East Gippsland Rail Trail

East Gippsland Rail Trail
Trail signage and the trail near Bruthen
Length	96 kilometres (60 mi)
Location	East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
Use	Hiking, biking, walking
Elevation
Highest point	129 metres (423 ft) (Colquhoun railway station)
Grade	Sealed, smooth gravel, stony gravel, and dirt
Hiking details
Trail difficulty	Easy to medium
Hazards	Uncontrolled crossings of major highways, isolated locations
Surface	Sealed, smooth gravel, stony gravel, and dirt
Website	www.eastgippslandrailtrail.com.au/index.php/home1

The East Gippsland Rail Trail is a rail trail located in East Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. The trail is a popular cycling route, beginning in Bairnsdale and extending to Orbost, following the route of the former Orbost railway line. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry, and required numerous substantial bridges because of the nature of the terrain. Due to the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August 1987 and the track infrastructure removed in 1994. The shared trail is also available for walkers and recreational horseriding, however motorised vehicles are prohibited.

The trail is 96 kilometres (60 mi) long and passes through a variety of forest and farmland landscapes with occasional views of the Gippsland Lakes. Parts of the trail are accessible to any bicycle, but significant sections are suitable only for mountain bikes or sturdy hybrid bikes.

The East Gippsland Rail Trail travels from just east of the current Bairnsdale railway station along the old Orbost railway line easement, past or through the small towns of Nicholson, Bruthen, Nowa Nowa, and Newmerella, with a short connecting path taking it into Orbost. Water and most facilities are only available in these towns, so trail users are required to be self-sufficient. The trail follows the long gradual inclines and sweeping curves of the former railway line, reaching a maximum altitude of 129m at Colquhoun.