Trail Fast Facts

Old Beechy Rail Trail is a 50km, grade 3 hike in Western Victoria, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 days to complete.

Length: 50km

Duration: 2 days

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: One Way

Start: Colac

End: Beech Forest

Location: Western Victoria

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Colac

From state capital: 152km

Latitude: -38.34321758

Longitude: 143.58661

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Weather

Reviews

Hike Overview

The Old Beechy Rail Trail winds through scenic pine forests and bushland, rich farmland and rolling hills as it travels from Colac up to Beech Forest.
It was originally a narrow gauge railway that played a key role in opening the western Otways to settlement.
Magnificent eucalypts and blackwoods provide homes for abundant bird life.
This trail features outstanding and innovative interpretative signs along the route.
When planning for this trail, you should note that the trail is almost continually down hill from Beech Forest to Gellibrand and it is best suited for hybrids and mountain bikes.

Barongarook - turn east on Barongarook Rd from the Colac-Lavers Hill Rd. Parking is available at the local hall.

Birnam - turn east on Cashins Rd from the Colac - Lavers Hill Rd and follow it 1km to the picnic ground (old Birnam staion). The trail is signposted here.

Tips

Colac to Beech Forest in Western Victoria

Otway Ranges, 152km south west of Melbourne

Compacted earth

Undulating with a couple of steep sections

Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.

Getting there

Old Beechy Rail Trail Walk (50km)

Get directions

Map and GPX file

Old Beechy Rail Trail Walk (50km)

Share your GPX file

Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

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.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Western Victoria or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Old Beechy Rail Trail Walk (50km)

3 Reviews on “Old Beechy Rail Trail Walk (50km)”

Overall rating

Chris Fluff Chapman

Tania. 50K in a day, what do ya reckon?

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Gina Bromiley
  
  Tanya Marshall-Disher
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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2. Tania Smith
  
  Well I’ve done it before ? and it’s prob flat so yeah def in a day.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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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.

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.

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.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Tips

Getting there

Old Beechy Rail Trail Walk (50km)