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.
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.
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Western Victoria.
Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Ballarat, Hamilton, Horsham, Port Fairy, Stawell, Warrnambool
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Western Victoria? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Great Otway National Park
Favourite
Great Otway National Park
Favourite
Great Otway National Park
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.
Explore safe
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.
Packing checklists
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.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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.
9 Reviews on “Old Beechy Rail Trail Walk (50km)”
Tania. 50K in a day, what do ya reckon?
Tanya Marshall-Disher
Well I’ve done it before ? and it’s prob flat so yeah def in a day.