Wodonga - High Country Rail Trail
The High Country Rail Trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Hume from Wodonga to Old Taltangatta and then continues to Corryong. The old railway line was built in 1887 and was used to transport material for the Snowy Mountain Scheme. The last train headed out along this track in 1978.
The scenic ride takes in magnificent lake and mountain views, with railway and immigration history along the way. There are magnificent mountain views, historical sites and the cool waters of Lake Hume to enjoy along the 35km trail from Wodonga to Old Taltangatta.
From Old Tallangatta to Corryong the trail is 74km and takes in pine plantations, State Forest, historic timber trestle bridges and mountain views.
Start/end of the trail is Wodonga to Shelley and the length is 80km.
The High Country Rail Trail has three distinct sections:
Albury/Wodonga is a major regional centre with all services while Tallangatta has some services. There are no services beyond Tallangatta.
See a map showing the High Country Rail Trail Map.
Route Description
WODONGA TO BANDIANA 4.7km + on-off road, full seal
Commencing at the Wodonga Visitor Information Centre at 73 Novell St, follow pedestrian crossings at Novell St, Lawrence St and Thomas Mitchell Drive to connect with the Rail Trail Link. This paved trail is service roads that run along the south side of Thomas Mitchell Drive, which becomes the Murray Valley Hwy at Bandiana. Follow the trail along the front of the Blazing Stump Hotel, the Bandiana Army Cinema and Wadsworth Barracks all the way to Kiewa Valley Hwy. It is at this point the trail becomes all off-road.
BANDIANA TO BONEGILLA - 7km (rail siding) + high and low quality + off-road, full seal to Whytes Rd, gravel Whytes Rd to Bonegilla
From Bandiana to Bonegilla the trail is all off-road and the paved trail becomes a gravel track from Whytes Rd for the next 27km to Tallangatta. This latter section is suitable for mountain bikes and hybrids.
As you travel east towards Bonegilla you cross the Kiewa River and pass the old Bonegilla rail siding, where each week hundreds of migrants arrived on the "red rattlers" from Melbourne dock when the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre was operational.
At Mahers Rd you can leave the trail for a 3.6km return trip to Bonegilla Migrant Experience. The site provides an intimate glimpse into the hopes and dreams of Australia's post-war migrants. Bonegilla Reception Centre was once made up of 24 blocks. It had its own churches, banks, sporting fields, cinema, hospital, police station and railway platform. Today, Block 19 is all that remains of the original site. Bonegilla Migrant Experience brings to life the stories and experiences of the people who travelled through the reception centre.
Bonegilla Migrant Experience is open daily from 10am to 4pm (closed Anzac Day from 10am to 1pm, Good Friday and Christmas Day). Picnic facilities, toilets and refreshments available. Guided tours by appointment.
BONEGILLA TO SANDY CREEK BRIDGE - 14.8km + high and low quality + off-road, gravel
The trail from Bonegilla to Sandy Creek Bridge passes through Ebden, Ludlows and Huon reserves, all featuring parking, toilet facilities and drinking water.
Small lengths of the train track are exposed on the approach to Huon Reserve. Further remnants of the railway's history are apparent at Huon Reserve, where rusty rail tracks and an old train remain.
SANDY CREEK BRIDGE TO TALLANGATTA - 9.5km + off-road, half seal, half gravel
Sandy Creek Bridge was reconstructed in 2012 with a 600-metre architecturally designed pedestrian and cycling bridge, sitting on the original rail pylons stripped of track after the Cudgewa branch line closed in 1981. Adjacent to the bridge are picnic tables and a viewing platform to take in the spectacular scenery.
From the bridge to Tallangatta ride on the 3m wide trail. The trail has a half seal, half gravel surface, providing 1.5m of each to allow for runners and riders to select their preferred surface. There are some lovely spots to stop and throw a line in for those keen on fishing. Seating is placed sparingly along the track and a bridle trail for horse enthusiasts follows alongside the trail for much of the journey into Tallangatta. It is clearly signposted where the bridle trail diverges from the trail.
The best off-road parking is available at the Huon Reserve, a short distance from the Sandy Creek Bridge on the Wodonga side. Parking is also available at Murrays Wayside Stop, halfway between the Sandy Creek Bridge and Tallangatta.
At Tallangatta you will arrive at the rail head adjacent to the local bowling club. Lords Hut provides an insight into the area's pioneering past as you move towards the central business area, where you will find charming cafes and country pubs serving delicious meals. Explore the local craft store and let the kids play under the shady trees of "The Triangles" park. In summer, the local swimming pool is just a short trip from the head of the rail trail, and the Lake Hume foreshore is easily accessed through the township.
TALLANGATTA TO OLD TALLANGATTA - 9km + off-road, sealed
The rail trail runs along Tallangatta's southern boundary towards Old Tallangatta. This section between Tallangatta and the Mitta River is sealed. The lookout at Old Tallangatta takes you on a trip back in time, to a town relocated in the 1950s when Lake Hume was flooded.
A beautiful off-road shelter at the lookout provides the perfect place to stop and enjoy a drink and a snack and interpretive signage provides further insights into the story of the town that moved.
OLD TALLANGATTA TO DARBYSHIRE - 15km + off-road low quality gravel
Leaving the foreshore of Lake Hume the rail trail gently climbs through some of the best grazing country in North East Victoria and around three spectacular double storied trestle bridges. Restoration of the 67-metre Dry Forest Creek trestle bridge is underway.
DARBYSHIRE TO SHELLEY - 20km + low quality + off-road gravel
It is all downhill from Shelley Station, the highest railway station in Victoria, to Derbyshire (or all uphill if riding in the opposite direction). Ride through peppermint scented forests and over some spectacular restored timber trestle bridges. The 77 metre Long Boggy Creek trestle bridge is a great photo stop just after refreshments at the Koetong Pub.
COLAC COLAC TO CORRYONG - 8km + off-road, half seal, half gravel
Parking and picnic facilities are available at the start of the 8km trail between the Benambra-Corryong Road intersection and Corryong township.
A half seal, half gravel 3m wide trail weaves through farming land, following the route of the Murray Valley Highway but with wide separation making for safe and peaceful. riding. Passing by the Colac Colac Caravan Park, and terminating at the Mt Mittamatite Caravan Park at the entry to Corryong, this is a perfect section of trail for visitors to the Upper Murray to enjoy during their stay.
Location
69-73 Hovell Street, Wodonga 3690 Map
Web Links
→ High Country Rail Trail (Railtrails.org.au)
→ High Country Rail Trail on Facebook
→ High Country Rail Trail Map (PDF)
