The Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Reserve is a 37km walking and cycling trail in western Victoria. It follows the path of a railway line that operated from 1888 until 1977. The trail features historic infrastructure, including 15 bridges and significant earthworks, and traverses diverse landscapes rich in native flora and fauna. The whole 37km is an accessible walking and cycling conservation reserve. All native fauna and flora is protected and to be respected, so, no hunting or picking wildflowers. No motorised access is permitted except e-bikes and electric wheelchairs unless by prior consent. For the benefit of all, please take your litter with you, travel safely and enjoy your journey. The committee of management would like to thank DEECA and the Shire of Southern Grampians for their assistance in the development of this trail.

Hamilton to Wannon-Nigretta Rd (20km)

• Hamilton is a major town with a wide range of attractions, accommodation and food outlets
• Access: The trail starts about 2km south-east of town. Take Portland Rd (Henty Hwy A200) to Lodge Rd  and turn right on Dunn Road where there is off-street parking and wayfaring signs
• Proceed north-west but take care crossing Portland Rd as it can be busy
• There is no low-level bridge at the. Grand Burn river yet, so travel east along Digby Rd (C187, back towards town) and the Wetlands Walk on the left
• Cycle or walk around the wetlands and follow the track up Mt Baimbridge Rd (A200)
• Turn left at the large roundabout, then continue along Kenny St for 1km to rejoin the rail trail on your right
• You’re finished this section when you reach Wannon-Nigretta Falls Rd.

Wannon-Nigretta Falls Rd to Glenelg Hwy (3km)

• This scenic stretch continues through volcanic grasslands and gently descends towards the Wannon River. When you reach Wannon-Nigretta Falls Rd there is an optional detour to the right (about 7km) to Nigretta Falls or to the left to Wannon Falls (1km). These are spectacular cascades over basalt rock with rich birdlife and are a rewarding experience for those who want to explore beyond the trail
• To continue on the trail, carefully cross Wannon-Nigretta road, where the trail continues towards the beautiful Brung-Brungle Bridge. Hopefully, this wonderful trestle bridge can be restored, but there is a handcrafted alternative path following the river frontage, you just need to follow the signs. It is not railway but DEECA has approved its use for rail trail access
• At Quigleys Rd, you are faced with the difficult choice of turning right over the classic Monier Arch road bridge to rejoin the rail trail after 400m or turning left to Wannon Falls
• To visit Wannon Falls, where there are picnic facilities and toilets, turn left on Quigleys Rd and cross the Glenelg Hwy to Champions Rd. Nigrettta Falls are to the east
• There is free camping in the Wannon Falls Campground, which is on a hill with a lookout opposite the falls access on Champions Rd
• Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, go back along Quigleys Rd, over the 1917 arch bridge and past the Mallangeeba Scout Camp and Outside Inn. Turn left on the railway corridor, which only lasts 200m before you reach the Glenelg Hwy again to take on the next section

Glenelg Hwy to Glenelg Hwy (4km)

• This section, shaped like a hockey stick on the map, is a little more challenging, with a gentle ascent from the Hamilton direction but a lovely descent if you are travelling from Coleraine. Overhanging sheoaks provide cool, shaded stretches and there’s a good chance of spotting kangaroos and wallabies along the way. The trail passes through dramatic high banks and cuttings, a reminder of the effort required to carve the railway corridor through here in the late 1800s. Many of the old trees are gnarled and twisted, filling the air with an earthy scent. The section finishes back at the Glenelg Hwy, but please take care when crossing it.

Glenelg Hwy to Coleraine (12km)

• After carefully crossing to the northern side of the highway, you enter a flat Grasslands Walk. This section showcases remnant native grasslands close to the highway – look for pimelea, themeda and poa grasses – and again near Toolang Road, where themeda, stipa and danthonia grasses grow
• In the middle stretch, you’ll pass through stands of mature red gums, sheoaks and manna gums, with wetlands nearby. These are excellent spots to watch for birds and waterbirds
• At Toolang Road, you’ll find the old Parkwood Station Grounds, once a busy area for farmers getting supplies from the train. Today, the site is being restored with tree and shrub plantings, and offers a picnic table and shady trees – a great place to pause.
• From here, the trail continues west through countryside dotted with manna gums and wetlands, alive with birdlife and open farmland vistas. Keep an eye out for informative storyboards along the way.
• Continue beside a large cattle shed and through farmland. Please take care not to block access – it’s a working farm
• This section heads west, soon descending into the Rolling Hills with sweeping views of the landscape. Fragile soils here were first disturbed during railway construction in 1887. The committee of management has undertaken extensive erosion control with engineering works and tree planting
• The section finishes at Heard Street, a local dirt road. Remember to leave gates as you find them
• The final, flat stretch passes through grazing country before reaching the Glenelg Hwy roadside stopping area, where you’ll find a memorial to the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
  The trail then continues turning west-south-west along the road briefly before turning left on Robertson St and then right on Macleod St into the Coleraine Community Parkland with a beautiful lagoon
• Here, your journey ends at the Coleraine Tourist Centre, in the historic railway station – a fitting finale to this scenic rail trail
• Before you leave, take time to explore the nearby Peter Francis Points Arboretum, covering 37ha. This is one of the largest collections of Australian native plants in the Asia-Pacific region
• For something a little sweeter, treat yourself at the Coleraine Chocolate Factory, just a short stroll from the trail’s end. There are coffee shops and a grocery store to replenish supplies and several accommodation providers if you choose to stay the night before completing your return journey.