The use of social and environmental science to inform trail development and management The State of Victoria in Australia has approximately 8000 kilometres of trails, 50% of which are managed directly by Parks Victoria. These trails include a number of long distance walking trails which mostly traverse through iconic national parks (Figure One); several multi-use long distance trails suitable for wider range of users (e.g. walkers, cyclists and horse riders); several thousand kilometres of shorter distance walking and/or multi-use trails (e.g. walkers, mountain-bikers, four-wheel drive tourers) in national parks and state forests; a network of urban recreational trails designed to provide recreational access to large numbers of visitors (mostly walkers and cyclists) in semi-urban or urban settings, often along waterways; and more than thirty rail trails which have been converted from old disused railways to provide recreational access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders in urban or rural settings To coordinate the development and management of this trail network a Victorian Trails Strategy has been developed with the aim of improving individual and community health and wellbeing, protecting our natural and cultural heritage and providing economic opportunities. The major long distance walking trails in Victoria cover the States most scenic alpine, coastal and inland landscapes.

Victoria’s major long distance walking trails Great Divide Trail

Australian Alps Walking Track

Grampians walks

Great South West walk

Great Ocean Walk

Wilsons Prom walks

East Gippsland Coastal Wilderness walk

Figure One: Victoria’s major long distance walking trails

Careful and sensitive trail and visitor use planning and management is required if we are to meet recreational and tourism objectives, whilst at the same time protecting the sensitive environmental and cultural values that are the fundamental setting for these trails. Parks Victoria has been increasingly using its research and monitoring program to provide information about the different types of current and potential trail users, their preferences and desires for services , their behaviours and potential impacts on park values. Using an evidence-based approach can maximise the benefits for trail users, minimise environmental and cultural impacts and reduce visitor conflict. Examples of this research have included: • • • • • • •

Robustly designed visitor satisfaction surveys; The application of “market segmentation” research to understand the use patterns and recreational preferences of park visitors; Assessment of recreational trends to inform future trail planning and management; Use of participatory GIS in which park visitors can record their favourite destinations and trails into a spatial layer to inform park management plans; Comparison of environmental conditions of trails before and after trial opening to assess the extent of potential environmental impacts; Studies into economic benefits of trails to regional communities Research (recently commenced) to understand the motivation and expected benefits by users of long distance walking trails.

Australian Alps Walking Track The Australian Alps Walking Track traverses 650 kilometres across the States of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The walking track stretches across stunning alpine scenery including alpine grasslands and heathlands, sub-alpine woodlands and forests. While only a small number of walkers attempt the entire track (45-60 days), many more undertake the walk in sections. The track has limited visitor facilities and is most suitable for those walkers seeking selfreliant experiences. However there are also numerous associated short walks along the tracks especially in areas close to alpine resorts.

Great South West Walking Track The Great South West Walking Track , commencing near the small town of Portland, covers a variety of landscapes from river gorges and wild beaches to coastal forests to more rural landscapes. Additionally the walk includes wonderful wildlife including Fur Seals, Whales and Gannets. The full walk is 250km which takes around ten days to complete but many walkers traverse one of several of the seventeen different sections. The track is important for regional tourism and includes numerous commercial operators providing accommodation and guided walks.

See www.greatsouthwestwalk.com

Great Ocean Walk The Great Ocean Walk (GOW), opened in 2006, is destined to become Victoria’s premier coastal walk. The walk features dramatic coastal scenery with rugged coastline, waterfalls, beach walks and tall forests. The full walk is 104 Km, which takes 7-10 days. There are numerous shorter walks including day walks. There are a variety of accommodation and other services available from tent-based camping to roofed accommodation outside the park. Numerous commercially guided services are available.

East Gippsland Wilderness Coastal Walk The East Gippsland Coastal wilderness walk traverses ancient forests and remote coastal wilderness. It features huge sand dunes, untouched beaches and pristine estuaries and lagoons. In keeping with the wilderness experience, facilities and services are limited.

Wilsons Promontory walks Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria’s most loved National Park, features a number of spectacular multiday walks. Magnificent coastal scenery, granite peaks, coastal forest and heathland, as well as its protected bays and wildlife make walking at “The Prom” a must-do activity.

Grampians Walks With its dramatic rocky landscapes, forests, spectacular wildflower displays and wildlife, the Grampians National Park provides some of the best trail experiences in Victoria. Currently a series of stand alone multi-day day walks, the Victorian Government is investigating the creation of longer 810 day walks.