Prom Coast Ecolink
15 Mar 2026
A moving morning on the Great Southern Rail Trail in Fish Creek as we honoured the community who have dedicated decades of time and energy to the success of the Hoddle Mountain Trail.
Hoddle Mountain Trail Walking Guide Launches at Fish Creek
On Sunday 15 March, Prom Coast Ecolink celebrated a landmark moment for the South Gippsland region with the official launch of the Hoddle Mountain Trail Walking Guide at Fish Creek.
The morning opened with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Kurnai Elder Aunty Cheryl, acknowledging the Bratowoloong clan as the traditional custodians of the Hoddle Range country on which the trail sits. PCEL President Anda Banikos reflected on the significance of the moment: "We have much to learn. Thank you for helping us to connect."
A highlight of the day was the unveiling of a granite marker stone at the beginning of the trail, donated by the family of our founding member and local geologist Gary Wallis. Gary championed the Hoddle Mountain Trail for many years and was instrumental in bringing this project to life. The marker stone had served as the Wallis family's outdoor table for decades, and its donation was a deeply meaningful tribute from a family that has given so much to this community and this place.
The Hoddle Mountain Trail has been more than twenty years in the making, shaped by the sustained effort of volunteers, community groups, South Gippsland Shire Council and government bodies. Following the unveiling, attendees joined one of three guided walks led by long-term trail volunteers, including Tim Farrell, who has supported the trail for over two decades.
The launch event and the production of the walking guide were made possible through the generous support of Esso Australia. We were honoured to welcome South Gippsland Shire Councillor Scott Rae and representatives from the South Gippsland Landcare Network on the day.
The Hoddle Mountain Trail Walking Guide is now available in our online store. We also hope to see you at a community planting day on the trail later this year, as revegetation of the Hoddle Range continues.
