Great Southern Rail Trail

Great Southern Rail Trail
Great Southern Rail Trail with disused track at Leongatha
Length	68 km
Location	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Cycling details
Trail difficulty	Easy to medium
Hazards	Some crossings of major highways
Surface	Compacted gravel
Hills	Multiple gentle hills
Water	Available in most towns
Connecting transport
Train(s)	No regular passenger service
Bus	Available at Leongatha

The Great Southern Rail Trail is a 68-kilometre rail trail from Leongatha to Welshpool in South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. This mostly flat or gently undulating trail goes through lush dairy farmland, areas of remnant bush and lowland scrub. It climbs from the foothills of Fish Creek up past Mount Hoddle and then down a steep descent through dense forest out into magnificent views of Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet, continuing on to Foster. before ending at Welshpool.

The trail is well maintained with a surface of compacted gravel. Koalas Wombats and wallabies can often be seen from the trail particularly in the early mornings and evenings.

The 10 km Toora to Welshpool section was opened on 7 February 2015.

A section from Koonwarra to Minns road was recently opened incorporating what were three very dilapidated wooden trestle bridges. This section replaces what was a three kilometer diversion to the nearby South Gippsland Highway. The section provides an unbroken trail from Leongatha to Welshpool. Users can then link to a 6 km pathway to Port Welshpool and its picturesque Long Jetty.

The trail is being progressively extended, and may eventually reach Yarram.

The original South Gippsland line opened in 1892, joining Dandenong to Port Albert, with branch line to Woodside, Strzelecki, Outtrim and Wonthaggi. The railway was important for the settlement and development of the area, particularly providing transport for forestry and dairy products to Melbourne.