBOURNE 

LENGTH OF TRAIL,

41 


LENGTH OF TRAIL, 30 MIN – 2HRS (2-6 KM) 


84 Mornington Peninsula NP – Bushrangers Bay 

85 Fort Nepean 

90 Churchill Island – Island circuit 

95 Bunyip SP – various trails 

99 Yarra Ranges NP – Cumberland Walk & Cora Lynn 

101 The Beeches (Marysville) 

105 Toolangi SF – Wilhelmina Falls 

109 Marysville SF – various walks 

113 Cathedral Range SP – various tracks 

44 Lake Daylesford circuit 

121 Hepburn & Tipperary Springs 

125 Lake Wendouree walk or cycle 

133 Mt Alexander Diggings – Eureka Reef Walk 

137 Cohuna SF short walks 

142 Barmah SP – Nature Walk 

146 Strathbogie SF walks 

149 Mt Samaria SP – Summit walk 

151 Lake Eildon NP – Perfect Cure Trail 

153 Warby Range SP short walks (eg Pine Gully Nature Walk) 

155 Morwell NP – Mt Worth Giants Circuit 

307 Queenscliff coastal walks 


Trail Number OVERNIGHT – ROOFED ACCOMMODATION 

Trail Name 

200 Great Dividing Trail – Tipperary Track – Daylesford to Hepburn Springs 

203 Bendigo Bushland Trail (various) 


211 Powelltown/Yarra Ranges NP 

216 Cathedral Range SP – Northern and 

217 Southern Circuits 

221 Tyers RP – Wirilda Track 

224 Kinglake NP – Masons Falls to Mt Sugarloaf 

227 Mt Samaria SP – Wileman Track 



231 Great Dividing Trail – Castlemaine to Creswick 

235 Cathedral Range SP – circuit walk 

238 Yarra SF – Walk into History 

241 Upper Yarra Track 


252 Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse Accommodation 

254 Peninsula Coastal Walk – Portsea to Cape Schanck 

LENGTH OF TRAIL, 1/2 DAY (6-12 KM) 


167 Yarra Ranges NP – Lake Mountain 

171 Cathedral Range SP – Neds Gully Circuit 

175 Eildon SP – Blowhard Summit 

179 Mornington Pen. NP – Two Bays Walking Track 

183 Phillip Island – Cape Woolamai 

187 George Bass Coastal Walk 

191 Enfield State Park – Enfield to Surface Point

42 





261 Ballarat Skipton RT 

264 Bellarine RT 

267 Moe Yallourn RT 

270 Walhalla Goldfields RT 

274 Mirboo North–Boolarra RT 

276 Great Southern RT 

277 O’Keefe RT 

278 Old Beechy RT 

279 Noojee Trestle Bridge 

280 Wombat SF bike trails 

281 Bunyip SP various trails 

282 Kinglake NP – various 

283 Bendigo Bushland Trails 

285 French Island Bike Trails 

286 Werribee River Trail 



287 Daylesford/Hepburn 

290 Mornington Peninsula Wineries 

292 Yarra Valley Wineries 

294 Cobaw State Forest areas 



296 Merricks–Red Hill Trail 

207 Lilydale–Warburton RT 

302 Anderson–Wonthaggi RT 

304 Wombat SF 

246 Bicentennial National Trail 


LENGTH OF TRAIL,

43 




168 Angahook Lorne SP – Kalimna Falls, Sheoak Falls 

172 Eildon NP – Mt Torbreck Track 

176 Howqua Hills River Walk to Ritchies Hut 

180 Warby Ranges SP – Mt Glenrowan Walk 



184 Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP – White Box Walking Track 

188 Wilsons Promontory NP – Tongue Point & Sparkes Lookout 

189 Millers Landing and Vereker Lookout 

192 Mt Stirling Summit 



201 Angahook Lorne SP – waterfalls 

204 Surf Coast Walk – Jan Juc to Moggs Creek 

208 Mahogany Walk – Warrnambool 

212 Grampians NP – Mt Abrupt 

218 Wilsons Prom. NP – Sealers Cove 

222 Baw Baw NP – Mt St Gwinear to Mt Baw Baw 

225 Otway NP–Great Ocean Walk, Port Campbell to Apollo Bay 



236 Carlisle SP – circuit 

239 Wilsons Promontory NP – Prom Circuit 

242 Baw Baw Plateau 

244 Alpine NP – The Bluff 

246 Bicentennial National Trail (Healesville to Cooktown) 

OVERNIGHT – ROOFED ACCOMMODATION 


253 Surf Coast Walk – Aireys Inlet 

256 Baw Baw NP – Baw Baw Village to Mt St Gwinear 

257 Wilsons Promontory NP – Lighthouse Track 



259 Angahook Lorne SP mountain bike areas 

262 Otway NP mountain bike areas 

265 Grampians NP mountain bike areas 

268 Barmah Forest trails 

271 Murray to Mountains RT 

275 Mt Buller trails 



288 Great Ocean Road 

291 Rutherglen Wineries – Muscat Trail 

293 Milawa Gourmet Region 



297 Grampians NP – various tracks 

300 Black Range SP – various tracks 

303 Buller/Stirling horse trail 

246 Bicentennial National Trail

44 

3 HOURS+ FROM MELBOURNE 

LENGTH OF TRAIL,

45 

3 HOURS + FROM MELBOURNE 



169 Otway NP – Cape Otway to Aire River Via Rainbow Falls 

173 Lower Glenelg and Discovery Bay CP – Great South West Walk – various 

177 Grampians NP – Mt Rosea and Wonderland Walks 

181 Wyperfeld NP – Wonga Campground tracks 

185 Hattah-Kulkyne NP – Bugle Ridge Track 

186 Hattah-Kulkyne NP–Camel Pad Track 

190 Mt Buffalo NP – various 

193 Burrowa-Pine Mountain NP – Mt Burrowa 

194 Cape Conran CP – Yeerung Gorge 

195 Croajingolong NP – Coastal Wilderness Walk – Shipwreck Creek 

196 Alpine NP – Bryce Gorge 

197 Moroka Gorge 

198 Cobungra River 

199 Errinundra NP – Coast Range Track 



202 Otway NP – Old Coach Rd, Princetown 

205 Discovery Bay CP – Great South West Walk 

209 Lower Glenelg NP – Great South West Walk 

213 Grampians – Mt Difficult 

219 Little Desert NP – Eastern Block 

223 Snowy River NP – Silvermine Track 

226 Alpine NP – Mt Feathertop along the Razorback 

228 Alpine NP – Mt Bogong Summit 

229 Mt Howitt Summit 



233 Lower Glenelg NP – The Great South West Walk 

237 Grampians NP – Major Mitchell Plateau 

240 Little Desert – Discovery Walk 

243 Alpine NP – Cross Cut Saw/Mt Speculation Australian Alps Walking Track 

245 Alpine NP – Tali Karng Walk 

247 Alpine NP – Mt Feathertop 

248 Australian Alps Walking Track – Walhalla to Canberra 

249 Burrowa-Pine Mountain NP 

250 Croajingolong NP – Wilderness Coast Walk 

251 Coopracambra NP – River Walk 



260 East Gippsland Rail Trail – Bairnsdale to Orbost 

263 Alpine NP various trails 

266 Croajingolong NP various trails 

269 Murray Sunset & Hattah-Kulkyne NPs – various trails 

272 Gippsland Lakes – various trails 



298 Alpine NP – various 

246 Bicentennial National Trail

APPENDIX G: REGIONAL VICTORIA TRAILS MAP 

46

Alpine National Park

The Victorian Trails Strategy 2005 –2010 - Tourism Victoria

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