The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail is now open!
The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail was officially opened on Friday 1 June, 2012. The Trail is Victoria's longest rail trail spanning some 134km from Tallarook through Yea to Mansfield, with a link between Cathkin and Alexandra.
You can explore the rail trail on a bike, on foot or on horseback. The rail trail includes 39 new bridges, seven new car parks and amenities, eight water tanks and 17 rest stops, making it one of the longest continuous trail in Australia!
Located less than one hour from Melbourne, it meanders through beautiful countryside following the disused rail line.
The Rail Trail promises many exciting adventures as it winds along the heritage-classified Goulburn River, through the Trawool Valley, on its way to the magnificent High Country.
Towns and settlements along the way offer unique experiences and new places to explore, including historic landmarks and buildings, art galleries, museums, food and wine, shopping and markets.
For more information visit The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail website, download the Rail Trail brochure or click on the picture below to watch a video of the Rail Trail:
Where is the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail?
The GRHCRT can be accessed from many points but there are several towns and villages where access is easy with car parks, picnic facilities and toilets available.
Tallarook is located 100 kilometres from Melbourne and is just off the Hume Freeway and 11.5 kilometres from Seymour. The trail starts/ends near the Tallarook pool. V/line trains stop at Tallarook - check the V/line website for details.
Alexandra is located at the junction of the Goulburn Valley Highway and Maroondah Highway 138 kilometres from Melbourne. Alexandra is the beginning/end of the spur line which is 13 kilometres long and joins the main trail at Cathkin.
Yea is 109 kilometres from Melbourne and can be reached by the Melba Highway.
Mansfield is approximately 192 kilometres from Melbourne or 63 kilometres from Benalla.
There are several other small towns along the trail where parking is available: Trawool, Molesworth, Yarck.
The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail features:
- Many exciting adventures as it winds along the heritage-classified Goulburn River, through the Trawool Valley, classified by the National Trust for its scenic beauty, on its way to the magnificent High Country
- Unique experiences and new places to explore, including: heritage features; towns and settlements along the way; historic landmarks and buildings; art galleries; museums; food and wine; shopping; markets and accommodation
- Cheviot's Tunnel, built in 1889, the longest rail trail tunnel in Victoria
- Trail variability
- Excellent accessibility via road and rail
- One of the longest rail trails in Australia
- Magnificent scenery; a beautiful trail. Offers close proximity to an amazing array of natural features such as rivers, lakes, ranges and mountains
For FAQ's, Maps and Updates visit http://www.victorianrailtrails.com.au
Future Plans - RAILTRAILPHASE2 - Ready For Action
The Project team behind the reincarnation of this former railway line into Australia's premier Rail Trail, is now ready to take the Trail into the next exciting phase of its life cycle. Since the early concept and construction phase of ‘Rail to Trail' to the opening in 2012 and now with the Rail Trail embedded as a vibrant community asset, the vision has always been to create an experience of national significance, that connects people and places.
Still so young, the Rail Trail has already welcomed thousands of cyclists, horse riders, walkers, joggers and sightseers. Just imagine the healthier futures for our communities further down the track, when the full economic, social, health, environmental and livability benefits are realised.
The Project group is working with High Country Collective to deliver this strategically important Phase2.
The team are energetic, passionate and skilled and will develop and put in place the essential building blocks for achieving a bright future for this significant regional asset.
The suite of deliverables for RailTrailPhase2 include - brand revitalisation, a benchmark, ‘responsive design' official Rail Trail website, fully integrated into multiple media applications including mobile and print (the official rail trail guide), connected to regional and destination sites and booking systems.
Phase2 also includes ‘How To' Toolkits for industry/business/community to become involved - not only in the official website and rail trail guide, but in holding events and activities on and alongside the trail. Of course an e-newsletter will keep you up-to-the-minute on RailTrailPhase2 news.
Strategic outcomes from Phase2 include a state of the art signage strategy, featuring a detailed plan for benchmark interpretive, wayfinding, stay/eat/do and safety signs, online information hubs, rail trail furniture (think seats and tables, bike racks, horse tie-ups and more) and detailed construction and installation specifics.
To top it off the sign plan includes full digital integration with web, mobile, social media and interactive mapping. Implementation of the sign plan is a priority in RailTrailPhase3 (2014 onward) and the detailed plan will assist councils' efforts to secure the essential external funding.
These are key pieces in building the foundation for RailTrailPhase3:2014 and beyond. Watch out for the 2013 Prospectus due in the middle of this year, 2013. Jump on and join us for the ride of your life!
As much a celebration of the region's rich history, as well as its bright future, our Rail Trail will become a vibrant community trademark and a national and international attraction.
For further information, please contact 5734 6204.
Rail Trail Brochure
Download the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail brochure here