Huge extension for famous coastal walk and more lookouts

THE State Government has announced a massive injection of $8.33 million for the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park.

Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt announced details of the more than $8M project which will extend the George Bass Coastal Walk creating a 32-kilometre journey along the park’s rugged coastline, beaches and dunes.

With construction expected to begin in 2024, it will deliver three new lookouts for visitors to witness spectacular views at popular coastal sites of Punchbowl, The Arch and Eagles Nest.

Trail links will be added to connect the existing network so people can walk all the way from The Punchbowl in San Remo to Cape Paterson, while car parking, signage and visitor information will also be upgraded. 

The Government is working in partnership with Parks 

Victoria, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Bass Coast Shire Council to create the trail.  

The new trail is being funded through the Victoria’s Great Outdoors program.

The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park was declared in June 2021, and is created by the amalgamation of various existing coastal, foreshore reserves and marine parks from San Remo to Inverloch, managed by state or local governments.

As part of the park’s access and infrastructure plan, key initiatives included:

• San Remo: Improve viewing and interpretation at Griffith Point, initiate trail at Lions carpark with trailhead, and trail connection from Potters Hill to Punchbowl via existing road network.

• Kilcunda: Proposed lookout at The Arch, maintain existing surface and shared trail coming into Kilcunda, improve interface between Kilcunda township and the existing rail trail through improved information, seating etc.

• Powlett River: Primary walking trail through wetland and dune area with a mix of boardwalk and existing surfaces, improve connection from Tea Tree car park to beach.

• Wonthaggi West: New walking trail connection to desalination plant trail network, connect existing trail networks to main beach trail and upgrade beach access to Williamson’s Beach car park.

• Harmers Haven: Maintain beach access as primary route between Harmers Haven and Cape Paterson, utilise where possible existing trails for connection between primary and secondary routes near Harmers Haven.

• Cape Paterson: Maintain beach access for walking, upgrade beach connection to Cape Paterson by consolidating natural surface.

• Cape Paterson- Inverloch Road: Formalise and upgrade existing carpark at The Oaks, Twin Reefs, Shack Bay and The Caves, upgrade Eagles Nest with day use facilities and amenities including lookout.

• Inverloch: Link section of beach walking trail into Surf Parade.

“This trail is one of those ‘get out and immerse yourself in nature experiences, learn the earth history, value cultural heritage going back thousands of years, star gaze at night, ride a bike by day,” said Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale.

“Can’t wait for our local and visitor community to come and explore and marvel this beautiful rich coastline and expansive ocean.”

To find out more about the project go to parks.vic.gov.au/projects.