Longest Rail Trail

When complete, the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail will be Victoria’s longest rail trail and will span some 134km from Tallarook through Yea to Mansfield, with a link between Cathkin and Alexandra. You’ll be able to explore the rail trail on a bike, on foot or on horseback.

The trail, located less than one hour from Melbourne, will meander through beautiful countryside following the disused rail line. It will follow the heritage-classified Goulburn River at Tallarook and pass through the Trawool Valley, classified by the National Trust for its scenic beauty.

At Yea the trail will pass by the historic Railway Station built in 1889. The Cathkin platform still remains and the local Landcare group has been working tirelessly to look after this reserve.

You may be lucky enough to arrive at the old Alexandra Station on a day that the Alexandra Timber Tramway operates. You can begin or end your journey at the Information Centre in Mansfield where the Historical Society operates from the former railway station building.

Construction of the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail is expected to be finished by December 2011, with sections to be progressively opened until then. Once complete the rail trail will include a 134km shared bicycle, walking and bridle trail, 39 new bridges, seven new car parks and amenities, eight water tanks and 17 rest stops, and repairs to a further 29 bridges between Mansfield and Tallarook. It will traverse the Mitchell, Murrindindi and Mansfield Shires, connecting towns and communities including Tallarook, Trawool, Kerrisdale, Homewood, Yea, Molesworth, Cathkin, Alexandra, Koriella, Kanumbra, Merton, Woodfield, Bonnie Doon, Maindample and Mansfield, making it one of the longest trails in Australia!

Please check www.victorianrailtrails.com.au for up to date Rail Trail information.