The Old Beechy Rail Trail enhancement will be officially opened this week, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for riders and walkers exploring the trail.
The 50 kilometre trail runs from Colac to Ferguson, following sections of the old rail line.
The Victorian Government contributed $500,000 to the project through a Regional Development Victoria grant, with Council providing more than $330,000.
Mayor Frank Buchanan said the project has resulted in sections of the trail being upgraded and 11.6 kilometres being rerouted off-road.
“This is a great project for our region, and is another step in completing the vision to bring back to life an integral part of our history,” he said.
“The Old Beechy Railway was an incredibly important link for saw millers and farmers in the Otways who relied on it to cart timber and later vegetables and livestock to Colac, because of poor road conditions.
“While the railway closed in 1962, the landscape that the track weaved its way through remained a rich and valued part of our region, filled with majestic forests, scenic farmland and rolling hills. It’s also home to a range of rare and threatened animal and plant species.
“It’s an ideal place for a walking trail, and through this enhancement project, not only has the track been upgraded and rerouted, numerous shelters and bike racks have been installed, as well as 31 interpretative signs and 23 seats along the trail, and a myriad of new trees planted.
“This trail now offers a safer and more enjoyable experience to a wide variety of people, from cycling enthusiasts to bird watchers, historians and nature lovers.”
Cr Buchanan said the project would not have been possible without the cooperation, support and goodwill shown by a range of stakeholders.
“Our community has been fantastic – from the private and commercial landowners who have allowed public access through their land, to the numerous volunteers who gave their time and hard work to bring this project to fruition,” he said.
Paul Baker has cycled over 2,400 kilometers since the start of January. The 47-year-old set himself the goal of riding a...
Plans for a rail trail in the NSW regional city of Goulburn are a step closer, after the Goulburn Mulwaree Council voted...
Wellington Shire Council, in conjunction with South Gippsland Shire Council, is constructing 21km of the Great Southern ...
After the recent Rail Trails Australia annual general meeting, attendees were treated to discussion from legendary cycli...
The Queensland Government has just released its third action plan under the 10-year Queensland Cycling Strategy for 2023...
The restoration of the 770m long iconic Snowy River trestle bridge on the East Gippsland Rail Trail has not been immune ...
The plan to link the Great Southern Rail Trail and Bass Coast Rail Trail at Nyora has taken a further step as tenders fo...
The extension of the Mary Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) in south-east Queensland has taken some crucial steps forward in rece...
In 2020 the Adelaide Hills Council was successful in securing $2.6m in funding from the Federal Government to complete s...
An enjoyable morning was had by nearly 350 people who attended the official opening of a new 11k section of the Mary to ...
A motion for supporting a rail trail through Byron Shire was passed by Byron Bay Council — it is a wonderful outco...
An expert study just released affirms the transformative effect a rail trail will have on the Central Victoria. The 9-...
The Batlow Tumut Rail Trail Association has announced that funding has been secured for a feasibility study update, a ke...
The 12 Apostles Trail is scheduled for completion this November. This trail extends the current 38km Camperdown to Tim...
We thoroughly enjoyed cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail recently. Being from Hobart, we appreciated the companies t...
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has partnered with Trail Towns to create an episode that winds 161...
Stay up to date with the latest news about Rail Trails with our free email news.
Register for news updatesPaul Baker has cycled over 2,400 kilometers since the start of January. The 47-year-old set himself the goal of riding a...
Plans for a rail trail in the NSW regional city of Goulburn are a step closer, after the Goulburn Mulwaree Council voted...
Wellington Shire Council, in conjunction with South Gippsland Shire Council, is constructing 21km of the Great Southern ...
After the recent Rail Trails Australia annual general meeting, attendees were treated to discussion from legendary cycli...
The Queensland Government has just released its third action plan under the 10-year Queensland Cycling Strategy for 2023...
The restoration of the 770m long iconic Snowy River trestle bridge on the East Gippsland Rail Trail has not been immune ...
The plan to link the Great Southern Rail Trail and Bass Coast Rail Trail at Nyora has taken a further step as tenders fo...
The extension of the Mary Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) in south-east Queensland has taken some crucial steps forward in rece...
In 2020 the Adelaide Hills Council was successful in securing $2.6m in funding from the Federal Government to complete s...
An enjoyable morning was had by nearly 350 people who attended the official opening of a new 11k section of the Mary to ...
A motion for supporting a rail trail through Byron Shire was passed by Byron Bay Council — it is a wonderful outco...
An expert study just released affirms the transformative effect a rail trail will have on the Central Victoria. The 9-...
The Batlow Tumut Rail Trail Association has announced that funding has been secured for a feasibility study update, a ke...
The 12 Apostles Trail is scheduled for completion this November. This trail extends the current 38km Camperdown to Tim...
We thoroughly enjoyed cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail recently. Being from Hobart, we appreciated the companies t...
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has partnered with Trail Towns to create an episode that winds 161...