East Gippsland Rail Trail
About this page
This 94km trail runs between Bairnsdale and Orbost. It is one of the longest rail trails in Australia.
The 58km trail between Bairnsdale and Nowa Nowa was extended 36km to Orbost in 2006.
Starting points
Bairnsdale: The trail starts at Howitt Park, on the Orbost side of town over the Mitchell River. Car parking is available. Bairnsdale has a population of 11,000 and a full range of services, including two bike shops and a caravan park.
Bruthen: The trail starts on the north side of the Great Alpine Rd.
Nowa Nowa: Kingston St.
Trail description
Bairnsdale to Nicholson - 9km (sealed surface)
Sealed trail through open farmland suitable for all bikes. The trail crosses over the Nicholson River on an impressive bridge. On the west side of the bridge you can access Nicholson township via a track. Nicholson has a caravan park and hotel. Divert off the trail to visit Nicholson winery approximately 2.5km beyond the bridge on Waddells Rd.
Nicholson to Bruthen - 21.5km (hard-packed gravel surface)
Hard-packed gravel trail suitable for bikes with wider tyres. The trail passes through bush with glimpses of the Gippsland Lakes from a high point. Excellent views of adjacent farmland and distant hills. Bruthen has a cafe, general store, caravan park, hotel and B&B.
Bruthen to Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail turnoff - 11km (hard-packed gravel surface)
The trail passes through the Colquhoun State Forest and meets with the start of the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. From here you can ride south for 25km to Lakes Entrance, or continue on the East Gippsland Rail Trail to Nowa Nowa.
Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail turnoff to Nowa Nowa - 16km (hard-packed gravel surface with low-level bypass of trestle bridges)
The trail continues through the Colquhoun State Forest to Nowa Nowa. Surface upgrades will take place in 2006. This section has trestle bridges that are bypassed on low-level tracks that are quite steep. Nowa Nowa has a cafe, store, hotel motel (03 5155 7297) and camping ground (03 5155 7247). Nowa Nowa is situated on Lake Tyers and is ideal for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Nowa Nowa to Orbost - This section of rail trail is now open.
Further information and bookings
For more information, or to book accommodation, phone the Bairnsdale Information Centre on (03) 5152 3444.
See the official East Gippsland Rail Trail website that has updates on trail progress and information on the Friends of the Rail Trail group.