A New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative - 19 Projects
2WD and Pedal Power
| Otway 2WD Touring Experience - Turtons Track Forrest Mountain Bike Project Old Beechy Line Rail Trail Otway 2WD Touring Experience - Turtons Track Creating an accessible and safe 2 wheel-drive touring circuit through the proposed Great Otway National Park will provide important exposure to hinterland attractions. The proposed route would include a section of the Great Ocean Road between Lavers Hill, Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek, and it would take visitors via Turtons Track through the hinterland town of Beech Forest, connecting visitors with major attractions such as the Otway Fly and Triplet Falls. Turtons Track forms the eastern end of the Beech Forest Road and is particularly scenic but its 12 kilometres are unsealed and landslips cause periodic closure. A Steering Committee has been formed to look at the appropriate level of development for the track. The Committee has conducted studies into the potential impacts on the environmental and cultural heritage, the possible options for upgrading the track and the potential economic costs and benefits to the Otways. During December 2006, local organisations and the general community were asked to have their say on the upgrade of Turtons Track based on preliminary environmental, cultural heritage and economic assessments of various upgrade options. A discussion paper was created and community meetings held in early November 2005 to foster informed discussion and debate around the potential upgrade options and community aspirations for Turtons Track. See the discussion paper attached.  Turtons Track Discussion Paper (PDF - 293 Kb)A draft report was generated and follow up meetings held in early December to validate that the draft report was an accurate reflection of the community views. The report has now been finalised. Turtons Consultation FINAL Report (PDF - 348 Kb)The Steering Committee is now awaiting the results of a funding bid and will be in contact with stakeholders and the community if funding is secured. |    |
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Forrest Mountain Bike Project
| Set around the idyllic township of Forrest, nestled in the heart of the Otways, the Forrest Mountain Bike project is providing a world class mountain bike trail network for riders of all standards. The project has delivered over 50km of purpose built mountain bike trails, with design and construction assistance from internationally renowned trail builder Glenn Jacobs of Mudcow Visions Australia. The trails have been built with real mountain bikers in mind and offer experiences for beginners and the most hardcore dirt fanatics, choose a trail that suits you. Many of these new trails have and will be used in events, including the Otway Odyssey and the Kona 24 hour. The combination of singletrack, existing fire trails and other forest tracks will offer days of world class riding through some of Victoria’s most picturesque and varied forests. The main trailhead in Forrest is nearing completion and provides the perfect start point for your mountain bike adventure. There’s a trail and experience for everyone. Forrest Mountain Bike Trail Map (PDF - 2.1 Mb)The Forrest Mountain Bike Trails map is available from local Visitor Information Centres in Colac, Lorne and Apollo Bay. |   |
Tony Griffiths Presentation (PDF - 1.3 Mb)For more information please contact the Project Manager, David Rourke, on 5233 5557, or email david.rourke@dse.vic.gov.au.
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Old Beechy Line Rail Trail
On Saturday 22nd October, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Elaine Carbines opened a new pedestrian and cycling bridge in over the Gellibrand River. The bridge completes the missing link of the Old Beechy Rail Trail, a $1 million cycling and walking project that links Colac to Beech Forest.
The original rail line was first opened in 1902, running south from Colac, through Barongarook and Gellibrand to Beech Forest. In 1911, the line was extended through Lavers Hill to finish at Crowes – a total distance of 72 kilometres. Today the Rail Trail covers 45.9 km, with all but 13km of that distance being on or adjacent to the original route.
This project is being managed by the Colac Otway Shire and supported by DSE. See the Railtrails Australia Website for more information or see the bridge opening media release:
Old Beechy Rail Trail Media Release (DOC - 41 Kb)Contact Us
Call the Customer Service Centre on 131 186
or email: tourism.otways@dse.vic.gov.au
Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.
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