Great Southern Rail Trail (Nyora - Alberton)
Stretching for 109 kilometres from Nyora to Port Welshpool, the trail traverses lush farmland, historic bridges and native vegetation.
From Nyora, the trail goes through Loch, Korumburra, Leongatha, Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Buffalo, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora, Welshpool and Port Welshpool. Take the full journey and retrace the rail line or choose shorter segments for a more leisurely outing. Be sure to stop and explore the towns and villages dotted along the trail.
The track is compacted gravel with slightly undulating surface and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels with some riding experience recommended. The trail is suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. There is horse parking at Toora, located at Sagasser Park.
The rail trail comprises a number of distinct sections:
Nyora to Loch (6km)
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A short downhill section passing pockets of bushland, and ending at a leafy gully, cut by Allsop Creek. It is a short walk or ride across the highway to the town centre.
Loch to Korumburra (15km)
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A particularly beautiful section winding through hills on a steep ascent to Korumburra.
Korumburra to Leongatha (15km)
Start your journey at the old Korumburra Railway Station. Toilets and picnic shelters are by the Goods Shed. The town has a number of quality cafes and Burra Brewing Co to start on a full stomach. You can also explore the outdoor museum and heritage park of Coal Creek.
The ride passes through undulating countryside with views over lush rolling hills. There is a bridge near Kardella.
Leongatha to Koonwarra (7.8km)
There is a gentle descent from Leongatha to Koonwarra, past farmland, lowland forest and wetlands. Spot heron and ducks before arriving in pretty Koonwarra, known for its love of food and fine local produce, sustainable living and a regular farmers market.
Koonwarra to Meeniyan (8.2km)
The history of the trail and the original railway comes to life as you cross the original 1880s trestle bridges, which span the Black Spur creek surrounded by lush fern gullies.
The trail meanders close to the main street of Meeniyan. A quick detour takes you into town and its gallery, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Meeniyan to Fish Creek (18.3km)
The trail diverts south from this point to avoid the steep Foster Hills. You'll pass green pastures, towering gum trees and flowing creeks. The trail's gradient rises gently as you leave the park at Buffalo for Fish Creek, a quirky artistic town with plenty of options to eat and restock supplies that's just reward for your efforts.
Fish Creek to Foster (12.4km)
Follow the trail through a valley and up an elevation of 140 metres along the west side of the Hoddle Range for spectacular views of Corner Inlet and the peaks of Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Keep an eye out for the kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife that thrive in the dense forest along the side of the trail, before detouring into Foster, a small regional town that caters well for visitors and offers plenty of accommodation options.
Foster to Toora (10.2km)
This leisurely section is perfect for young families to explore, and features an ever-changing view - from dairy farms and gum tree glades to rivers, rolling hills and wind turbines.
Toora to Welshpool (10.2km)
Perfect for families and all fitness levels and boasting views right to Cornet Inlet, this flat section of the trail travels through rugged bushland and past lush dairy farms.
Welshpool to Port Welshpool (5km)
This short, flat section brings you to the end of the Great Southern Rail Trail. You'll wind through the streets of Welshpool before continuing along to the coast and soaking up the last views of Corner Inlet, as well as Snake Island and the northern section of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Allow yourself a cheer as you roll into the coastal fishing village of Port Welshpool for some well-deserved rest and relaxation ensconced in truly breathtaking coastal scenery.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Accessibility:
The terrain is gentle and accessible for wheelchairs in certain sections.
Towns on the Great Southern Rail Trail
FISH CREEK
Fish Creek is an artisans' hub filled with creative flavour. From an historical art deco hotel in the centre of town to studios and galleries where you can see the artist at work, this town is perfect for the curious to explore. There are a number of eateries and a 'fish' theme resonates with the recent addition of the 2006 Commonwealth Games fish sculpture and the large mullet on the roof of the art deco hotel, a renowned feature.
FOSTER
Rich in Gold Rush history and nestled around Stockyard Creek, Foster offers numerous walking tracks that link the surrounding flora reserves. Take your time exploring the range of shops, eateries and art spaces, or learn about the town's fascinating history in the local museum. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of Stockyard Creek at Pearl Park, or check to see if there's a market or show scheduled while you are in town. Foster town centre is 1.5km from the trail.
KOONWARRA
Koonwarra is a picturesque village known for its fresh produce, proud community spirit and sustainable living. Stop to savour some local fare, or pick up some fresh, seasonal produce at the Memorial Park Farmers' Market, held on the first Saturday of each month. The town is also an important site on Australia's fossil record with the Koonwarra Fossil Bed found by accident in 1961 and dating back to the early Cretaceous 115 million years ago.
LEONGATHA
Nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, Leongatha is the key commercial centre for South Gippsland, offering a range of retail and recreational opportunities, educational and medical facilities. The town's historic railway station can be seen from the trail at Horticultural Park. The original Mechanics Institute (1912) serves as a local history museum and the Memorial Hall (1925) houses a gallery showcasing local art and craft.
MEENIYAN
Meeniyan is a buzzing country town, bursting with community pride and family-friendly spaces. Take your time exploring the main street with its range of unique shops, homely cafes and restaurants, and wander through the gallery, boasting the talents of artists near and far. Renowned for its acoustics, the historical Meeniyan Hall hosts a number of live acts throughout the year and is the town's centrepiece.
PORT WELSHPOOL
Once a thriving fishing and cargo port, this coastal town still provides seafood for markets in Melbourne and abroad, and is a hive of activity for recreational fishing and boating. The local fishing industry was the lifeblood of this community and was the reason the Corner Inlet area flourished. Take a stroll along the waterfront, or soak up the atmosphere as the fishermen unload their catch. Picnic and barbeque facilities provide the perfect spot to celebrate the beginning or end of your trail adventure.
TOORA
Toora is situated at the foot of Mount Best with Mount Fatigue to the north. Both offer spectacular views of Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. In the hills north east of the township, you will find one of Victoria's first wind farms and the spectacular Agnes Falls -the state's highest single span waterfall. Agnes Falls is easily accessible by car from Toora, just follow the signs from Silcocks Hill Road. An internationally recognised wetlands site, with a shelter to observe the variety of migratory birds that nest there, is also just a short journey From town.
WELSHPOOL
Welshpool is nestled inland at the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges just a short distance from the rugged south eastern coastline. Once a busy cargo interchange, including fish caught in Corner Inlet bound for the Melbourne markets and beyond, the Welshpool track continued to Yarram to transport passengers and goods. From here, the trail diverts from the South Gippsland Highway and heads towards the coast.
Update: In 2022 a new section of the trail was officially open from Korumburra to Leongatha. It is a 16km section which is mostly uphill from Korumburra. The total length of the trail is now 87km.
Update: The trail was further extended from Leongatha to Nyora in 2023 to a length of 109 kilometres
Update: The new 21km extension in mid-2024 from Alberton to Welshpool brings the total length of The Great Southern Rail Trail to 129km.
Location
24 Mitchell Street, Nyora 3987 Map
Web Links
→ www.gsrt.com.au
→ Trail Brochures (PDF)
→ Great Southern Rail Trail on Facebook
