News The Best of the Rail Trails
Each ride has its own character. Each ride is a postcard.
Explore the changing landscapes from your trusty bicycle saddle as you swing through verdant hills, dramatic coastline, welcoming villages and cosy kitchens.
1. The coastal one
BASS COAST RAIL TRAIL
Anderson - Wonthaggi | 16km one way
As Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, the Bass Coast Rail Trail sets high expectations, which are surpassed with an ovation-worthy ride at the meeting of land and sea. Vivid green hills seemingly tumble into the ocean thanks to dramatic rocky cliffs and headlands.
2. The lakes, forest and rivers one
EAST GIPPSLAND RAIL TRAIL
Bairnsdale - Orbost | 96km one way
Cycle from Bairnsdale to Newmerella through frolicking hills and whispering Colquhoun Forest, taking in grand old trestle bridges.
The trail navigates bucolic countryside, lost in time forests, vast floodplains, the Gippsland Lakes and spits you out at the momentous Snowy River. Ideal for a multi-day tour or shorter day trips, this flexible track showcases a variety of landscapes laced with warm villages along the trail offering good tucker and a comfy bed.
3. The villages-of-the-plains one
GIPPSLAND PLAINS RAIL TRAIL
Traralgon - Stratford | 63km one way
This journey weaves through the idyllic countryside with handsome mountain vistas of the Great Dividing Range, punctuated by warm and quirky villages. Make your way over gently lulling plains dipping through patches of native vegetation, taking in river crossings and old railway relics. Get high on unpretentious charm and good old fashioned country hospitality in Tinamba, Maffra, Heyfield, Cowwarr and Stratford.
4. The epicurean one
GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL TRAIL
Nyora - Yarram | 131km one way (146km including detours to Port Welshpool and Port Albert)
This epic trail passes by South Gippsland’s infamous verdant hills, with 360 degree panoramas interrupted only by welcoming villages. This trail can easily be achieved in shorter sections if you don’t fancy the whole slog.
Passing through Korumburra, Meeniyan, Fish Creek, Foster and Yarram, this is almost as much of a foodie journey as it is a bike ride.
5. The short and sweet one
GRAND RIDGE RAIL TRAIL
Mirboo North - Boolarra | 13km one way
Swing through enchanting hilly countryside and eucalypt forest with a background track of birdsong. This gently descending trail, complete with two arch bridges, makes for a scenic bushland ride.
6. The lush shady one
ROKEBY TO NEERIM RAIL TRAIL
Rokeby - Neerim | 13km one way
Following the original Warragul to Noojee rail line, this shady, nature-loving trail passes through gorgeous greenery. The trail takes in an historic trestle bridge and the views around Neerim and the Tarago Reservoir are to die for.
Published on under: Nature & Outdoor