'Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng': Scenic Victorian trail officially opened, named using traditional language

Jarred Cross Published November 27, 2025 at 7.00am (AWST)

culture

Previously commonly referred to as the Twelve Apostles Trail, a 19 kilometre trail has been officially named Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng, meaning "travel through Country" in Keerray Woorroong language. (Image: Corangmite Shire Council/Facebook)

A trail through Victoria's west has officially been opened, acknowledging the area's First Peoples and their connection to the land others are invited to experience in its traditional name.

The 19.3 kilometre walking and cycling track traverses forest, farmland, wetland and through to the coast between Timboon and Port Campbell on Keerray Woorroong Country.

Commonly known as the Twelve Apostles Trail for more than a decade, the trail has been named Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng, meaning "travel through Country" in Keerray Woorroong language.

The trail has been open for use since 2023 following a number of works for walkers and cyclists, with an official opening held in November.

*Dr Vicki Counzens, pictured above at the opening, partnered with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to develop the trail's the name. (Image: Corangmite Shire Council/Facebook)*

"The Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng name recognises the continuing Belonging of Keerray Woorong People in Country and reminds visitors to respect and care for Country during their travels," language reclamation leader and Keerray Woorroong Gunditjmara Elder, Dr Vicki Couzens, said.

The name was developed in partnership between Dr Couzens and local Traditional Owner group Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

At the opening, Corangmite Shaire Coucil Mayor, Kate Makin, said the new name was proposed and worked on with Traditional Owner input to better reflect requirements, and acknowledge thousands of years of culture and language.

"While the trail has been commonly known as the Twelve Apostles Trail since 2012, that name did not satisfy Geographic Names Victoria guidelines because it doesn't reach the Apostles," Mayor Makin said.

"We hope the Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng name for the Timboon-Port Campbell trail opens up conversations around our shared history, connection to place, and sparks a larger project around integrated art and storytelling."

Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng extends the existing Camperdown-Timboon trail further north to create a near 60 kilometre stretch.

"We appreciate the care and consideration taken by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to name the trail, and we are thrilled to see the public already travelling through Country," state member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacore, said.

An $8.5 million Victorian Government investment supported upgrades to the trail.