Rail Trails in Victoria
We have rated Victoria's rail trails according to their suitability for cycling on and length of open trail.
Rail trails are great places to ride with the family. Some offer longer touring possibilities and they can be found all over Victoria.
Towns dotted along the trails offer accommodation and refreshments and you can easily go for a day ride on a short section of trail.
We have rated them according to their suitability for cycling on and length of open trail.
Ordinary bikes and complete trails
These trails have a good, fine gravel surface suitable for hybrid, touring and moutain bikes. Popular trails close to Melbourne are the Bellarine Rail Trail from Geelong to Queenscliff and the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail.
Longer trails are the Murray to the Mountains rail trail from Wangaratta to Bright, which has a sealed trail surface, and the East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa. There is also a connection with the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail at Bruthen.
Ordinary bikes and trails with gaps
These trails are suitable for hybrid, touring and MTBs but not all sections of trail are complete. The Great Southern Rail Trail runs between Leongatha and Foster with a gap in the section between Koonwarra and Meeniyan.
The High Country Rail Trail runs for 32km between the Kiewa River and Old Tallangatta with a gap between Huon Reserve and Murray Way where there is a bridge missing over Lake Hume. A free map is available for this trail.
Fat tyre bikes
These trails are suitable for MTBs and fat tyre hybrids. They have a less formed surface and can be rough in places. The Mirboo Nth to Boolara rail trail is in Gippsland's Strzelecki Ranges.
Take a spin on the O'Keefe Trail from Bendigo to Axedale or the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail between Smythesdale and Skipton which has recently had it's surface upgraded. The Bass Coast Rail Trail is also due for an upgrade to its surface.
More trails
There are other trails dotted around Victoria and potential for more to be developed. The Department of Sustainability & Environment has further information about Rail Trails. Information can also be found at the Rail Trails website.