Bass Coast Rail Trail
Bass Coast Rail Trail
4.5
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4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
20
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Judi M
Trafalgar, Australia366 contributions
Sept 2019
Stayed again at Kilcunda caravan park and decided to walk towards Anderson this time as I had already walked to Wonthaggi and back several times. As it was such a good walk kept going all the way to Woolamai race course then back. Over 20kms of easy walking.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millefleurs
Bendigo, Australia170 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
A disused railway track, this 16km trail has been developed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Several sections are also suitable for people pushing prams, or those in wheelchairs. In general the track is in excellent condition, made of compacted fine yellow gravel. You can start either in Wonthaggi, departing from the former railway station building in a reserve accessed from Murray Street (VicRoads Town Map 713 R5). The alternative starting point is at the site of the former railway station at Anderson, behind the V Line bus terminal (VicRoads 95 J10). In my experience, there are more downhills if you leave from Anderson, though the route is generally fairly flat and an easy degree of difficulty.
From Anderson, you travel through farmland to the attractive coastal village of Kilcunda, passing by a huge mullock hill, which is a remnant of early coal mining activity. Kilcunda is a well known surf beach, with dramatic sea views. On the inland side of Bass Highway, located next to each other are the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel and the Kilcunda General Store. Both establishments provide a pleasant place for rest and refreshments. There are toilets and picnic benches at the foreshore reserve. The trail now follows the coast for about 1.25 kilometres, and you get fantastic views of the Bass Coast region, and the opportunity to traverse the iconic timber trestle bridge over Bourne Creek. The land descends into flat farming terrain, past the Mouth of Powlett road and seasonal wetland. At the time of writing, in October, the wetland is full of water, with abundant waterbirds and animals visible. Sections of the trail here are bordered with scrub and tea-tree, so views over the farmland are rather limited. Passing through the small village of Dalyston you then cross over the Powlett River and then proceed towards Wonthaggi. As you draw closer to town, you catch glimpses of the ruined structures of the coal mining industry which spread out across southern and eastern Wonthaggi over many kilometres. The dominant view is that of the wind turbines of the local wind farm.
As you approach Wonthaggi, you pass through areas of dense scrub and heathland. These patches of bushland are home to many birds and the area is popular with birdwatchers. Your views over the countryside are quite limited though, as the bush is thick. Some smaller paths branch off the rail trail to explore local features like the nearby Wonthaggi Wetlands, and the West Area Historic Area. Eventually you reach the edge of the commercial district and finish your journey at the former Wonthaggi Railway Station, situated in Apex Park, with toilets, BBQs and picnic facilities in the heart of the town. Wonthaggi residents make great use of the stretches of trail near town and it is a pleasant place for biking or strolling with family and friends.
From Anderson, you travel through farmland to the attractive coastal village of Kilcunda, passing by a huge mullock hill, which is a remnant of early coal mining activity. Kilcunda is a well known surf beach, with dramatic sea views. On the inland side of Bass Highway, located next to each other are the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel and the Kilcunda General Store. Both establishments provide a pleasant place for rest and refreshments. There are toilets and picnic benches at the foreshore reserve. The trail now follows the coast for about 1.25 kilometres, and you get fantastic views of the Bass Coast region, and the opportunity to traverse the iconic timber trestle bridge over Bourne Creek. The land descends into flat farming terrain, past the Mouth of Powlett road and seasonal wetland. At the time of writing, in October, the wetland is full of water, with abundant waterbirds and animals visible. Sections of the trail here are bordered with scrub and tea-tree, so views over the farmland are rather limited. Passing through the small village of Dalyston you then cross over the Powlett River and then proceed towards Wonthaggi. As you draw closer to town, you catch glimpses of the ruined structures of the coal mining industry which spread out across southern and eastern Wonthaggi over many kilometres. The dominant view is that of the wind turbines of the local wind farm.
As you approach Wonthaggi, you pass through areas of dense scrub and heathland. These patches of bushland are home to many birds and the area is popular with birdwatchers. Your views over the countryside are quite limited though, as the bush is thick. Some smaller paths branch off the rail trail to explore local features like the nearby Wonthaggi Wetlands, and the West Area Historic Area. Eventually you reach the edge of the commercial district and finish your journey at the former Wonthaggi Railway Station, situated in Apex Park, with toilets, BBQs and picnic facilities in the heart of the town. Wonthaggi residents make great use of the stretches of trail near town and it is a pleasant place for biking or strolling with family and friends.
Written 14 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,189 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
Friends asked me to come and ride with them on this trail, but I decided to do a walk instead. It's mostly flat which is good for my dodgy knees but also good for those younger kids who didn't want to ride.
You can start in Wonthaggi or join at various other points along the trail. Just watch out for traffic at the various crossings. You can hire bikes in Wonthaggi.
Like most of the rail trails, this one follows a now dismantled rail line (hence why it's generally flat).
This isn't a place you'd come for a sunrise or sunset or special scenery, but it's certainly a nice place to walk or ride and soak up the Victorian flora and fauna.
Is actually wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Parking at either end is easy.
You can start in Wonthaggi or join at various other points along the trail. Just watch out for traffic at the various crossings. You can hire bikes in Wonthaggi.
Like most of the rail trails, this one follows a now dismantled rail line (hence why it's generally flat).
This isn't a place you'd come for a sunrise or sunset or special scenery, but it's certainly a nice place to walk or ride and soak up the Victorian flora and fauna.
Is actually wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Parking at either end is easy.
Written 18 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter W
Wonthaggi, Australia19 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
The Bass Coast Rail Trail is great for a walk or a bike ride, you will see lot's of blue wrens ducking in and out of the bush. It is a really nice ride on your bike, go as far as you want along the coast with wonderful views.
Written 14 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jayzav
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions
Feb 2016
This track is very flat and well maintained. I've walked from Anderson to Wonthaggi, about 16km, and it was ok. Probably more enjoyable to bike ride it instead as I can be a little boring.
There are better walks in the area if you are looking for beautiful views, like George bass coast walk.
However this is probably more family friendly. Would recommend the Anderson to Kilcunda end of this trail than the Wonthaggi side.
There are better walks in the area if you are looking for beautiful views, like George bass coast walk.
However this is probably more family friendly. Would recommend the Anderson to Kilcunda end of this trail than the Wonthaggi side.
Written 12 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Letitia C
20 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
50km return trip, great ride through scenic country including farmlands, coastal views through Kilcunda, rolling hills, wildlife, and views into San Remo. At Anderson roundabout a short leg on main road and also another short stint on road coming into San Remo. Some challenging hills from Anderson to San Remo but the downhills liberating and worth the ride. Kilcunda great for cafe, San Remo plenty of options, as too Wonthaggi. Great ride for family with teenagers.
Written 3 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TLJ571
Melbourne, Australia76 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
We rode from Kilcunda to Wonthaggi return today (approx 12 kms each way). Lovely views of the coast heading down the hill from Kilcunda. Our kids aged 7 & 9 found the ride pretty easy going. The track is well maintained and reasonably flat. The trail comes into Wonthaggi near the shopping centre which has a Michel's Patisserie and a Bakers Delight - a good place to have lunch and recharge before starting the return trip. Watch out for the swooping magpies about 3 kms out of Wonthaggi! All in all a great day out.
Written 24 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EndlessTravels
Greater Melbourne, Australia38,672 contributions
Aug 2018
I completed the Anderson to Kilcunda section of trail and loved it. The highlight was the Kilcunda trestle bridge
Written 28 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael-4551
Caloundra, Australia5,525 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Visited on Sunday 25th February. We stopped at the old station buildings to have a look, very glad they are still there and being used by the local community today. Time didn't allow us to venture off on the trail this time but will next time when we visit Wonthaggi.
Written 12 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigKahuna95
Melbourne, Australia76 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Whether you are young or old, walking or on a bike it is magnificent.
Eclectic blend of topographies, landscapes and neutral wonders.
I loved it.
I walked it and biked it.
A great easy going bike ride for all.
Start at Wonthaggi and you can pickup a coffee/hot chocolate in Kilcunda General Store before your return journey.
Invigorating!!!!!
Eclectic blend of topographies, landscapes and neutral wonders.
I loved it.
I walked it and biked it.
A great easy going bike ride for all.
Start at Wonthaggi and you can pickup a coffee/hot chocolate in Kilcunda General Store before your return journey.
Invigorating!!!!!
Written 28 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
looking four accom on 24th dec till 28th dec als price 2 age adults than you Kay
Written 31 October 2015
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