Trail Fast Facts
Great Southern Rail Trail & Tarra Trail is a 109km, grade 3 hike in Gippsland, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 days to complete.
Hike Overview
Great Southern Rail Trail & Tarra Trail is a picturesque rail trail close to Melbourne, Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory. Combine your rail trail journey with other regional attractions such as Agnes Falls, Walkerville Lime Kilns, Coal Creek Heritage Village, or Wilsons Promontory National Park.
This rail trail has seen many major improvements in recent years including the opening of the Black Spur bridges near Koonwarra in March 2016. The rail trail has a wide smooth hard packed gravel surface and only one crossing of a major road, after Meeniyan. Take the full 109km journey from Nyora to Port Welshpool or choose shorter segments for a more leisurely outing. Make sure to stop and explore the towns that are linked along it, with their unique stories and experiences they offer... as well as the terrific coffee, shopping and dining opportunities.
Situated directly across from the Great Southern Rail Trail, Meeniyan Motel & Bike Hire is the Prom Country's premier hire depot covering all your cycling needs.
SECTION GUIDES
- Nyora to Loch (6km)
- Loch to Korumburra (15km)
- Korumburra to Leongatha (15km)
- Leongatha to Meeniyan (16km)
- Meeniyan to Foster (32km)
- Foster-Toora-Welshpool (19km)
- Welshpool to Port Welshpool (5km)
- Welshpool to Alberton (21km)
- Yarram to Port Albert via Alberton: The Tarra Trail (13km)
Visit Rail Trails Australia for detailed information on each section including access points, section closures and sections yet to be built.
https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/great-southern-rail-trail-tarra-trail/
Photo credit: RailTrails Australia.
Track Grade
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.
Tips
The surface is compacted gravel, which is generally quite smooth and well drained. Some sections have distance marker signs to help you appease the kids.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 231 m
Min elevation: 5 m
Total climbing: 924 m
Total descent: -1036 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Take the full 109km journey from Nyora to Port Welshpool or choose shorter segments for a more leisurely outing. Visit Rail Trails Australia for detailed information on the many available access points.
https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/great-southern-rail-trail-tarra-trail/
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Stretch your legs in some of Victoria's most spectacular national parks, be charmed by tiny towns, and indulge in gourmet fresh produce in Gippsland. Amble along Ninety Mile Beach, set up camp in Wilsons Prom or set sail on the Gippsland Lakes. Feed your curiosity at galleries and studios, or at local cellar doors, boutique distilleries and renowned restaurants.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
Weather
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.
3 Reviews on “Great Southern Rail Trail & Tarra Trail Walk (109km)”
Dan Thomson