Established in 2016 through a grassroots community campaign, Woowookarung Regional Park is a 641-hectare park located 5 kilometres from the heart of Ballarat. Over the past decade, Woowookarung has evolved from a former mining and timber harvesting site into a thriving natural landscape that supports recreation, wellbeing, learning and connection with Country.

The celebration brought together key groups who have helped shape that journey, including the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Friends of Canadian Corridor, City of Ballarat, local community members and Parks Victoria staff.

Following the official opening of the new 10,000 Steps Loop, Regional Director Clare Purcell highlighted the power of partnership.

“Success has many contributors and this was on full display at Woowookarung. As  the ribbon was cut, it marked more than the opening of a new asset – it represented the successful delivery of a shared community vision.”

Guests also heard from State Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle MP; City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves; and Friends of Canadian Corridor President, Jeff Rootes.

Jeff Rootes reflected on how each step of the park’s journey began first with what the community imagined for the future of Woowookarung. He made special mention of the pivotal role Parks Victoria has played in bringing those aspirations to life.

“Once the government passed the legislation, someone had to manage the land. Parks Victoria got the guernsey, thank goodness,” Jeff said. “The magnificent job they have done. Working with the personnel, the people on it, they are just the best to work with. The journey, the conversations, and sometimes that sage advice: 'Jeff, you can't actually do that'.”

Following official proceedings, 35 enthusiastic walkers then became the first visitors to experience to step over the park’s new bridge and onto the new trail. With the celebration taking place during the City of Ballarat's Biodiversity Week, there was even more reason to get outside and get moving.

A decade of achievement

The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on what Parks Victoria has delivered over the past decade, supported through strong partnerships, volunteer effort and valuable community input. Major improvements include:

• Development of the award-winning Dementia-friendly Forest and Sensory Trail
• Creation of the Fern Loop, Cherry Ballart Loop and Grass Tree Nature Trail
• Upgrades to the Mount Clear Mountain Bike Trails
• Installation of wayfinding and interpretive signage
• Safety works, including capping deep mine shafts
• Construction of four carparks
• Extensive road and track improvements
• Broadscale weed control
• Planting over 10,000 native trees and shrubs
• Opening of the new 10,000 Steps Loop Trail.

Looking ahead

The celebrations also marked the beginning of the next chapter for Woowookarung, with Parks Victoria announcing the start of community consultation on concept designs for a proposed central visitor site.

Supported by a $500,000 government investment, the project aims to improve access, orientation and visitor experiences by connecting key attractions, including the new 10,000 Steps Loop and Dementia-friendly Forest and Sensory Trail.

Co-designed with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Friends of Canadian Corridor and the City of Ballarat, the proposed visitor site includes picnic facilities, seating, barbecues, toilets and improved visitor information and orientation.

Community feedback will help shape the next stage of planning.

Have your say on the proposed visitor site before consultation closes on 3 September 2026: www.engage.vic.gov.au/woowookarung