Grade 1

Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail (55km)

Western Victoria

Victoria

55km

3 days

Grade 4

One Way

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Hike at a glance

Quick overview: Discover the Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail in Western Victoria, a 55km walk that begins in the quaint town of Castlemaine, 120km from Melbourne, and ends in the charming town of Maryborough. This Grade 4 trail offers a unique adventure through diverse landscapes, from ancient volcanic plains to the vast Cairn Curran Reservoir and Moolort Plains, and along the majestic Loddon River. Perfect for those seeking a challenging, yet accessible, journey through Victoria's picturesque countryside and rich history.

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Technical details

Max elevation: 0m
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Total Ascent: 0m

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Grade 4 (hard) badge

Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.

Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.

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Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Register your plans here →

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Ararat, Ballarat, Hamilton, Horsham, Port Fairy, Stawell, Warrnambool

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Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.

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The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

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Castlemaine to maryborough rail trail (55km) trail hiking australia

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.

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