Bass Coast Rail Trail - Trail Description

Features

• This is a spectacular coastal railtrail which can easily be ridden in both directions in a few short hours
• An original timber trestle bridge at Kilcunda right on the beach
• Phillip Island only a few km's away
• Spectacular Coastal and rural views
• Plenty of places to eat and stay at Wonthaggi and Kilcunda
• Historical mining sites
• Wonderful mining museum in Wonthaggi at old State Coal Mine site
• Museum, arts and craft shop at Wonthaggi station site.

Extra Options

• The George Bass Coastal Walk begins at Kilcunda, and is a pleasant walk along the beach and cliff tops with views of Cape Wollamai & Phillip Isalnd
• Visit the historic State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi
• Cycle on the east area trail from Wonthaggi to Cape Patterson approx 9km

Description

Access

• Wonthaggi railway station site - Carparking and shops nearby just off Bass Highway
• Kilcunda township - On Bass Highway
• Anderson - Carpark opposite roundabout to Phillip Island on Bass Highway

Wonthaggi to Kilcunda (10km)

This is a very pleasant and easy to ride section of the trail where the scenery is a mix of farmland and coastal heath and paperbark

• Cross the long bridge over the Powlett River and then Mouth of Powlett River Rd
• The trail climbs up into a cutting before emerging to give one of the many magnificent coastal views
• The trail now runs right on the ocean to Kilcunda with beaches and rock pools
• Cross the iconic Bourne Ck trestle bridge to arrive at Kilcunda village

Kilcunda to Anderson (6km)

The trail from Kilcunda is a steady climb to Anderson, giving views of the large tailings heap at the old Mitchell Mine

• The trail diverges from the original railway alignment at Kilcunda due to safety reasons crossing the Bass Highway.
• Follow the path to the road crossing adjacent to old rail timber viaduct
• A short steep climb up to the original rail alignment
• Proceed through rolling hills towards Anderson
• Access at Anderson is the large carpark on the east exit of the roundabout.

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

Background Information

This trail is part of a former branch line from Nyora to Wonthaggi.  The line was opened in 1910 to service the coal mines, passengers and farm produce in the Wonthaggi area.  The line was closed in 1978 due to the decline in passengers and mining.

The first commercial coal mine was opened in Kilcunda in 1865.

The Bass Coast Shire is the committee of management for this rail trail, and is committed to eventually extending the trail the full distance of 48km to Nyora.

Links

Please report any issues (or compliments) to the rail trail managers:

• Bass Coast Shire Ph: 03 5671 2211

For further information

• Wonthaggi State Coal Mine and George Bass Coastal walk Parks Victoria Information Centre, Ph: 13 1963 or www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
• Visitor Information Wonthaggi Ph: 1300 854 334
• Visitor information Phillip Island Ph: 1300 366 422

Support Services and Attractions

Cross Over Cycles Wonthaggi

Bicycle Hire, Service and Sales