96km | Bairnsdale - Newmerella | Cycle through frolicking hills and whispering forest, taking in grand old trestle bridges.

The trail navigates through 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.

Distance: 96km
Duration: 3-4 days
Grade: Level 1-2
Start: Howitt Park, McEacharn St, Bairnsdale
Finish: Burn Rd, Newmerella, but there is an off road shared pathway continuing to Orbost
Dogs: Welcome on lead
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East Gippsland Rail Trail map
Bruthen farmhouse among trees

Bairnsdale - Nicholson | 8km

Enjoy lake and bushland views on this fully sealed section, with a highlight being the historic bridge across the Nicholson River.

Nicholson is a great option for a spot of lunch or if you require to top up your trail mix and water bottle.

Nicholson - Bruthen | 20km

Indulge in views of Slaughterhouse Creek Valley and explore the scenic town of Bruthen.

Enjoy a picturesque lunch from one of Bruthen's warm cafes, the tea rooms, the bakery or iconic pub.

East Gippsland Rail Trail cyclists riding past historical bridge

Bruthen - Nowa Nowa | 30km

Meander along the forest path to the iconic Stony Creek Trestle Bridge just before Nowa Nowa. This hard packed gravel surface climbs steadily to Colquhoun. In the Colquhoun Forest, the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail provides a connection to Lakes Entrance, suitable for mountain bikes only.

Stock up on supplies at Nowa Nowa before starting the next secluded section of the trail.

Nowa Nowa to Orbost | 38km

This is a cool shaded section of the route and a great way to close your tour crossing over three major wooden trestle bridges. The trail ends at Newmerella, but continue 2km to end at Orbost via a shared pathway that begins at Burn Road.

East Gippsland Rail Trail cyclists stopped on trail laughing
East Gippsland Rail Trail birdeye view of cyclists over bridge
East Gippsland Rail Trail people walking through tunnel in Bruthen
Under the Surface East Gippsland Rail Trail Nicholson bridge Patricia Pittman
Nowa Nowa iron sculpture at Yelens Art Gallery

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