The Great Southern Rail Trail gets even Greater
The Great Southern Rail Trail‘s extension to Yarram is now officially open! The new 21-kilometre section brings the length of the trail (from Nyora to Yarram) to 131 kilometres.
Until this year, the rail trail ended at Welshpool, with users able to turn right to Port Welshpool (a highlight of which is its 800m long jetty). However the trail now extends on to Alberton, with users able to then head north to Yarram or south for Port Albert.
A highlight of the new stretch are bridges and underpasses, which replace the need for gates and have added interest to a flat and straight trail.
Rail Trails Australia’s President Damian explains: “There’s a lot of farming in the area, so as a result of the consultation, they built bridges, which means the cows go straight under the trail, and there are little roller-coasters, which you ride up and over. It makes it a more interesting ride: you’re like: ‘oh we’re going over a bit of a rise!’ This allows farming activities to go on underneath without interruption, and keeps everyone happy. That’s great stuff by the council.”
The rail trail covers two councils: Wellington Shire and South Gippsland Shire, and features sections of rainforest, farmland, wind turbines and now culminates in Heesco Town – (aka Yarram) where artist Heesco has painted dozens of buildings in, and out of, the town, creating a unique tourist attraction. Check out all the details here.
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More News
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3 comments on “The Great Southern Rail Trail gets even Greater”
A map with information on accommodation along the track and public transport options to return to start of the trip (with bikes!!) would be very handy, and also might create sponsoring options for the accommodation providers!
Hi, We love reading about the Rail trails but don't always know exactly where you are describing.
Would you please include a map of the trail.
thanks
Ron
Hi Ron and Alfred
There is a (green) link in all the News items to the relevant rail trail which includes a detailed map.
The descriptions also note the public transport options under Get Around. Unfortunately most are buses that don't carry normal bikes but an article in our upcoming spring magazine discusses using the bus for a driver shuttle.
It is not practical for RTA to list all accommodation along rail trails, many other sites are dedicated to this.