The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging Victorians to get out and enjoy the great outdoors this winter school holidays with nine new and upgraded trails to explore.

It’s never been easier to get out and explore nature thanks to the Labor Governments $106.6 million Victoria’s Great Outdoors program – boosting regional tourism and delivering better walking trails, campgrounds, four-wheel drive tracks and visitor facilities.

The spectacular Keppel Lookout Trail near Marysville opened last month, offering an 11-kilometre circuit walk with panoramic views towards the Cathedral Range and Lake Mountain.

Snobs Creek Falls in Eildon has a newly opened walking track leading you right up to the waterfalls and a new 4km loop walk has been constructed in the Rubicon Valley Historic Area allowing people to explore the history of Victoria’s first hydro-electric power scheme.

In Gippsland, Mt Hendrick Walk starts at the gateway to Victoria’s famous high country and climbs through forest towards the peak of Mt Hedrick with picturesque views of the valley below.

The much-loved Noojee Trail, Latrobe River Walk and Toorongo Falls linking track have reopened for Victorians to take in beautiful temperate rainforest walks and cross the historic Noojee Trestle Bridge. These trails offer easy walking within a 2 hours’ drive of the Melbourne CBD.

Other recently opened trails include Flat Spur Walk near Mount Buller and Herman’s Hill in the state’s north-east.

Work is also underway to upgrade 500 metres of walking trail and 200 metres of boardwalks at Stevensons Falls campground in the Otways. These works improve access to the waterfall and trails in the day visitor area ensuring people of all abilities can access one of Victoria’s most popular waterfalls.

Works continue on a further 13 kilometers of trails near Lake Burrumbeet, Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort and Toolangi which are expected to open mid next year.

Victoria’s Great Outdoors also includes a $1 million upgrade to enhance visitor facilities and improve trails linking current parks and reserves to the newly established Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park.

For a list and map of trails visit: exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/ or download the More To Explore app.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“Walking is a wonderful and affordable way to get out into nature, and these new trails will give people more option to do exactly that.”

“We’re helping bring visitors and tourists to regional communities – creating jobs and boosting local economies.”

“From tough hiking trails through to short walks featuring our most beautiful waterfalls, there’s a great range of options for Victorians to get out and enjoy our state’s spectacular flora and fauna.”

List of new trails:

• Flat Spur Walk – Mount Buller
• Herman’s Hill – Rainbow
• Keppel Lookout Trail – Yarra Ranges
• Latrobe River Walk, Noojee Trail, Toorongo Falls Linking Track – Noojee
• Mt Hendrick Walk – near Maffra
• Reid’s Tramline – Powelltown
• Rubicon Heritage – near Eildon
• Snobs Creek Falls Walk – near Eildon
• Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk – Toolangi