Camperdown – Timboon (Crater to Coast) Rail Trail - Trail Description

Riding through scenic bushland Railtrails Australia - 2009

Location: South Western Victoria, 190km from Melbourne

Start/end: Camperdown to Timboon

Region: Western Victoria, Victoria

Length open: 29km

Surface: Gravel, developed -rough in small sections

Description

The Camperdown – Timboon Rail Trail passes through a variety of scenic landscapes including bushland with very high conservation values, rich farmland and the open volcanic plains of Corangamite.

The entire length of the rail trail was fully opened in 2008 though some sections still need further development. As part of this work most sections were graded and resurfaced with crushed scoria, which will need time to firm up. It is not suitable for road bikes.

The trail is on-road from Camperdown to Naroghid, where it officially starts. From Camperdown, take Bowen St. or Fenton St. to Park Lane, head west and follow Sadlers Rd. between the golf course and Lake Bullen Merri in the crater. Continue along Lake Bullen Merri Rd. till you arrive at the picturesque picnic spot with BBQ's (1km from Naroghid). Climb back out of the crater and turn right at Naroghid Rd. Then at Woodlands Rd. cyclists can take a quick left and right to follow the off-road reserve along Naroghid Rd. all the way to the Naroghid siding and the true beginning of the rail trail.

The 4km section north of Curdies River is still an adventure. The rails and sleepers of the original railway are still in place to really remind you what used it used to be in years gone by. However with some steeper grades, narrower embankments and sharper corners than are usually found on rail trails it is probably unrideable for anything less than sturdy mountain bikes piloted by confident riders. Most other riders will likely find that dismounting and walking through this section is preferable, and as it is a fairly short section, this shouldn't be an overly taxing option.

By-pass bridges have been built over Limestone Creek to enable the trail to be opened. These are small bridges and care should be taken with them.

The section from Merretts Road, Glenfyne to Curdies is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR HORSES. The trail through this section is narrow containing steep embankments and very narrow by-pass bridges not suitable for horses. Horse riders are advised not to use this section. For further information contact 03 5595 0287.

The Curdies Trestle Bridge was opened to the public on Saturday 19 June 2010 with new decking, handrails and safety fencing. Visitors can now travel the 14 or so kilometres from Timboon to Merrett's Rd. near Glenfyne without crossing any roads.

There are plans to extend the the trail 18km south to Port Campbell and the Great Ocean Road. Hopefully the majority will be on a pipeline easement adjacent to roads.

(Last updated June 2010)

News Items

• June 2010 - Curdies Bridge Open
• October 2009 - Volunteers requested.

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

Trail Map

See Rail Trails of Victoria and South Australia for a much more detailed map. The maps in the book include all trail access points, facilities along the trail and gradient profiles (example).

Gallery

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

The old goods shed at Timboon is now a whiskey distillery with a popular cafe - 2007

Web Links

• The 'Visit 12 Apostles' descripiton of this rail trail

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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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