Gippsland Plains Rail Trail - Trail Description

Typical scenery along the rail trail Railtrails Australia archives

Location: Gippsland Plains between Traralgon and Statford., 220km from Melbourne

Start/end: Stratford to Maffra

Region: Gippsland, Victoria

Length open: 25.5km

Surface: Gravel/Dirt

Description

This trail passes through high quality dairy country, and offers views of the Great Dividing Range to the north. It is currently under development and two sections of this trail are open.

The 19 km section from the Glengarry Historic Railway Station to Cowwarr has not been fully developed but has had the rocky ballast removed in the rough section between Glengarry and Toongabbie. This section has two creek crossings that can be walked through. The trail reserve has significant remnant stands of native trees, shrubs and grasses. The Dawson Station flora and fauna reserve, between Cowwarr and Heyfield, has rare native grasses.

The 6.5km section from Stratford to Maffra begins 2km to the south of Stratford, off the Stratford – Maffra Rd 200m west of the Princes Hwy. The bridge over the Maffra Rd has been removed and there is a steep embankment. There is an off-road path that connects the end of the trail with the Stratford cafe and shopping precinct. Trail users can commute between Maffra and Stratford without having to use the Princes highway.

The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee of Management hope to have all of the potential 65km trail from Stratford to Traralgon open in the next few years. For further information contact the Chairperson, Helen Hoppner on 03 5148 9233 or email helenho@wideband.net.au