East Gippsland Rail Trail
East Gippsland Rail Trail, Bairnsdale: Address, East Gippsland Rail Trail Reviews: 4.5/5
East Gippsland Rail Trail
East Gippsland Rail Trail
4.5
About
Experience the diversity of East Gippsland as this well maintained rail trail weaves over 100km past undulating farmland, tall forests, creeks, rivers and flood plains. Cross the historic timber railway bridges and enjoys views of the Gippsland Lakes before arriving at Orbost and the Snowy River.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
58 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
15
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
TonyH
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Apr. 2022
Rode the full length from Bairnsdale to Orbost with a group in late March early Apri 2022. As mentioned below the track condition and scenery are awesome from Bairnsdale to Bruthen and rated 5/5.
However between Bruthen and Orbost the trail becomes less maintained and more of a vehicle track with what seems long-term ruts, and a larger river rock type of surface that should only be attempted with a gravel bike and spare tubes/puncture kit and some extra time....
We had one member of our group come off in one of the hardened ruts between Nowa Nowa and Orbost. It rained while staying in Orbost and on the return journey long sections of the track became very muddy and very difficult to ride.
It's a shame that the full distance isn't solid bitumen or compact gravel such as between Bairnsdale and Bruthen. Having a good track would encourage many more bike trail riders and bring addtional money into the region.
As of April 2022 I wouldn't recommend this trail.
However between Bruthen and Orbost the trail becomes less maintained and more of a vehicle track with what seems long-term ruts, and a larger river rock type of surface that should only be attempted with a gravel bike and spare tubes/puncture kit and some extra time....
We had one member of our group come off in one of the hardened ruts between Nowa Nowa and Orbost. It rained while staying in Orbost and on the return journey long sections of the track became very muddy and very difficult to ride.
It's a shame that the full distance isn't solid bitumen or compact gravel such as between Bairnsdale and Bruthen. Having a good track would encourage many more bike trail riders and bring addtional money into the region.
As of April 2022 I wouldn't recommend this trail.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
terry m
Canberra, Australia142 contributions
Mar. 2022
We rode all of it starting at Bairnsdale and finishing at Orbost. Stopped at caravan parks at Bairnsdale, bruthen and Nowa Nowa. Best by far is Bairnsdale to Nicholson. All tar for about 13ks and stop over at Nicholson cafe a must. Bit dodgy last k to bruthen and the 500m into and out of Nowa Nowa. Section from Nowa to Orbost the worst with large gravel and little maintenance. Apparently $3m allocated for upgrades. Stoney creek bridge a must see. snowy river cycles provide great shuttle service
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Newman
2 contributions
Apr. 2021
Rode the full length from Bairnsdale to Orbost. Track condition and scenery are awesome from Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa and rated 5/5.
However between Nowa Nowa and Orbost the trail becomes less maintained and more of a vehicle track with what seems long-term ruts, and a larger river rock type of surface that should only be attempted with a mountain bike and spare tubes/puncture kit and some extra time....
However between Nowa Nowa and Orbost the trail becomes less maintained and more of a vehicle track with what seems long-term ruts, and a larger river rock type of surface that should only be attempted with a mountain bike and spare tubes/puncture kit and some extra time....
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EndlessTravels
Greater Melbourne, Australia35,310 contributions
Mar. 2021
Didn’t ride the trail but stops at numerous attractions along rail trail. Quite a few attractive trestle bridges along trail the best being the Stony Creek trestle bridge. Another highlight was the Mitchell River area near Bairnsdale
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
C...
Seymour, Australia40,897 contributions
Jul. 2020
So... if you were a cyclist and not just a walker like I am... You could appreciate the distance you can do on this trail. Over 200 kilometres! Through Gippsland! That's going to be a spectacular ride.
BUT if you are a walker like myself you will appreciate that rail trails are a great place to walk as they have been well maintained. And I like the quirky things you see along the way... like this stop I shared... they have an old railway signal there.
BUT if you are a walker like myself you will appreciate that rail trails are a great place to walk as they have been well maintained. And I like the quirky things you see along the way... like this stop I shared... they have an old railway signal there.
Written 14 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Traceyd1969
Heidelberg, Australia21 contributions
Jun. 2020 • Couples
Lovely ride from Bairnsdale to Bruthen which took 4 hours return. Sealed all the way from Bairnsdale to Nicholson.
Written 6 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anneke
7 contributions
Mar. 2020
We stayed at Tostaree farm stay which was lovely and Vicky very friendly.
Rode our bikes from there to Orbost and back spending time at Orbost bakery did some shopping in the supermarket.
Went to Nowa Nowa pub for a beer and bought a carton, we were with the car.
Next day we rode our bike to Bruthen stopping at Nowa Nowa mingling waters cafe and have a look at the wood sculptures. At bruthen we went to the bulla t brewery for a beautiful lunch.
The second day the trail came through some of the affected areas and one of the old trestle bridges was partly burned which is always sad when historical stuff gets lost. Four trestle bridges on this section a beautiful ride thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and felt good about supporting these small communities
Rode our bikes from there to Orbost and back spending time at Orbost bakery did some shopping in the supermarket.
Went to Nowa Nowa pub for a beer and bought a carton, we were with the car.
Next day we rode our bike to Bruthen stopping at Nowa Nowa mingling waters cafe and have a look at the wood sculptures. At bruthen we went to the bulla t brewery for a beautiful lunch.
The second day the trail came through some of the affected areas and one of the old trestle bridges was partly burned which is always sad when historical stuff gets lost. Four trestle bridges on this section a beautiful ride thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and felt good about supporting these small communities
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AFW
98 contributions
Nov. 2019
Four of us hired mountain bikes from Venture Out Australia for an afternoon on the Rail Trail. Sarah, owner of the company, picked us up from our B&B and took us to the Gippsland Lake Discovery Trail, which connects with the Gippsland Lake Rail Trail. After Sarah fine-tuned adjustments to the bikes we were off. The Discovery Trail was MUCH more difficult than we were accustomed to riding, and the temperature was >90 F. We ended up walking the bikes up several of the hills, as there were some spots with loose gravel. Once we got onto the Rail Trail itself, things were just fine. The Rail Trail itself is well maintained and would be very enjoyable on a more temperate day.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alison S
Sydney, Australia2,046 contributions
Oct. 2019
It was great to be part of an enthusiastic group of walkers enjoying this magnificent counryside.
The stock in the a delight to see.
The variety of weather over the four days was wonderful to experience:
Sun, rain, hail, cold and wind - but it was all great!
A wonderful experience to have had.
Not many seats at the side of the walk - escpecially in the first few days!! :(
The stock in the a delight to see.
The variety of weather over the four days was wonderful to experience:
Sun, rain, hail, cold and wind - but it was all great!
A wonderful experience to have had.
Not many seats at the side of the walk - escpecially in the first few days!! :(
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rodney B
Bairnsdale, Australia6 contributions
Oct. 2019
I tried the rail trail in bare feet on a hot summer day, next time I used an old bmx I found at the tip shop. Eventually I realised the trail was much easier in the air conditioned comfort of my Holden. The last six times I've used a vehicle and find my legs are much less sore than on foot or bike. It also took me about 17 hours less in the car versus pedal power. The trestle bridge is great as the barricades put up are no match for my super strength and I'm able to burst through with little effort. Also, now there is a new toilet block in place I don't have to answer the call of nature in the open air, seems to make my Scout group happier that I don't have to expose myself or force them to find appropriate leaves to wipe my backside. Two thumbs up for the rail trail and especially the picturesque trestle bridge!
Written 15 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
