Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail Walk (40km)

The rail trail passes by spectacular remnants of railway trestle bridges set in beautiful rainforest. It also passes through attractive woodlands and cattle grazing country. Enjoy the wide tree-lined avenues of the western district town of Camperdown, its Botanic Gardens and its two volcanic lakes.

The rail trail will eventually connect to the Twelve Apostles Trail at Timboon, which will enable cyclists and walkers to reach Port Campbell on a dedicated pathway.

Camperdown to Naroghid Rd (approx. 11km)

An on-road route is signposted from the Camperdown railway station to the start of the trail on Naroghid Rd. There is a shelter, picnic facility and trail maps available about 100m.from the start of this section.

The route marked from Camperdown station to the start of the rail trail on Naroghid Rd is sign posted but not an easy ride and involves two steep hills. The alternative route means some time on the main Camperdown to Cobden road with no shoulder and it has no sign posts. Naroghid Road is the current start of the dedicated rail trail.

Naroghid Rd to Cobden (7km)

From the Naroghid Rd entrance, the rail trail proper heads south through scenic farmland into Cobden. It bisects the Cobden golf course linking with the Cobden walking trail via McKenzie St, Neylon St to Grayland Rd. The trail recommences on the north side of the farm supplies store.

Cobden to Glenfyne (11km)

A good starting point in Cobden is McKenzie Street near the rear of the Technical School.
To follow the trail north, travel through the golf course and on towards Naroghid.
To head south, follow the sign posts in front of the CFA Shed, then west along the walking /riding track, which  turns north for 20m before the sign posts direct you to the left onto the trail beside the farm supplies store.  Be prepared for several major road crossings.

The trail runs beside the Cobden €“ Warrnambool Rd for most of this section, crossing the road a couple of times.

Glenfyne to Merretts Rd (2km)

Parking is available at Glenfyne Hall but it is advisable to park outside the fence during winter.

As you leave the Glenfyne siding area, you will cross the Cobden €“ Warrnambool Rd to the Glenfyne Hall, where you will find BBQ facilities and tank water available only.  Water not available for washing of horses.

Merretts Rd to Curdies River trestle bridge ( 5km)

This section is only suitable for walking or mountain bikes and is difficult after heavy rain

Note: No horses are permitted on any bridges between Merretts Road and Curdies Siding.

Cyclists are strongly advised to dismount at approaches and on all bridges. It is expected that work will begin on replacing the bypass bridges later in 2021.

This section is a scenic walk/ride through dense bushland and still has the rails and sleepers of the original track, though some of the sleepers are now covered with Tuff (volcanic ash). There are 5 by-pass bridges built across Limestone Creek in this section and the trail is narrow and muddy in parts, especially after heavy rain. Some people may prefer to walk this section. It is a pretty walk/ride through dense bushland.

This section has very high conservation values. The giant yellow-bellied-glider possum, white goshawks and powerful owls live here. Wallabies, kangaroos and koalas are commonly seen along the trail. Rare plants, including Lime Ferns, are also a highlight of the trail.

Curdies River trestle bridge to Timboon (5km)

Parking is available near the old platform on the southern side of Curdies Bridge. There is a shelter and trail maps are available.

This section passes gently uphill to Timboon. The Curdies River pile (trestle) bridge has undergone some restoration but the. The decking can be very slippery during winter. From the bridge, this 5km section passes through bush and farmland to Timboon.

There are shops and cafes for provisions and meals and not far away there are two cheese factories. A boutique whiskey distillery has been established in the old goods shed at Timboon, which is the only one of its kind in Victoria. Meals are available as well.

Construction of the 12 Apostles Trail from Timboon to Port Campbell is now underway.