Tracks and trails play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of a community. They provide connection, recreation and exploration for all and in Bass Coast, they also make a significant contribution to our visitor economy, providing links to key attractions and contributing to our unique eco-tourism.

Council has prioritised a series of future tracks and trails requiring more than $40 million investment and supports Phillip Island Nature Park and Destination Gippsland in the development of interconnecting trails.

Council has identified two priority projects requiring immediate support.

  • Gippsland Odyssey: Woolamai to Nyora

    Partnering with Destination Gippsland

    The Gippsland ‘Odyssey’ Trail project is to be recognised nationally and internationally as a must do long distance multi-use trail showcasing the best of Gippsland while activating towns and communities. It will do so by linking all the existing rail trail corridors, including the Woolamai to Nyora leg throughout Gippsland and taking advantage of the diverse landscape, our iconic lakes and beaches, lush valleys and ranges. Feasibility and designs required.

The vast majority of councils across Australia actively seek State and Federal Government contributions to fund new tourism and active transport projects.

Council continues to hold meetings with Federal and State Ministers, Shadow Ministers, candidates, and Advisors to promote the benefits of investing Tracks and Trails across Bass Coast and Gippsland.

Further, our advocacy efforts are strengthened through our membership of OneGippsland, Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils , Destination Gippsland and Destination Phillip Island.

Council has been awarded $375,000 from the Victorian Government Investment Fast-track Fund for planning and feasibility study for the Woolamai to Nyora section. This $500,000 project will be undertaken in collaboration with South Gippsland Shire Council.

  • Safe off-road trails have the potential to attract more women, children and senior Victorians to cycle and walk more often.
  • Free and easily accessible, helping to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of the community.
  • Trails provide great opportunity for people with high levels of disadvantage as they are free to use, always open and do not require formal membership or specialised equipment. They are also a conduit to increased social interaction.
  • Responds to the needs of a growing population.
  • The Trails will create a new nature based tourism visitor attraction, providing access to the unique experience of walking and cycling in Bass Coast.
  • New Trails responds to community demand with walking as the most popular activity within the Shire