The Great Southern Rail Trail is a rail trail, connecting several country towns in South Gippsland, Victoria. The Signage Strategy required the development of a detailed document in response to several community meetings organised by HeineJones; Field observations and best practice principles for design and legibility. The strategy document needed to provide guidance for the placement and positioning of all signs along the length of the trail. This was underpined by a robust methodology that clearly communicated the recommended approach for signage placement. 

Development of a wayfinding strategy and signage design informed and enhanced the trail users experience. The Strategy also needed to recognise and respond to the various needs and feedback from a series of community consultation workshops organised by HeineJones. The Strategy needed to consider the shared use of the trail, predominently a cycling trail, but also used by walkers and horse riders. This mixed use impacted on sign and information heights and sizes

The Wayfinding solution consists of two sign categories – Trail Based Signs and Road Based Signs. There are six Trail Based Sign kinds – these make up the core of the wayfinding system – including Identification, Orientation, Directional, Cautionary, Regulatory and Interpretive. The signs are designed around the remnant bridge timbers which are robust and economical. The Signage Strategy provided guidance for the implementation of all sign types, including placement and product costs.

The Signage Strategy provided the guidance for a sign solution that presented highly legible location information and clear directions. The Wayfinding Signage solution will significantly improve trail users’ experience and importantly will provide a consistent visual language that can be extended to all signage requirements now and in the future.