Hike Summary

Richards Tramline is a pleasant walk of around 11km that passes through some pretty bushland that brings to mind the rich logging history of the area.

You can tackle it either as an out-and-back in one big 22km day or organise a car shuffle and go one way only. For this you drive to the junction of Road Seven and Brahams Rd and leave one car here before returning to the car park at Big Pats Creek.

Setting off from Big Pats Creek, the Tramline follows the route cut through the forest by William Richards in 1916 so he could move highly-prized timber from outlying sawmills deep in the bush to the train line lower in the valley. The route wanders and not only to maintain a gradient suitably gentle for moving logs (and as it happens walking), Richards was forced to make tight turns to skirt private land on which he would have had to pay high fees.

Though most signs of the Tramline's infrastructure have long been consumed back into the bush, there are still a few old sleepers and dog spikes that hint at more industrious days gone by. Such history provides much food for thought as you wander amongst the tall tress before arriving at Road Seven and your car.

It should be noted that whilst the trail condition is adequate, it is not as well maintained as other trails in the area and has a rough and ready feel to it. In some areas the surface can get boggy and walkers should expect to clamber over the odd downed tree, but that just adds to the adventure.

For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton