Boolarra to Mirboo North Rail Trail
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This trail is a lovely day trip from Melbourne. It's a 2-hour drive along the Princes Hwy to Morwell, then take Monash Way through Churchill....
This trail is a lovely day trip from Melbourne. It's a 2-hour drive along the Princes Hwy to Morwell, then take Monash Way through Churchill to Boolarra.
It's a great family day trip. Park the car at Boolarra and ride the trail (approx 1 hr) to Mirboo North. Mirboo North is a great little town to get a bite to eat.
Apart from the regular fast food shops, there's a boutique brewery which does lunches (except Monday and Tuesday) and the Horse and Dray Cafe which does good light meals.
After refuelling, hop back on the bike for a downhill glide back to Boolarra. It has the added bonus of no road crossings (apart from a minor gravel road near Boolarra).
Fast facts
Distance from Melbourne: 160km (2 hrs drive)
Starting point: Boolarra - Railway Park
Length of trail: 13km one way (approx 1 hr ride one way)
Surface: hard packed dirt and gravel suitable for wider tyre bikes
Trail description
The trail has a hard packed dirt and gravel surface and is in fairly good condition. It is suitable for mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with wider tyres.
There are two low-level bridge crossings, one which requires dismounting to get down the steep slope to the creek crossing (or carry the bike down the steps). See photo below.
The trail starts at Railway Park near the 'Old Pub' and is a pleasant 1 hour ride to Mirboo North. It's a gentle uphill ride to Mirboo North and the trail passes through shady trees, ferns and tree plantations.
The halfway point at Darlimurla has an information shelter with trail map. The 'Big Tree' a short distance from the trail is a remnant of some of the tall trees that used to grow in the area.
The trail finishes at Mirboo North at the back of the Grand Ridge Brewery/restaurant. For those starting at the Mirboo North end, car parking is available at the scout hall around the back of brewery on the B460.