Camperdown to Timboon - Trail Description

Features

• The trail is generally known as the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail. A new name, Crater to Coast, is also used to recognise the trail's start on the open volcanic plains of Corangamite and potential extension to the coast at Port Campbell.
• A major upgrade of the trail has been made possible by significant funding from BHP Billiton and the state government.
• Eventually the trail will be extended 18km on a road side path to the Port Campbell National Park.

The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery occupies the original Timboon goods shed and distils an assortment of spirits including; single malt whisky, vodka (with vanilla bean), coffee cream, strawberry schnapps and lemon liqueur. They serve great food and pride themselves on local produce. For example, Timboon honey, cheese, strawberries, ice cream, handmade chocolates and other regional produce including Prickly Moses and Red Duck beers. The Red Duck Provedore is located at the beginning of the trail in Camperdown and offers light meals and tastings of their award winning range of beers.

Description

Camperdown to Naroghid Rd (approx. 10km)

This section is on road.

There are two routes marked from Camperdown station to the start of the rail trail. Neither of the routes are easy.  The local committee recommend the route between the two lakes, which is steep in parts but has sign posts along the way.  The alternative route means some time on a main road with no shoulder and it has no sign posts. Naroghid Road is the current start of the trail, and from here it is 8km to Cobden.

From the Naroghid Rd entrance, the trail heads south through scenic farmland into Cobden. It bisects the Cobden golf course linking with the Cobden bike trail via McKenzie St, Neylon St to Grayland Rd. The trail recommences on the north side of the farm supplies store.

Cobden to Merretts Rd (12km)

The trail runs beside the Cobden – Warrnambool Rd for 12km to Merretts Rd, crossing the road a couple of times.

Merretts Rd to Curdies River trestle bridge. (4km)

This section still has the rails and sleepers of the original track. There are 5 by-pass bridges built across Limestone Creek in this section and the trail is narrow and muddy in parts, especially after heavy rain. Some people may prefer to walk this section. The Curdies River trestle bridge has been restored and it is a joy to ride over.

This section is only suitable for walking or mountain bikes and is difficult after heavy rain

Curdies River trestle bridge to Timboon. (4km)

This section passes gently uphill through bush and farmland to Timboon.

There are shops for provisions and the famous Timboon cheese factory is not far away. A boutique whiskey distillery has be established in the old goods shed at Timboon, which is the only one of its kind in Victoria. Meals are available as well.

Background Information

The railway to Timboon was opened in April 1892 after three years of construction. It carried timber, lime, and later farm produce (hops and apples) as well as passengers. Eighteen saw mills operated in the area processing thousands of tons of timber each year. There were also lime works in the area.

Many original features remain along the line, including brick culverts and remnants of the 38 bridges. The Curdies River trestle bridge is listed with Heritage Victoria.

The section from Merretts Rd south to Curdie has very high conservation values. The giant yellow-bellied-glider possum, white goshawks and powerful owls live here. Wallabies, kangaroos and koalas are commonly seen along the trail.

The line was closed in 1986.

Links

Corangamite Shire (03) 5593 7100

Chairwoman – Pat Robertson (03) 5593 1104

Please report any faults to the Corangamite Shire

2012 Rail Trail Brochure (2.8MB)