O'Keefe Rail Trail

Bendigo–Axedale

Length:  19 kilometres
Cycle:  2 hours one way
Track:  Good (muddy in winter)
Grade:  Flat
Start:  Lake Weeroona, Bendigo
Finish:  Axedale
Nearby:  Bendigo
Best time:  Spring to autumn.

From Lake Weeroona the O’Keefe Rail Trail heads east through native bushland and dry forest, crossing bridges over meandering creeks along the way. It’s a leisurely ride among gum and box trees, tea tree and wattles, as well as wildflowers, especially in late winter and spring.

Kangaroos and wallabies can often be seen grazing near the trail and many bird species, including parrots, wrens and honeyeaters, are attracted to the diverse and plentiful native flora.

Stop for a break under the stately peppercorn trees at the former Longlea station site (aptly renamed Peppercorn Park).

This trail is best suited to mountain bikes. A section of the trail from the McIvor Highway to Axedale is also suitable for horse riding.