New parklands along the Barwon River
connecting Geelong to Barwon Heads
 Parklands
Vision
Imagine a journey by bike or on foot from Geelong, past an
improved Belmont Common and on to the Barwon Bluff Marine
Sanctuary, joining the on-road bike path from Ocean Grove
to Drysdale and the Bellarine Rail Trail back to Geelong.
Parks Victoria, with the other management agencies, is committed
to the creation of the Barwon River Parklands. We will improve
existing opportunities along more than 30 kilometres of the
river from Geelong across the Bellarine Peninsula. A range
of planning, environmental or capital works have already taken
place at Buckley Falls, Leopold and Barwon Heads
The project builds on the popular recreation opportunities
of the existing trail network, and the Belmont Common, to
create a place of great local and regional pride while protecting
the natural environment.
 Download
a larger map of the parklands
Engaging the community
The Barwon River Parklands partnership agencies are committed
to having an ongoing process
of engagement with the community.
We will:
- Inform the community about the project.
- Consult in relation to the best trail alignments.
- Have a partnership approach between all partner agencies
and the community to deliver the Barwon River Parklands.
Traditional owners, interest groups, land holders and the
wider Geelong community will also be involved in decisions
about the Barwon River Parklands. The consultative process
will build on existing and draft local strategies and plans.
About the potential trail alignments
There are opportunities for trail alignments north and south
of the river corridor, at varying distances from the river
and water bodies themselves. Existing road reserves may provide
some opportunities for walking and/or cycling routes.
We now seek your input into the possible trail alignments
and key visitor areas within the parklands.
Potential
trail alignments
Barwon River
The Barwon River is integral to the natural environment of
Geelong and is the source of most of Geelong's water supply.
It feeds several lakes, including Lake Connewarre, before entering
the sea at Barwon Heads. The river is a popular area for recreational
activities such as rowing, water skiing, boating and fishing.
Its banks and surrounds are used for walking, running, sport,
cycling and picnics.
The Barwon River flows through the Belmont Common precinct
which includes natural wetlands, remnant native vegetation
and bird life, as well as several sporting facilities including
Barwon Valley Golf Course, football ovals and rowing clubrooms.
Environment and recreation
While protecting the environment is essential, there is an
opportunity to also create safe and sustainable places to
enjoy the great outdoors.
By developing an extensive network of trails, loops and visitor
nodes, the community will have the opportunity to walk, cycle
or paddle while in the natural beauty of the Barwon River
and its wetlands.
Become involved in the Barwon River Parklands
Parks Victoriais is the lead agency in a partnership of management
agencies:
- The City of Greater Geelong
- Barwon Water
- Barwon Coast Committee of Management
- Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
- Department of Sustainability and Environment
- Department of Planning and Community Development
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