Old Beechy Rail Trail - Trail Description

Replica station name board at Birnam. Alexander McCooke

Location: Otway Ranges, 130km from Melbourne

Start/end: Colac to Beech Forest

Region: Western Victoria, Victoria

Length open: 45km

Surface: Gravel/dirt

Description

The Old Beechy Rail Trail follows much of the original path of the narrow gauge railway “The Beechy” which ran from 1902 until 1962. The area has scenic forest, rich farmland and rolling hills with the coast not too far away. There is excellent bird life along the trail and rain forest pockets have magnificent eucalypts and blackwoods shading the lush understorey.

The trail is open between Colac and Beech Forest, albeit with several on road diversions. The remaining section of the former railway between Beech Forest and Crowes is planned as a future development. Parts of the railway were sold when the line was closed. The trail could only be established with the good will of local landowners who have allowed the trail to pass through their properties in several sections – please respect private property and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

The trail is suitable for mountain bikes and walkers (dogs are allowed on a leash). Some sections of the trail suitable for beginners and families, some only suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. The downloadable brochure below provides more detail

Timber chicanes are found along the trail, which may restrict bikes with trailers or three-wheelers . Keys can be arranged through Colac Otway Shire, ph 5232 9400 during business hours.

• Colac to Barongarook - (11km) the first section of the rail trail is all on-road since the original railway route is no longer available. As of 2010 work is being done to put much of this part off road. The trail starts on the northern side of Colac railway station. After crossing the foot bridge over the railway, follow the signposted route along suburban streets and back roads to Barongarook.
• Barongarook to Gellibrand (16km) - starting a little way south of Barongarook Station site, the trail runs through bushland following the railway route for most of this distance. Between Birnam and Kawarren the trail leaves the railway formation for 4km and this section involves a very steep climb. The former station site at Gellibrand is partly occupied by a caravan park. The trail runs through the town on the opposite side of the road passing the hotel and general store.
• Gellibrand - Dinmont (14km) - The trail runs through farmland, bush and timber plantations. There are several crossings over the Old Beech Forest Rd. There is one short on-road section.
• Dinmont - Beech Forest (4.5km) - The 1.8km section of trail from Ditchley to Beech Forest was completed in 2010, and a track beside the road will be constructed for the remaining 2.7km by the end of 2010. In the mean time trail users must use the Old Beech Forest Rd from Dinmont to Ditchley.
• Beech Forest (1km) - a short section of trail can be followed east of Beech Forest towards Crowes. Funding was granted in 2010 to continue the trail as far as Ferguson, the first station towards Crowes.
• Crowes - the buffer stop at Crowes marks the southern point reached by a mainland railway. The original buffer stop has been restored and a short section of track relayed.

A 12 seater ‘train’ vehicle will run return journeys from Gellibrand to Beech Forest infrequently between December and April. The not-for-profit train is for use by people unable to walk or cycle. For details on running times, contact Chris Smith on 03 5235 1255. (last updated Jun 2010)

News Items

• May 2010 $750,000 for Upgrade.

For more information on this trail see the book Rail Trails of Victoria and South Australia.

Trail Map

Gallery

Click any of the photos below for a larger image or display all.

Beech Forest Station. PBPS Archives

Web Links

• History of the former narrow gauge line
• Colac Otway Shire and contacts
• Trail Map in PDF format (courtesy of Trail Committee)

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Related Information

• Discuss this trail in our Victoria Rail Trails Forum
• More trails in this region
• Find other trails with our Rail Trail Finder

Rail Trails of Victoria and South Australia This trail is included in our guide book Rail trails of Victorian and South Australia. The book features 25 rail trails. It includes plenty of photos, detailed descriptions and full colour maps. It is available from book shops and bike shops or order direct.

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