December 2023 - The Trail is open!
Get the trail map(PDF, 7MB)
What’s happened since the last update?
- Boardwalks are in
- Path and fencing construction on both sides of bridge completed
What's next?
There will be a Christmas period works shut down from Thursday 21 December 2023 to Monday 8 January 2024.
Final works including:
- Install kick rail and hand rail
- Install permanent signage
- Linemarking
- Landscaping by Biolink
- Replace trail related road signs
- Tidy up and other minor works
What a ride!
In July 2020 the State Government funded the first stages of the Twelve Apostles Trail Timboon to Port Campbell as a response to COVID and stimulus for engaging workers and contractors. The Power Creek Trail was re-sheeted, vegetation trimmed and drainage improved. Since that time six contracts have ensured the trail construction continued whilst design was finalised.
The 19km shared use trail utilises the Wannon Water pipeline easement along much of its length. Departing Timboon via Power Creek Reserve, the trail presents as an unsealed 2.5m pathway between farmland and roadside verge going past Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe to Port Campbell’s coast and cafes. Beyond this point trail users get their first look at overpasses designed to minimise impact on local dairy herds and offering trail users a unique window into the industry.
Paaratte Recreation Reserve is the midway point with water, toilet and picnic facilities. The first glimpses of the Southern Ocean can be seen from North South Road. As you continue along Curdievale-Port Campbell road, take in the impressive views where the vibrant yellow Port Campbell Guinea Flower is in bloom at the moment and endemic to the area. The trail first meets Port Campbell National Park near the Wannon Water plant.
Trail users will be treated to a picturesque final descent into Port Campbell that utilises cantilevered and elevated boardwalks, bridges and a 2.8m sealed pavement treatment to cater for projected higher volumes of pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers. Bike parking facilities at the lookout carpark provide opportunity for trail users to take in new elevated views of Port Campbell.
For now pedestrians can choose to take the stairs and suspension bridge into Port Campbell township or continue along with cyclists to complete the final 1.5km of the the journey into town.
Much thanks and appreciation needs to be extended to Glenn Rundell from Glenn Rundell Consulting for providing project engineering advice and project management. Working closely with contractors Civilnow and subcontractors, Waldig Civil Construction (Curdievale Port Campbell Road section) and Gaut Constructing (Power Creek Trail section), the whole team have been instrumental in the delivery of this amazing asset for the community and visitors.
This project has been a long journey for many community members. Well done to Alan Kerr, Matt Bowker, David Pope and Mark Cuthell who have been working on this project for the past 16 years and longer. Congratulations and appreciation for their grit and patience.
Final works will be completed in the New Year. But at this time folks, we can say we are open for business! Enjoy!
Have a great Christmas and safe New Year.
- Brooke Love, Director Works and Services