Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail 

The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail (GRHCRT) is the longest  continuous rail trail in Australia traversing 134 kilometres through north, north east Victoria. Set on a former railway easement, this trail can be cycled, walked or ridden in either direction. If a shorter trip is more your style, there are loads of sections accessible from carparks and villages dotted along the rail trail, all with their own personality from which to choose.

The rail trail meanders through farmland, along the Goulburn River and in the foothills of the magnificent Victorian High Country.

 The completed rail trail traverses the Mitchell, Murrindindi and Mansfield Shires, connecting towns and communities including Tallarook, Trawool, Kerrisdale, Homewood, Yea, Yarck, Molesworth, Cathkin, Alexandra, Koriella, Kanumbra, Merton, Woodfield, Bonnie Doon, Maindample and Mansfield.  

The Rail Trail promises many exciting adventures as it winds along the heritage-classified Goulburn River, through the Trawool Valley, classified by the National Trust for its scenic beauty, crossing over Lake Eildon at the Brankeet Arm, on its way to the magnificent High Country and Mts Buller and Stirling.  Towns and settlements along the way offer unique experiences and places to explore, including historic landmarks and buildings, art galleries, museums, food and wine, shopping and markets.

The gradients are mostly gentle which makes walking or riding the rail trail suitable for all levels. In saying this, there are some long climbs that the not so fit may find a bit challenging. The highest point is 397 metres at Merton Gap and the steepest climb is from Alexandra to Eglington Cutting  – well  worth the view once you reach the top.  

The surface is either chert (a compacted black stone that looks like bitumen) or granitic sand. A bridle path meanders beside the trail where there is chert and is marked with blue posts or where there is granitic sand it is a shared pathway. Bike wise, the rail trail is best suited to mountain bikes, hybrid and touring cycles.  

The Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail was officially opened by Simon Crean MP in June 2012. Funded by Federal Government, State Government and the Shires of Mansfield, Murrindindi and Mitchell,  it has been a collaborative partnership over three years of planning and construction.  

The current name of the Rail Trail has been used during the construction phase but is likely to change.  Check  http://www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/railtrail.aspx for updates regarding Phase 2 New Rail Trail Branding.

Trail Distances

Mansfield – Tallarook                121 km                    Tallarook – Mansfield                     121km

Alexandra Spur Line                  13                          Alexandra Spur LIne                        13

Mansfield – Bonnie Doon             22                         Tallarook – Trawool Resort                11

Bonnie Doon – Merton                15                          Trawool Resort – Yea                       27

Merton – Yarck                          19                          Yea – Cheviot Tunnel                        9

Yarck – Cathkin                           6                          Cheviot Tunnel - Molesworth             8

Cathkin – Alexandra                13                          Molesworth - Cathkin                        4

Cathkin – Molesworth                   4                          Cathkin – Alexandra                     13

Molesworth – Cheviot Tunnel         8                          Cathkin – Yarck                                6

Cheviot Tunnel – Yea                    9                          Yarck – Merton                               19

Yea – Trawool Resort                  27                           Merton – Bonnie Doon                    15

Trawool Resort – Tallarook           11                           Bonnie Doon – Mansfield                22

Mansfield – Yea                        83                           Tallarook – Yea                          38

Mansfield – Alexandra              75                           Yea – Alexandra                         34

Yea – Tallarook                          38                          Alexandra – Mansfield               75

 Bridges  

 Originally there were 73 bridges along this disused rail line and many of them have been  repaired or replaced. The Goulburn River Bridge at Molesworth is a highlight now that it is  fully functional again, as is the King Parrot Creek Bridge which is one of the highest and longest bridges that has been restored. Some of the bridges have not  been replaced as regulations on bridge heights have changed since the original train line was laid. Where it was not possible to rebuild these bridges, low level crossings or culverts have been used.  The timber heritage bridges have been maintained with a sympathetic refurbishment.  

 Water 

 While out on the trail please carry your own water.   

 Dogs 

 Don’t forget if you are walking your dog it must be on a leash at all times and please collect and remove any of its droppings.   

Enjoying a day out on the trail at Cheviot Tunnel

 Toilets & shelters

 There are twelve new toilets along the trail plus public toilets in the towns and villages. Also several shelters with tables and chairs. The Eglington Cutting shelter has the most magnificent view overlooking the town of Alexandra and beyond to the Cathedral Range. Another lovely shelter stop along the trail is beside the Goulburn River approximately 6 kms from Tallarook.  

Cheviot Tunnel 

It is possible to walk, cycle  or ride through this 200m railway tunnel built in 1889. To reach the tunnel, take Limestone Road (on the right after leaving Yea, traveling towards Mansfield). After a couple of kilometres there is a signpost to the tunnel on Cheviot Road to the left.  This is the longest rail trail tunnel in Victoria.  

NB: Cheviot Tunnel is now closed to motor vehicles.  

	Environment Leave all flora and fauna undisturbed. Take your rubbish home or use bins provided. No firewood collectionread more…		Your Safety Take care at road crossings. Observe all signs and local regulations. Check weather conditions before travelread more …
	Trail Etiquette Respect the rights of other users at all times. Keep left and do not obstruct the trail. Cyclists give way to walkers. Alert other users of your approachRead more…		Dogs and Horses Ride horses off the bike/walking track unless signage indicates otherwise. The horse must be ridden at a walking pace when on the track formed for walking and bike ridingread more…