Rail Trail Adventures
Rail trails are fantastic pathways built on old railway lines and are great places to ride.
Rail trails are fantastic pathways built on old railway lines and are great places to ride.
What is a rail trail?
Rail trails are shared-use paths recycled from abandoned railway corridors. Railway engines have always had difficulty climbing hills. The steepest grade of a railway line is never more than 1 in 30. This means no sharp rises and no sharp bends, just sweeping curves and gentle undulations. This is why abandoned railway lines make such superb pathways for cycling.
Rail trails are gaining in popularity for touring and day-trips. Not only do they provide local recreation and travel; the trails benefit local economies through the tourism they bring and provide green links and reserves for native plants and animals.
Where are they?
Rail trails exist all over Australia. Rail trails link big and small country towns and meander through scenic countryside just as railways did in the past.
What are they like?
Most trails have a gravel or dirt surface suitable for hybrid, touring or mountain bikes. Some are sealed and are great for road bikes too.
Rail trails vary in length from a few kilometres to over 100 kilometres, but there is no need to ride it all in one go!
There are wineries and other attractions near many trails as well as B&B's and other great places to stay.
More information
Find out about the great Rail Trails in Victoria and South Australia!
Rail Trails Australia publishes a great guide to Rail Trail in Victoria and South Australia. You can purchase the guide from Bicycle Victoria ($29.65 for Bicycle Victoria Members; $32.95 non-Members). Phone 8636 8888 or 1800 639 634.