The Turtons Track 2WD Waterproofing Treatment Project includes sealing the entire length of the road, from Haines Junction to east of Beech Forest, and associated drainage and embankment stabilisation works. The project will generally result in a 5m sealed two-way road for light vehicles.
Start Date: October 2006
Completion Date: April 2008
Cost: $6.244 million
Contractor: VicRoads
Opening and traffic information
Features and progress
What are the benefits of this project?
Involving the community
Road Safety issues
Progress to date & next steps
Frequently asked questions
Contact Us
Turtons Track will remain to enable works to be completed by April. Detour signage will be in place during this time. Access to the Otway Fly tree-top walk is via the Princes Highway through Colac. The project is scheduled to be completed and .
Turtons Track is a vital east-west link between Skenes Creek Road and Beech Forest. It provides an important tourist route into the heart of the Otway Ranges.
The Turtons Track Upgrade will provide a sealed road for the entire length of the road, from Haines Junction to east of Beech Forest, together with drainage, embankment stabilisation and road improvement works.
Turtons Track carries up to approximately 250 vehicles per day in peak times with traffic volume increasing in recent years since the opening of the Otway Fly tree-top walk near Beech Forest.
The project has been divided into two stages. Stage 1- embankment stabilisation works, drainage and pavement/sealing from Beech Forest to the Coutts Road intersection. Stage 2 - complete the pavement resheeting, drainage and sealing to Haines Junction.
VicRoads started work in October 2006. Construction of Stage 1 was completed in May 2007. Stage 2 works commenced October 2007 and are due for completion 24 April 2008.
Turtons Track traverses high quality Wet Forest and Cool Temperate Rainforest environments. There are a number of rare vegetation species in the area and the environment helps provide high quality habitat for native animals.
VicRoads is working to ensure that the treatments used to upgrade the road are sympathetic with the environment and that all relevant Government approvals are obtained.
The upgrade option comprises a 5-metre sealed two-way road for light vehicles. This will reduce environmental impacts and enhance the tourist drive experience.
This option was developed with community consultation. It was the option most strongly supported by the regional communities.
A speed limit of 40 km/h will be set for the new road, and advisory signs will state that the road is not suitable for coaches and caravans.
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The following key objectives have been identified for the project:
- A sealed road suitable for 2WD low-speed tourist traffic and an environmental Net Gain* planting treatment
- Substantially reduced impacts of unstable embankments
- Year-round access for both the local community and visitors
- Creation of a quality scenic drive circuit that can be enjoyed by tourists to the region
- Introduction of a 40km/h Speed Zone which is an appropriate speed for the new sealed pavement
- Installation of a Load Limit between Haines Junction and Coutts Road
- Minimise the impact of the project on the surrounding environment
* Net Gain is part of Victoria's Native Vegetation Policy - A Framework for Action. It is the outcome for native habitat and vegetation where overall gains are greater than overall losses and where possible individual losses are avoided.
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A Steering Committee was formed to look at the appropriate level of development for the track. The Committee has conducted studies into the potential impacts on the environmental and cultural heritage, the possible options for upgrading the track and the potential economic costs and benefits to the Otways.
During December 2005, local organisations and the general community were asked to have their say on the upgrade of Turtons Track based on preliminary environmental, cultural heritage and economic assessments of various upgrade options. Community meetings were held in early November 2005 to foster informed discussion and debate around the potential upgrade options and community aspirations for Turtons Track.
VicRoads is continuing to work with stakeholders including Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Geelong Otway Tourism, Colac Otway Shire, Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the community to deliver this tourism focused project in the sensitive environment of the Otway Ranges.
This 13 km section of road was originally a gravel track and its sealing will attract more tourist traffic along this route.
Road Safety measures to be introduced along the route will include:
- A 40km/h Speed Zone has been introduced due to the presence of tight curves and a narrow 5.0 m road pavement
- “Give Way to Oncoming Traffic” signage as the road width is sufficient to allow only one way traffic at a number of locations to protect the environment
- Installation of guide posts and warning signs throughout
- Kerb and channel and sub-surface drains to maximize the available pavement width and improve slope stability
- A Load Limit between Haines Junction and Coutts Road
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The following activities began in October 2007:
- Kerb and channel, drainage works including outfall structures
- Pavement preparation for sealing (from Wild Dog Track east)
- Sealing of pavement, which includes the section from Wild Dog Track to Haines junction (Forrest Apollo Bay Road). The sealing of the pavement is currently underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed in early April 2008.
- Safety barriers, guide posts and linemarking will be installed
- Additional Embankment Planting utilising seed collected by Apollo Bay Landcare representatives
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- Will I be able to use Turtons Track during the sealing work?
No – because of the need to import large quantities of road-making materials from Colac, it will be necessary to close the road during the periods of construction to ensure the safety of road users and construction crews.
- Will the road need to be closed in future due to landslips, as occurred in 2005?
No – improvements in drainage and embankment stabilisation work, combined with sealing the road, will reduce the risk of further landslips.
- Will I be able to tow my caravan along the new road?
No – improvements to the road do not include any substantial widening or straightening, and access for caravans, coaches and other large vehicles will be discouraged.
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To make an appointment to discuss the project, please contact VicRoads on:
Ph: (03) 5225 2525.
Further information is available at the following locations:
- Information boards at:
- VicRoads office, 180 Fyans Street, South Geelong
- Tourist Information Centres: Colac, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill
- Colac Otway Shire office, 2-6 Rae Street, Colac
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