Evolution of a ‘Great Walk’

Evolution of a ‘Great Walk’

IDEAS

• Germination

• Breeding

• Keeping the flame alight

GREATNESS

• Does size count?

• No it is the experience!

Victoria’s outstanding long distance coastal walk

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

The Great Ocean Road regionThe Otways and shipwreck coast

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Stretching 91km from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

8 days and 7 nights

Day 1 (10 km) - Apollo Bay (Marengo) to Elliot

Ridge

Day 2 (11 km) - Elliot Ridge to Blanket Bay

Day 3 (10 km) - Blanket Bay to Cape Otway

Day 4 (10 km) - Cape Otway to Aire River

Day 5 (12.5 km) - Aire River to Johanna Beach

Day 6 (11 km) - Johanna Beach to Melanesia

Beach

Day 7 (15 km) - Melanesia Beach to Devils Kitchen

Day 8 (11 km) - Devils Kitchen to Glenample

Homestead

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•For a Short Walk

•For a Day Walk

•For an Overnight Walk

•Take the Hike

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Step on - Step off

Camp in the parkAn intimate, secluded site or socialise in an open setting

Off park - roofedSeek some comfort in basic to luxury accommodation pampering to your needs

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Where to stay

Transport services

Baggage services

Quality interpretation

Guided walks

Food provision

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Future options for walkers

PRINCIPLES

• Quality experience

• Resource protection

• Partnerships and economic benefits

QUALITY EXPERIENCE

• Engaging & Enlightening

• Diverse & interesting

• Rewarding & Memorable

• Social

• Show DVD

RESOURCE PROTECTION

• Understand what we have

• Research what we don’t know

• Terrain assessment

• Decision making

PARTNERSHIPS & ECONOMICS

• Relationships

• Economic need

• Opportunity

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• In places of scenic beauty or rich cultural heritage

• Eg, Swiss Alps

A GOOD TRACK

• Well located and constructed track

• Eg Tasmania

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• Status and recognition

• Eg. Milford track

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• Appropriate resourcing

• Cost recovery,

• Volunteering

• Eg

• Cinque Terre

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• Product matching

• Eg Dolphin Trail

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• Hiker expectations are met or exceeded

• Eg Torres

• Del Paine

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• Combination with accommodation and transport

• Eg Dolomites

ELEMENTS OF GREAT WALKS

• Managed levels of use to protect the natural resource

• Eg Otter Trail

WILL IT BE A ‘GREAT WALK’ ?

• Shared vision

• Commitment

• Strong principles

• Learning from others

• The Journey continues