North-east of Melbourne, where the plains rise towards the high country, the old Mansfield railway line followed the Goulburn River valley through a string of small farming towns. Today it is the Great Victorian Rail Trail, one of the most popular multi-day rides in the state and the second-longest rail trail in Australia.
The trail combines easy riding with real variety: river views, a historic brick tunnel, a long bridge across Lake Eildon, quiet farmland and views of the ranges near Mansfield. This guide covers the route, the highlights, the surface and how to plan a ride.
Trail overview
134 km
Length
Tallarook to Mansfield, plus Alexandra branch
200 m
Cheviot Tunnel
Near Yea
2012
Officially opened
June
The Great Victorian Rail Trail, previously the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, is in north-central Victoria, about 100 km north-east of Melbourne. It follows the route of the former Mansfield railway line and its branch line to Alexandra. Officially opened in June 2012, it runs 134 km from Tallarook, near Seymour, through Trawool, Yea and Bonnie Doon to Mansfield, with an offshoot from Cathkin to Alexandra.
The towns on the main trail are Tallarook, Trawool, Kerrisdale, Homewood, Yea, Molesworth, Yarck, Kanumbra, Merton, Bonnie Doon, Maindample and Mansfield. The trail forks near Molesworth, with a short branch to Alexandra.
History
The trail owes a lot to the recovery from the 2009 Victorian bushfires. In April 2009, the federal government announced it would contribute A$13.2 million of the estimated A$14.2 million needed to complete the trail, as an economic stimulus and as part of the bushfire recovery effort, according to Wikipedia. The money was used to build and repair bridges, construct road crossings and car parks, and add rest stops and amenities.
The route and highlights
Tallarook to Yea
The trail starts at Tallarook, near Seymour, and heads east through the Trawool Valley, a heritage-listed landscape with views of the Goulburn River and granite hills. Past Trawool and Kerrisdale, it reaches Yea, a good place for lunch or an overnight stop.
The Cheviot Tunnel
Near Yea, the trail passes through the Cheviot Tunnel, a 200-metre brick-lined railway tunnel and one of the highlights of the ride. It's cool and dim inside, so a light is helpful, and you should ride slowly and keep left.
Yea to Bonnie Doon
East of Yea, the trail passes Molesworth, where the Alexandra branch splits off, then Yarck, Kanumbra and Merton through rolling farmland.
The Lake Eildon bridge
Near Bonnie Doon, the trail crosses an arm of Lake Eildon on the former rail bridge, one of the most photographed spots on the trail. When the lake is full, you ride across open water with views of the surrounding hills.
Bonnie Doon to Mansfield
The final section runs through Maindample to Mansfield, a lively town at the foot of the Victorian Alps and a gateway to Mount Buller. Mansfield has plenty of cafes, accommodation and services.
The Alexandra branch
From the junction near Molesworth, a short branch heads to Alexandra, a pleasant town on the edge of the high country. It makes a good side trip or an alternative finish.
Surface and bikes
The trail surface is partly granitic sand and partly chert, a kind of gravel, according to Wikipedia. That makes it suitable for hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes. Road bikes with narrow tyres are not ideal. After heavy rain, some sections can be soft. Check the official trail website for conditions and any closures.
Planning your ride
How many days?
Many riders take several days to ride the whole trail, staying in towns along the way. Our ride planner includes the Great Victorian Rail Trail and lets you set your own pace and daily hours.
Direction
The trail can be ridden in either direction. Check the elevation profile on the official trail website: like most rail trails, the grades are gentle, and wind direction often matters more than the gradient.
Getting there
Tallarook is near Seymour, which is on the main road and rail corridor north of Melbourne. Mansfield is at the eastern end, close to the high country. For one-way trips, arrange transport back to your start.
Accommodation and food
Yea, Bonnie Doon, Mansfield and Alexandra have accommodation and food, and smaller towns have pubs or cafes. Book ahead, especially in spring and autumn, during school holidays and around ski season, when Mansfield gets busy.
Seasons and safety
North-central Victoria has hot summers and cold, often frosty winters. Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for riding. In summer, ride early, carry plenty of water and check the fire danger rating: in extreme conditions, trails near forests can be dangerous. In winter, dress in layers and watch for frost on shaded sections.
- Helmets are compulsory in Victoria.
- Road crossings need care, especially on highways.
- Gates and stock: leave gates as you find them, and watch for cattle and sheep near the trail.
- Share the trail with walkers, other riders and horses.
Read our road rules and safety guide.
Great Victorian Rail Trail checklist
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Sample itineraries
These are starting points only. Adjust them with the ride planner and check accommodation before you go.
- Day ride, history: Yea through the Cheviot Tunnel and back, with a light for the tunnel.
- Day ride, scenery: Bonnie Doon across the Lake Eildon bridge towards Mansfield.
- Weekend: Tallarook to Yea on day one through the Trawool Valley, then Yea to Alexandra or Bonnie Doon on day two.
- The full trail: several days from Tallarook to Mansfield, with a side trip to Alexandra.
Remember that Mansfield and the high country get busy around the ski season and on long weekends, so book early.
Riding with kids
The Great Victorian Rail Trail's gentle grades and short sections between towns make it suitable for families. Choose a short out-and-back section, such as the tunnel near Yea, plan plenty of stops, bring snacks and water, and make sure every child has a properly fitted helmet. Watch the road crossings closely with young riders.
Key points
The Great Victorian Rail Trail runs 134 km from Tallarook to Mansfield, with a branch to Alexandra, about 100 km north-east of Melbourne. It is Australia's second-longest rail trail, with a granitic sand and gravel surface suited to hybrid and gravel bikes. Highlights include the 200 m Cheviot Tunnel, the Trawool Valley and the Lake Eildon bridge near Bonnie Doon. Plan several days to ride it all, or pick a section for a day ride.
Related guides
Ride on to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in north-east Victoria, or compare the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Great Victorian Rail Trail?
The trail runs for 134 km from Tallarook, near Seymour, to Mansfield, with an offshoot from Cathkin to Alexandra. It is the second-longest rail trail in Australia, after the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Where is the Great Victorian Rail Trail?
In north-central Victoria, about 100 km north-east of Melbourne. It follows the former Mansfield railway line and its branch to Alexandra.
What is the surface like?
According to Wikipedia, the surface is partly granitic sand and partly chert, a kind of gravel. A hybrid, gravel or mountain bike is a good choice.
What are the highlights?
The 200-metre Cheviot Tunnel near Yea, views of the Goulburn River, the heritage-listed Trawool Valley and the former rail bridge over Lake Eildon near Bonnie Doon.
What was the trail previously called?
It was previously known as the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail.
Do I need a torch for the Cheviot Tunnel?
The tunnel is 200 m long, so a light is a good idea. Ride slowly and watch for others.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Great Victorian Rail Trail — Wikipedia
- Rail trail — Wikipedia
- Cycling in Australia — Wikipedia
