Path upgrade to Cowes-Rhyll Trail underway

A 700m stretch of the popular trail between Cowes and Rhyll will be upgraded to a shared use path for pedestrians and bicycles, as work continues to establish an important connection between the two townships.
Bass Coast Shire Council contractors started work this week to upgrade the current gravel path and replace some sections with concrete. Phillip Island Nature Parks construction staff will also soon start works to widen boardwalk sections and replace decking with non-slip material.
The works will be conducted in stages from late January to May, with a section of the trail between Conservation Hill car park and the Cowes-Rhyll Road crossing closed for two weeks from January 29.
The Victorian Government has supported the project with $416,000 for the upgrades through Regional Development Victoria, helping the Council to upgrade and extend local walking trails to create more active transport opportunities for locals and visitors.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said the Government was proud to support the project and increase visitation in the Bass Coast region.
“Enjoying this beautiful part of the Phillip Island coastline will be even easier with upgrades to the trail between Cowes and Rhyll, offering people more ways to explore the region’s spectacular natural environment.”
Phillip Island Nature Parks General Manager Infrastructure and Planning, Jarvis Weston,
said a section of trail would be closed while the works were completed.
“We have scheduled the work to coincide with the off-peak season to minimise any impact to trail users,” Jarvis said. “However, it is necessary to close a section of the trail while the works are undertaken.
“The trail may be opened intermittently while the work is undertaken so we encourage locals and visitors to modify their routes to avoid disruption, to observe the signs and respect cordoned areas to ensure safe trail use.”
Bass Coast Mayor Clare Le Serve said the latest round of works would allow users safer and better access to the trail, and would complement the $326,000 upgrade of the Cowes-Rhyll Road pathway funded by the council in 2020.
“These works will offer greater access for trail users to enjoy the trail and spectacular views of the coastline and Phillip Island.”
For more information, visit: https://engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/cowesrhyllpath