Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail
Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is a challenging trail along the historic Camperdown to Timboon rail line. The trail traverses volcanic lakes, open farmland, wet sclerophyll forest and spectacular trestle bridges on an even descent via Cobden into Timboon.
The trail is generally known as the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail. A new name, Crater to Coast, is also used to recognise the trail's start on the open volcanic plains of Corangamite and potential extension to the coast at Port Campbell.
Eventually the trail may be extended 18km on a road side path to the Port Campbell National Park and on to Princetown joining the Great Ocean Walk.
Trail Summary:
Start:: Camperdown V/Line station
End: Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
Length: 40km
Surface: Compacted earth, Coarse gravel
Terrain: Gently undulating
TRAIL MAP
Camperdown - Elingamite
Download Trail Map (Camperdown to Elingamite)
Elingamite - Timboon
Download Trail Map (Elingamite to Timboon)
BRIEF HISTORY
The Camperdown Timboon Railway line was officially opened on the 5th April, 1892 after 3 years of construction. The line was built to serve the pioneers of the Heytesbury Forest - farmers, saw millers and merchants. The original plan included continuing the line to Port Campbell. This did not occur due to governments cutting spending during the Depression times in the 1890's.
Towns along the line, such as Curdies, Naroghid and Elingamite all boasted schools, community halls and service businesses up until the 1950's with other stations at Camperdown, Cobden and Timboon.
There were several crossing gates along the line - 34 bridges and a total of 84 culverts. The most significant of the bridges is the Curdies River Bridge which was restored and re-opened in November, 2010. This bridge is listed with Heritage Victoria and is easily accessible by road.
The line was closed to passengers in 1931, to freight in 1977 and eventually declared fully closed in May 1987.
The Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail Steering Committee was established in 1994 and the Rail Trail was officially opened in 2009. It is owned by the Victorian Government (Department of Sustainability and Environment) and is currently managed by a government appointed Committee of Management.
HOW TO GET THERE
Camperdown lies 200km west of Melbourne on the Princes Highway. Vline train services operate daily from Melbourne to Warrnambool. You can start your Rail Trail experience at Camperdown Railway Station. Another option is to contact Vline for details of the timetable for the commuter bus to Timboon and then travel back to Camperdown.
If travelling by car, Naroghid Road is your best starting point.
ACCESS TO TRAIL
The trail can be completed in short sections (see track notes) and in either direction. Stay overnight in hotels, caravan parks (with cabins), B & B's in Camperdown, Cobden or Timboon or drive (or ride) a further 19 km to Port Campbell. A car shuffle will be required, unless you choose to return along the trail.
ACCOMMODATION
Manifold Motor Inn
295 Manifold Street, Camperdown
(03) 5593 2666
Lake Purrumbete Cottages
658 Purrumbete Estate Road, Tesbury, Camperdown
3 unique cottages on the banks of Lake Purrumbete
0419 591 660
Anchors Port Campbell
Boutique 4 1/2 star self catering villas with spa & fire.
2549 Cobden - Port Campbell Rd. Port Campbell
0417 434 400
Portside Motel
62 Lord Street, Port Campbell
Modern, unique & clean accommodation, recommended by TripAdvisor
1800 629 343
Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Cnr Great Ocean Road and Irvine Street, Peterborough
Quality accommodation to suit all budgets, 15 mins drive from Timboon
(03) 5598 5477
TRANSPORT
Crater To Coast Bicycle Hire
0438 407 777
Ride With Us offers bike hire and transport from Cobden, Timboon or Port Campbell.
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Loaf and Lounge Cafe/ Bakehouse
223 Manifold Street, Camperdown
Amazing arrangement of edible delights, Jasper Coffee
(03) 5593 1521
Timboon Bakery
Fresh sandwiches, pies, cakes & coffee
100 m. from Rail Trail
Open Monday - Saturday
(03) 5598 3035
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
Enjoy lunch on the Trail
Local produce, great food, whiskey and spirit.
Open 7 days 10am - 5pm
(03) 5598 3555
Berryworld
26 Egan Street, Timboon
Pick your own berries Strawberries (Nov - March), Blackberries (Dec-Feb). Open 10am-4pm Tues-Sun and Public Hols. Closed Christmas Day
(03) 5598 3240
Timboon Fine Ice Cream
Enjoy Timboon Fine Ice Cream - call in at the Timboon Distillery to take home some local, luxury ice cream.
Open 7 days 10.00am - 5.00pm.
(03) 5595 0390
CODE OF CONDUCT
For the safety of other users
- Please keep left when passing oncoming traffic.
- Cyclists give way to walkers.
- Cyclists should indicate (use bell) in advance, when approaching traffic to overtake.
- Always overtake on the right hand side.
- Horses give way to all users.
- Keep dogs on leash at all times.
- NO trail bikes or motorised vehicles.
- Respect private property.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Take your rubbish home.
- Do not remove or disturb native vegetation or wild life.
- Mobile phone reception may be difficult on some sections of the Trail.
- Beware of snakes and leeches along the Trail.
- No drinking water is available on Trail.
- Toilets are only available in townships of Camperdown, Cobden and Timboon.
- To enhance the enjoyment and safety of trail users, comprehensive signage is being progressively installed along the Rail Trail.
Location
Cnr Longmore St and Pike St, Camperdown 3260 Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ Camperdown to Timboon (Rail Trails Australia)
→ Crater To Coast Bicycle Hire (Timboon)
