The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail follows the route of a tramway constructed in the early 1900s to move pink granite from a quarry on Mississippi Creek to the North Arm of the Gippsland Lakes. Sometimes called the Mississippi Trail, this trail is your connection between the East Gippsland Rail Trail and the oceanside town of Lakes Entrance. Hear bellbirds calling and see native wildflowers blooming in spring as you follow a lovely bush trail along the Mississippi Creek past remains of old cuttings and the Mississippi Quarry, a perfect morning tea stop.
The Mississippi Quarry was opened in 1904 to provide rock to reinforce the man-made entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. Two interpretive signs at the quarry site provide details on how the granite was taken from the quarry and then shipped to the entrance. A tram line was built to transport the rock 13km from the quarry site along Mississippi Creek to barges at the head of the North Arm inlet. The barges then took the rock a further 6km to the entrance site. Once the entrance was completed, granite was later taken to Melbourne for other building purposes. The quarry ceased production in the 1940s.
There are multiple access points along the trail with this hike commencing at the junction of the East Gippsland Rail Trail and Seaton Track. Other access points are the Log Crossing Picnic area on Log Crossing Road and the junction of Scriveners Road and Colquhoun Road, 8 km north of Lakes Entrance.
After leaving the East Gippsland rail trail, follow the trail south. This part has some steep sections. After 4km you will reach the site of the old pink granite quarry where there is a viewing platform and interprative signage. The trail then follows the old tramway for the next 9km, mostly following the Mississippi Creek, crossing it several times. You can stop at Log Crossing picnic area where there are toilets and picnic facilities. The tramway trail finishes when you reach Scriveners Road. Turn left and follow Scriveners Rd until you reach Colquhoun Road. Turn right at Colquhoun Road, and follow that for 8km to reach Lakes Entrance.
Steep rough hills, isolated locations, uncontrolled road crossings, irregular maintenance.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 23962 m
Max elevation: 141 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 304 m
Total descent: -418 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Colquhoun State Forest.
The Colquhoun State Forest is in East Gippsland between the towns of Bruthen, Swan Reach, Lakes Entrance and Nowa Nowa. Roads branching off the Princes Highway and the Bruthen Nowa Nowa Road are the main routes used by visitors to access the Forest.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Rich in history the Colquhoun State Forest offers many wonderful attractions for visitors to the area, including car touring, bush walking, fishing and swimming, and cycling the East Gippsland Rail Trail and Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. Rich history is prominent within the Colquhoun Forest. A tramway was constructed in the early 1900s and used until the mid-1930s to move granite from the Mississippi Creek quarry to Lakes Entrance. The granite was used to build a new permanent entrance to the Gippsland Lakes, as the original timber pylons had been severely damaged by the marine toredo worm. Work to re-open the route as a shared use trail commenced in 2000, as part of an integrated statewide program by the then Department of Natural Resources & Environment to re-open selected disused rail corridors to public access. Work was completed in 2003, and included surfacing the path with crushed granite to provide a firm cycling surface, for what is now the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail.
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: Bairnsdale, Bemm River, Kalimna, Lake Entrance, Lake Tyers Beach, Lakes Entrance, Marlo, Metung, Nowa Nowa, Nungurner, Orbost, Paynesville, Swan Reach
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Colquhoun State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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8 Reviews on “Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail Walk (24km)”
Started off at Scriveners Road, (a note for people interested is that while the road leading to it is sealed, parking is very limited at the starting point) the first section of the trail before the quarry is relatively flat and easy going, there is a picnic/rest area with picnic table where the trail intersects with a dirt track. Between the quarry and the trail’s end there are a series of long ascents and descents that will test you, the trail is sealed with gravel for it’s entire length from Scriveners Road to it’s junction with the Rail Trail, turning right on the Rail Trail towards Orbost and continuing 2km approx will lead to gravel road access (Lakes Colquhoun Road), along the trail you will find relics related to the historic Granite Quarry along with wildlife and great Forest scenery.