Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail - Trail Description

Unfortunately no water under the 387m long, 27m high bridge over lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon. 2009

Location: Goulburn Valley, 105km from Melbourne

Start/end: Yea, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield

Region: Northern Victoria, Victoria

Length open: 17km

Surface: Gravel

PARTIALLY DEVELOPED

Description

This trail is partially open - it is still being developed.

Three sections of the former Mansfield Railway are open as trails at Yea, Bonnie Doon and Maindample to Mansfield. With the April 2009 renouncement of a $14million project to complete the trail it is planned to have all 134km open by the end of 2011. Refer to details below.

Yea (1km): A short section of the former railway can be followed near the former Yea Station. The station building has been restored and is now occupied by the local tourist information centre.
Cheviot Tunnel: It is possible to walk, cycle or drive through this 200m railway tunnel. To reach the tunnel, take Limestone Road (on the right after leaving Yea, travelling towards Mansfield. After a couple of kilometers there is a signpost to the tunnel on Cheviot Road to the left. Following this road, the railway formation can be seen on the right. Eventually the road turns to the right and climbs up onto the formation shortly before the tunnel. After passing through the tunnel, the road turns off the formation, which can still be seen running along to the left. After passing through two gates, this road joins Native Dog Road which returns to the main highway. Please leave the gates as you found them. All the roads described are dirt or gravel. They should be accessible to all vehicles although a 4WD is recommended in wet conditions.
Bonnie Doon (4km): This rail trail starts at the former Bonnie Doon station and incorporates the impressive Bonnie Doon rail bridge.
Maindample to Mansfield (12km): This first major stage opened in August 2010 and links the former Mansfield Station (now a tourist information centre) with with the Midland Hwy link road at Maindample. The surface is generally a very well compacted gravel surface, though some soft spots are still being worked on.

The 134km long rail trail will traverse Mitchell, Murrundindi and Mansfield Shires.

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Trail Map

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