Corangamite Shire Council has worked with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) to propose a formal name for the new trail between Timboon and Port Campbell.
The proposed name is Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng meaning 'Travel through Country' in Keerray Wooroong language.
Corangamite Shire Chief Executive Officer David Rae said the name was an opportunity to re-establish Keerray Wooroong language into the local landscape.
"This is a meaningful step towards reconciliation and working with Traditional Owners to choose a name that connects with a culture and language that spans many thousands of years around Port Campbell and Timboon," Mr Rae said.
"It's also the result of working closely with language expert Dr Vicki Couzens over many months and consulting with EMAC."
"We hope that Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng opens up conversations around our shared history, connection to place, and sparks a larger project around integrated art and storytelling," he said.
Now that construction on the 19-kilometre trail connecting Timboon and Port Campbell has been completed, there is a statutory requirement to formally name the section through Geographic Names Victoria (GNV).
This involves proposing a name, consulting with the community, and Council recommending a formal name before lodging an application with GNV.
David Rae said while the trail had been commonly known as the Twelve Apostles Trail since 2012, the name did not satisfy GNV protocols.
"This name creates a false expectation that the trail goes to the Twelve Apostles, an expectation that is currently not delivered."
Community members are invited to find out more and provide feedback on the proposed name at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/PYM by Wednesday 27 November.
A recommendation will go to Council's December meeting.
