About the East Gippsland Rail Trail
The East Gippsland Rail Trail is located in eastern Victoria, between the coast and low foothills of the Great Dividing Range and is nearly 100 km long.
Thanks to efforts of dedicated volunteers it was completed in 2006, converting the disused rail line formerly connecting Bairnsdale to Orbost to a cycling, walking and horseriding trail. The trail is managed by an entirely volunteer based incorporated Committee of Management.
Post fire recovery grants of more than $3 million have been awarded to the Committee of Management for upgrades and improvements to the trail. Works have commenced on resurfacing, repairing bridges and fixing drainage issues.
The Social Crew's 2022 project 'Under the Surface - GunaiKurnai Country' has brought 4 brilliant art installations to 4 locations along the rail trail.
The trail traverses a mix of farmland and forest, with just three small towns along its length – Nicholson, Bruthen and Nowa Nowa.
The surface of the trail is mostly a hardpacked crushed gravel – while generally an excellent riding surface for suitable bikes (hybrids suited to gravel, mountain bikes) it is susceptible to change due to weather conditions.
The towns of Bairnsdale and Orbost at either end –– as well as the towns along the way – all sit on rivers that have nearly completed their journey to the sea, and none are higher than 50 metres above sea level. The highest altitude reached on the trail is 130 metres above sea level.
The trail undulates gently with train– and therefore cycle friendly gradients on the hills. There are some short steep sections of up to 100 m in length where the trail diverts around old bridges – generally no more than 2 between each town.
Our tour website snowyrivercycling.com.au has a summary of services and facilities along the rail trail.