Mansfield Shire Tracks and Trails Strategy

Current

Tracks and trails are a defining feature of Mansfield Shire, supporting both an active local lifestyle and a thriving nature based tourism economy. The Mansfield Shire Tracks and Trails Strategy 2025–2045 provides a comprehensive 20-year framework to guide the planning, development, enhancement, and management of the region’s extensive and highly valued trail network.

Set within one of Victoria’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, the Strategy responds to growing demand for walking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, and nature-based experiences. With over 1.2 million visitors annually and strong local participation, the trail network plays a critical role in supporting community wellbeing, liveability, and economic development.

The Strategy is informed by extensive consultation with community members, user groups, businesses, and key agencies. This engagement highlighted strong support for improved connectivity, better maintained trails, enhanced accessibility, and a greater diversity of trail experiences across the Shire.

Key challenges identified include resource constraints, varying land tenures, inconsistent management approaches, gaps in connectivity, and the impacts of natural disasters. At the same time, significant opportunities exist to strengthen the region’s trail offering through improved promotion, enhanced partnerships, expanded trail experiences, and the integration of cultural interpretation and active transport connections.

A clear vision underpins the Strategy: to create a connected and resilient trail network that enhances everyday liveability, supports year-round participation, and showcases the Shire’s unique natural and cultural landscapes. This vision is supported by four key focus areas, integrated planning and management, quality and sustainable networks, information and marketing, and community, tourism, and economic development.

The Strategy is supported by a detailed Implementation Plan, outlining priority actions such as new trail connections, township loop trails, network upgrades, improved trailhead infrastructure, and stronger collaboration with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders. Together, these actions provide a clear and evidence-based roadmap to guide future investment and ensure the long-term success of Mansfield’s tracks and trails network.