Trail Fast Facts
Hike Overview
The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a multi-use trail and can be explored on foot, bike or horse. This easily accessible, varied and unique rail trail offers close proximity to heritage classified rivers, majestic valleys, lakes and mountains.
Formerly known as the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, this is a high standard rail trail traversing undulating farmland.
From riverside wandering, to High Country hiking, the Rail Trail offers many different kinds of walking experiences.
Short walks, long walks and overnight walks are all recommended. The trail has a gentle walking gradient, but there is a good climb on the Cathkin to Alexandra section of the trail. Car parks are spaced along the trail for easy pick up and drop off at the beginning and end of your walk.
Walking is one of the best ways to see the local fauna and flora and changing landscape. The Tallarook section has shady woodland sections with the Goulburn River meandering close by. Open farmland is a feature of the trail, with vibrant birdlife in the Yea Wetlands and the Mansfield Mullum Wetlands. If you turn off at Cathkin the rolling hills and a hearty climb bring bring you to Alexandra. The approach to Mansfield takes you through Bonnie Doon and over Lake Eildon with views of Victoria's High Country and Mount Buller in the distance.
Facilities
Toilets are available at several locations on the trail. Public toilets are also available in the local towns. Several shelters with tables and seats are also available along the trail.
BBQs are available at Tallarook, Yea, Alexandra, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield.
Please carry food and water while on the trail. Read up on the trail's safety information and code of conduct.
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
- Features the only tunnel on a rail trail in Victoria and a long bridge across Lake Eildon.
- Almost all of the bridges have been made trafficable and the few low level crossings are easily graded.
- There are several crossings of major rural highways.
- The surface is either a bitumised granite, which is suitable for wheel chairs and prams, and compacted gravel which may not be suitable for wheel chairs and prams in sections. Where possible a separate bridle path is provided for horses.
For more information please visit the Great Victorian Rail Trail website.
Photos and GPX files courtesy of Darryl Simms
Getting there
The trail can be accessed from many points. Several towns provide easy access with car parks, picnic facilities and toilets available.
The trail runs east from Tallarook, through the township of Yea to Mansfield. Tallarook is only 100 kilometres from Melbourne, just off the Hume Freeway.
Alexandra, at the junction of the Goulburn Valley and Maroondah Highways is 138 kilometres from Melbourne. The Alexandra spur line is 13 kilometres long and joins the main trail at Cathkin.
Mansfield is approximately 192 kilometres from Melbourne at the eastern end of the trail. It is a popular starting point for both single and multi-day trips.
For more information, visit the Great Victorian Rail Trail website.
About the region
Aside from being a scenic fourney through rolling farmland, tunnels and lakes, the Great Victorian Rail Trail is rich with stories from its past lives.
For more information, visit the Great Victorian Rail Trail website.
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 Victorian Rail Trail Walk (134km)”
David Schwab ?
Jason R Fisher
Jason R Fisher mmm August?
Jason R Fisher
November
Leesa Harris
Passes the end of my street in Yea.
I do coffee?
Swooping season?
This is my brothers website!
Thom May
we’ve ridden the bikes with the kids from Molesworth to Yea and back… 30km return through the Cheviot tunnel.
When are we going?