ABOUT 10 years ago, a plan was devised to build a trail from the north to the south of the Grampians National Park.
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Grampians Tourism chief executive Will Flamsteed said a range of groups had worked to advance the Grampians Peaks Trail.
‘‘It was an idea to build a trail that was going to position the Grampians as the key nature-based destination for Victoria,’’ he said.
‘‘We all got together from a regional perspective – that’s local government, industry, state government, user groups, economic development groups – and we worked out how best to do that.’’
Mr Flamsteed said the groups produced a master plan, which was presented to all tiers of government.
‘‘Now we have got a $29-million commitment and a commitment to complete the trail by 2019,’’ he said.
At the official opening of stage one on Friday, Premier Daniel Andrews and Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford were given a glimpse of what the trail would look like.
The circular platforms at Bugiga are perched on a ledge looking over the natural beauty of the Grampians.
‘‘It’s unlike any other thing you have probably seen in Australian camping at the moment,’’ Mr Flamsteed said.
Ms Pulford said the completed trail would offer a range of experiences for tourists.
‘‘For people who want to go ‘glamping’ and want a fairly expensive two-week experience where, at the end of the night, somebody’s made their bed for them, that will be available,’’ she said.
‘‘For people who want to come to the Grampians for a couple of days on a normal weekend, that will be possible too.’’
And Ms Pulford’s preference?
‘‘I used to be the rough and ready camper but with every year I’m more of a ‘glamper’,’’ she said.
