Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the captivating Bellarine Rail Trail, a 35km track on Victoria's scenic Bellarine Peninsula. Starting from South Geelong Station and ending at Queenscliff, this trail is a Grade 4 difficulty and can be completed in two days. Experience the rich history of the former South Geelong to Queenscliff branch line, while enjoying the diverse landscapes featuring farmland, eucalypt woodland, and charming local towns like Leopold and Drysdale. Conveniently located just 76km from Melbourne CBD, it's a perfect getaway for keen bushwalkers and cycling enthusiasts.

Length:

35km

Duration:

2 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: South Geelong Station

End: Queenscliff

Bellarine Peninsula

Victoria

Nearby town: Geelong

From state capital: 76km

Latitude: -38.160982433514185

Longitude: 144.36279753381115

Overview

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Important info

This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) primarily due to its distance exceeding 20km. The terrain itself is relatively easy and suitable for most abilities. However, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.

Hike overview

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a 35 km walking and cycling track on the Bellarine Peninsula, in Victoria, Australia, that follows the route of the former South Geelong to Queenscliff branch line. It runs from South Geelong to Queenscliff, passing through the towns of Leopold and Drysdale. The rails have been removed from the western section between South Geelong and Drysdale.

The Bellarine Railway operates a tourist railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff, and the walking track runs parallel to the railway in this 16 km eastern section. The route traverses farmland with scattered patches and strips of native vegetation, mainly eucalypt woodland. The line was opened from Geelong to Queenscliff in 1879 to carry soldiers and materials to assist in the defence of Port Phillip Bay from possible attack by the Russians. It also carried holiday makers to the popular seaside resort of Queenscliff. The line was closed in 1976, but the section from Drysdale to Queenscliff was reopened as a tourist railway in 1981. It officially became the Bellarine Rail Trail in 2000.

Access Points

Strong Street at Swanston Street near South Geelong railway station
South Geelong - Breakwater Rd opposite the Geelong showgrounds, 1km from the railway station along Carr St
Drysdale - At the railway station, which is the half way point where the tourist railway terminates.
Queenscliff - opposite the station towards the carriage sidings

Tips

The gradient is mostly easy and flat with a gradual climb in some places. Families with young children often choose to avoid the return uphill climb from Queenscliff to Mannerim by either hopping on the steam train or arranging other transport.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
Bellarine Rail Trail Walk (35 km)

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Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Bellarine Peninsula.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Bellarine Peninsula is a peninsula located south-west of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, surrounded by Port Phillip, Corio Bay and Bass Strait. The peninsula, together with the Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip from Bass Strait. The peninsula itself was originally occupied by Indigenous Australian clans of the Wathaurong nation, prior to European settlement in the early 19th century.[1] Early European settlements were initially centred on wheat and grain agriculture, before the area became a popular tourist destination with most visitors arriving by paddle steamer on Port Phillip in the late 19th century.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Barwon Heads, Drysdale, Geelong, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington, Queenscliff

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Bellarine Peninsula? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Bellarine Rail Trail Walk (35 km)

8 Reviews on “Bellarine Rail Trail Walk (35 km)”

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Tayla Gobbo

Maddison Ruggiero

24/03/2022, 05:19

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Kirsty Owen

Deb Dark

24/03/2022, 05:19

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Bev Johnston

Craig Tilley Michelle Toniolo-Jacgung Sandra Rogers Helen Panayi

24/03/2022, 05:19

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info