Trail description

Surface

The Old Beechy Rail Trail surface consists of compacted gravel surface, suitable for most bikes with wider tyres

On the section between Gellibrand and Beech Forest where it is necessary to divert in parts onto the old Colac-Beech Forest Road, this road has a surface of heavy gravel where mountain bikes with wide tyres are recommended.

Trail route description

The first 10.8km of the Rail Trail, from Colac railway station to just south of Barongarook, is located along local roads.

Another 4 km section, between Birnum & Kawarren of the former railway right of way is also not accessible for public use. In this instance the Rail Trail is located along forest access track, a powerline easement and a closed road easement.

Most of the remaining sections of the Rail Trail are located either on the former railway formation or very close to it. A slight diversion through farmland in the last 2 km of the rail trail has also been necessary approaching Beech Forest.

Because of the necessary deviations from the original rail route, the total Rail Trail distance, Colac to Beech Forest is 45.9km which is 1.6 km shorter that the original rail distance. The total distance of the Rail Trail located on the adjacent roads is 13.1km leaving 32.8 km distance along or adjacent to the rail route. 

Cyclists and hikers need to take care on all roads in the Otway Ranges, particularly between Colac and Beech Forest as log truck traffic is quite frequent.

Users of the Old Beechy Rail Trail need to be aware of the extreme fire danger potential in the forest areas, particularly where the Rail Trail traverses pine and blue gum plantations.

A glossy color pamphlet will be available in 2005.

Suggested ride options

The two main open sections of trail are:

• Birnam station & picnic ground to Maggios Rd (4.8km)

• Gellibrand to Wimba (9.5km).

These can be combined with local gravel roads to make longer rides or loop rides. See below for more details.

The Birnam station site and picnic area can be accessed off the Colac-Lavers Hill Rd approx 15km south of Colac at Cashins Rd. The picnic area and trail start is approx 1km along Cashins Rd.

Ride along the trail, which is a gradual uphill climb through pretty forest of tall eucalypts. The trail comes out at Maggios Rd approximately 4.8km later. Turn right and follow the signs pointing to Birnam station picnic area, which will take you downhill along a dirt road (Robinsons Rd) back to the starting point. Alternatively return to Birnam station on the rail trail for a 9.5km return trip.

The old rail line ran between Colac-Lavers Hill Rd and Beech Forest Rd. The trail starts at an open area (with piles of dirt) underneath power lines at the southern end of Gellibrand.

Go through a gate and follow the trail through farmland (the main road is visible on your right). The trail winds through hilly country (fortunately no steep grades on a former rail line!) for approximately 5kms. The trail passes through pine plantations and ends near Banool on the Colac-Beech Forest Rd. Ride along the gravel road for a couple of kilometres until the next section of trail is visible.

Wooden fences mark the entrance to the trail. Follow it for approx 1km, cross the Colac-Beech Forest Rd and follow the trail for another kilometre until it ends in a plantation near Wimba.

Rejoin the gravel Colac-Beech Forest Rd and follow it for approximately 9km to Beech Forest. Turn right at Beech Forest onto the sealed road.

Ride approx 4km until the Colac-Lavers Hill Rd intersection at Ferguson and turn right back towards Gellibrand and Colac on the main road.