Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Inverloch-Wonthaggi Trail opens, attracting 600 riders, linking towns, wetlands, rail trails, recreation and biodiversity

The Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail has officially opened, attracting over 600 riders for a community celebration and providing a scenic 13.5km route linking towns, wetlands and key regional trails.

By news@gippsland - 19th June 2026 - Back to News

The much‑anticipated Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail, is now available for use and already proving a hit, with more than 600 riders setting off from both towns and meeting in the middle for a community celebration.

More than 600 rides set off from starting at points at Bass Coast College in Wonthaggi and the inverloch Surf Life Saving Club, including students, teachers and families from Inverloch Primary School, Wonthaggi Primary School,Bass Coast College, St Joseph Primary School and Bass Coast Specialist School, along with local cycling groups, community members and visitors

Trail opening ride

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 provides a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians, supporting both active recreation and everyday commuting.

Trail boosts connections

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.

The much-anticipated Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail, is now available for use already providing a hit. Linking the Inverloch foreshore with the Bass Coast Rail Trail in Wonthaggi, the inland trail takes users through wetlands and native vegetation

Trail features unveiled

Key features of the trail include:

• Gravel and concrete trail sections, including widened paths
• Boardwalks with mesh decking and handrails in key locations
• 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.

Trail vision realised

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," he said.

Trail highlights include interpretive signage leading the way, widened gravel and concrete paths, boardwalks with handrails, a safe pedestrian crossing on Toorak Road and scenic rest areas to stop and enjoy surroundings

Trail now open

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.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• The Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a coastal escape with luxury tents, outdoor baths, ocean views, cosy cabins and nearby beaches, walking trails and wineries
  The Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a relaxing coastal retreat with luxury accommodation, outdoor baths, ocean views and easy access to beaches, scenic walks and local wineries.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• Sealers Cove boardwalk reopens after five years, boosting Wilsons Promontory tourism ahead of September school holidays
  Sealers Cove boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory has reopened after almost five years, following storm damage in 2021. Danny O’Brien says the restored route will benefit walkers, visitors and local tourism operators.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
  West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M election funding to unlock 600 new homes through Lucknow drainage upgrades
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lucknow drainage upgrades, enabling up to 600 new homes while addressing flooding and supporting sustainable growth.
• The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
  The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.