Photos And Information About The Great Southern Rail Trail

The Great Southern Rail Trail is well known in South Gippsland to most local people as a popular 72-kilometer walking and cycling trail that runs through the picturesque countryside . It has been built on the site of the old railway line which many years ago connected towns all the way from Melbourne through to Yarram and beyond. The railway tracks have since been removed and the rough surface along the gently undulating topography have been replaced with a smooth gravel track. The Rail Trail runs between Leongatha and Port Welshpool and provides a safe and even track to walk, run or ride (either on bikes or horses), and I’ve even heard of people taking a horse and cart and donkeys along the route. You do need access to a key to be able to open the gates though.

You can hire bikes and equipment from local providers in either Leongatha, Meeniyan or Foster.

There are so many interesting towns along the way too, like Fish Creek, Koonwarra and Stony Creek. The track now extends to Foster Toora, Welshpool and Port Welshpool, with plans to finish in Yarram. The endpoint of the trail in Port Welshpool offers beautiful views of the coastline and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The trail is well-maintained and offers a relatively easy ride or walk, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and provides a safe and even track to walk, run or ride (either on bikes or horses), and I’ve even heard of people taking a horse and cart and donkeys along the route. You do need access to a key to be able to open the gates though. Along the way, visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding hills, forests, and farmland, as well as numerous historic railway bridges and tunnels. The trail also passes through several nature reserves, including the Tarra-Bulga National Park, which is home to an array of wildlife, including lyrebirds, wallabies, and koalas.

Go For A Walk, Bike Ride Or Horse Ride – The Great Southern Rail Trail is well known in South Gippsland to most local residents, bushwalkers, cycling clubs and horse riding enthusiasts.

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