A new parkland along the Barwon River connecting the heart of Geelong to the sea at Barwon Heads

V I S I O N
Parks Victoria, with the other management agencies, is committed to the creation of the Barwon River Parklands and improving existing opportunities of the various parks, reserves and trails along more than 30 kilometres of the river from Geelong across the Bellarine Peninsula.

The project will not only build on the popular recreational opportunities of the Belmont Common and create a place of great local and regional pride but also provide protection for the natural environment.

Envisage 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. This path would create a large circular route accessing all the major towns on the Bellarine Peninsula from Geelong to Barwon Heads.

Barwon River Parklands Information Update - June 2008

B A R W O N  R I V E R

The river is a popular area used for recreational activities such as rowing, water skiing, boating and fishing. Its banks and surrounds are used for walking, running, 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 the Barwon Valley Golf Course, football ovals and the rowing clubrooms.

Whilst part of the area is well used for organised sport some of the natural environment adjacent to the Barwon River is degraded and under utilised.

The Geelong community strongly supports the protection of the natural conservation values of the Barwon River, its parklands, the Belmont Common and improved opportunities for passive and active recreation.

The State Government has committed $3 million over the next 4 years to establish the Barwon River Parklands.

Become involved in the Barwon River Parklands

Parks Victoria is leading a consultation with management agencies:

• The City of Greater Geelong
• Barwon Water
• Barwon Coast
• Corangamite Catchment Management
• Authority
• Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Department for Victorian Communities

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.

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.