Peaceful and accessible, the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail takes in history, artistic expression and natural beauty.
Start your journey in the regional hub of Traralgon, where four restored bridges keep you high above the Latrobe Valley floodplain. Cycle through the fertile pasture and stands of native bushland of Central Gippsland, passing through small towns brimming with history, art, food and drink along the way. You can even ride one way and return by train thanks to train stations at both ends of the trail.
High above the Latrobe River
The official trailhead is at the intersection of Marshalls Road and the Traralgon-Maffra Road, though the best access is from the car park on Burnetts Road about 1.5 kilometres along the trail towards Glengarry.
The arrival into Glengarry along the beautifully surfaced trail is understandably the most popular section of the trail, with the four bridges rising above the spectacular Latrobe River floodplain. Watch for foot and other bike traffic on the weekends. Check out the old Glengarry railway station and goods-yard crane and grab a coffee from the bakery before saddling up again.
Gold rush, a hidden gallery and native flowers
Cross the wooden deck over the tranquil Eaglehawk Creek and coast along the fine gravel trail into Toongabbie. Take a quick break to see the Ned Stringer
Memorial commemorating the 1862 discovery of gold, which brought the gold rush to nearby Walhalla.
As you leave Toongabbie the northern horizon rises with the most southerly foothills of the Great Dividing Range, the spine of Australia’s east coast. Cruise along to the sounds of birdsong drifting between the red gums and mooing from cattle until your arrive at Cowwarr. Take a break and find some inspiration at the Cowwarr Art Space, which houses rotating exhibitions and the studio of sculptor Clive Murray-White.
After Cowwarr you skip across the Rainbow Creek to Cowwarr-Heyfield Road. Take care here as the trail gives way to quiet public roads as it diverts around the Thomson River.
