The much‑anticipated Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail, is now available for use and already proving a hit, with more than 500 riders setting off from both towns and meeting in the middle for a community celebration.
Starting at points at Bass Coast College in Wonthaggi and the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club, groups of cyclists – including students, teachers and families from Inverloch Primary School, Wonthaggi Primary School, Bass Coast College, St Joseph’s Primary School and Bass Coast Specialist School, along with local cycling groups, community members and visitors – made their way along the new trail and put it through its paces.
The strong turnout was witnessed by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP, alongside Councillors, Council staff, representatives from the Bunurong Land Council and project contractors.
Connecting two of Bass Coast’s key residential and commercial centres, the new 13.5 kilometre trail provide a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians, supporting both active recreation and everyday commuting.
Linking the Inverloch foreshore with the Bass Coast Rail Trail in Wonthaggi, the inland trail takes users through wetlands and native vegetation, strengthening an important bio‑link corridor that supports wildlife habitat with nearly 100,000 new plantings.
The Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail forms part of a broader network of trails across the region and contributes to future links including the Gippsland Odyssey, a proposed 700‑kilometre trail connecting Gippsland. It also complements links to the Mornington Peninsula via a quick trip on the Phillip Island to Stony Point ferry.
Key features of the trail include:
- Gravel and concrete trail sections, including widened paths
- Boardwalks with mesh decking and handrails in key locations
- A pedestrian crossing with refuge island on Toorak Road, Inverloch
- Rest areas with seating and interpretive signage highlighting local history and the natural environment
- Naturally beautiful wetlands and revegetation areas, including 98,000 natives planted along the corridor
As part of the event, participants gathered at Emma Lane in Inverloch for a wetlands viewing, followed by a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Bunurong Land Council, who also contributed to the cultural and educational elements along the trail.
Speaking to the riders, Cr Tessari reflected on the trail’s long journey from community idea to reality. :
“The Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail started with our community back in 2015, asking for better ways to get out, move between our towns and enjoy more of what Bass Coast has to offer,”
“It’s fantastic to see that vision come to life, and even better to see how quickly people have taken to it, we’ve had locals and visitors out there already, walking, riding and just enjoying the space. It really shows how much this was needed.”
“What makes this trail so special is how it connects everything together; from the Bass Coast Rail Trail and the historic Kilcunda trestle bridge, through to world‑class experiences like the George Bass Coastal Walk. You can start in Inverloch and, if you’re feeling keen, keep going all the way towards Phillip Island.”
The $7.7 million Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail now delivers a 13.5km connection between Wonthaggi and the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club, with $3 million funded by the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and Council contributing $4.7 million to the project.
A further 550‑metre section along Surf Parade, Inverloch will be completed within 12 months, linking Ozone Street to Goroke Street and closing a key missing link in the network.
The Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail is now ready to be enjoyed. Grab your bike or walking shoes and start from Wonthaggi ArtSpace, or visit the Inverloch Visitor Information Centre at the Inverloch Hub to plan your journey.
