Visitors to the Great Ocean Road are set to benefit from a new bike and walking trail that will encourage more people to stay longer and experience what the hinterland region has to offer.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today viewed progress on the Twelve Apostles Trail delivered through the Andrews Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.

The Twelve Apostles Trail links Timboon to Port Campbell with a 20-kilometre bike and walking path, boosting the region’s tourism appeal by providing a scenic track from the stunning hinterland to the Great Ocean Road coastline.

The trail will further boost the local economy by bringing visitors to the doorstep of local gourmet food and farmgate businesses, with the Timboon section now complete.

The Labor Government is investing $4.5 million towards the Twelve Apostles Trail to make the project a reality.

It will link to the Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail in Port Campbell allowing visitors to experience even more of the Great Ocean Road.

The project will be enhanced by the Government’s $6 million investment in the Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project. Early works for the project’s streetscapes are already underway.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and helps councils to build the infrastructure locals need.

The Fund is key to the Government’s almost $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015. Information about the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is available at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“We are proud to support these projects revitalising the Great Ocean Road because they will bring more visitors and jobs to the local area.”

“We know that so far summer has been busy, with tourists and locals flocking to regional Victoria – these projects boost tourism opportunities and showcase what the region has to offer.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Victoria’s natural environment offers up some of the most beautiful places to visit. It’s great to see projects like this one which will draw even more tourists to the area to see that beauty in person.”