Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng trail officially open
Published on 17 November 2025
Corangamite Mayor Kate Makin officially opened the Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail from Timboon to Port Campbell on Friday 14 November.
The name was developed by in partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Dr Vicki Couzens, meaning to “travel through Country” in Keerray Wooroong.
[Pronunciation by Dr Couzens at https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AUyAu1mo8/]
Dr Couzens provided a greeting in language and spoke about the importance of working and walking together with respect.
Mayor Makin officially opened the Trail, launching the branding and thanking the many volunteers and community members who have campaigned for the trail over 20 years. “Today was a testament to their persistence, patience and dedication,” she said.
Cr Makin said Council had worked closely with language expert Dr Couzens, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and community members to other propose a name that connects with a culture and language that spans many thousands of years around Port Campbell and Timboon.
“While the trail has been commonly known as the Twelve Apostles Trail since 2012, that name did not satisfy Geographic Names Victoria guidelines because it doesn’t reach the Apostles.
"This beautiful off-road route gives locals and visitors alike the chance to enjoy diverse native bush, farmland, wetlands and coastal environments.
"Elevated bridges and cattle underpasses mean trail users can get a glimpse of the region's working farms in action as they travel through the landscape.
"The cantilevered boardwalk at the Port Campbell end is a fantastic spot to take in the amazing ocean views
"There are rest stops along the way so cyclists and walkers can take their time while enjoying the experience.
“We hope the Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng name for the Timboon-Port Campbell trail opens up conversations around our shared history, connection to place, and sparks a larger project around integrated art and storytelling.”
The event also launched Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng branding and a website.
Council Manager Economy and Prosperity Katy McMahon said the branding is inspired by the landscape, the stories it holds, and the personal experience people have when travelling along it.
“The symbol shows the different types of places and shapes you might see on the trail - from mountains and farms to the coastline.
“It’s a way of showing the variety and beauty of the landscape. It also looks like a fingerprint, which represents the mark the trail leaves on each visitor.
“All these elements come together to create a strong and memorable logo; reflecting the connection to Country, shares the stories of First Peoples and celebrates the local community.”
The 19 km trail connects the Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail to the Port Campbell Town Centre.
Council has launched a website − poorpa-yanyeen-meerreeng-trail.com.au – which features information on all walks, trails, routes, and rides across the Shire. The site features all 12 towns under “Trail Towns” and provides walks and rides for each town.
A promotional campaign to attract cyclist walkers and other visitors is in development.
The trail construction was funded by $4.5 M from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and $2.2 M from Council.