Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail
4.5
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4.5
16 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Simon B
City of Greater Geelong, Australia4,223 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Terrific, lengthy and well-surfaced trail from Ballarat to Skipton.
Notice quite a few locals use for exercise or to walk the dog.
Main users are the happy cyclists enjoying the safe trail and rural scenery.
Notice quite a few locals use for exercise or to walk the dog.
Main users are the happy cyclists enjoying the safe trail and rural scenery.
Written 13 January 2022
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.
Themikanic
Ballan, Australia242 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
A friend and I both travelled along the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail recently because we are train fans and we wanted to re-live some of what it would have been like to travel on the old rail motor from Ballarat to Linton.
The original 1967 timetable for the Linton Line train is available by looking up the Victorian Railways enthusiast site.
We took the train from Melbourne to Wendouree which virtually operates every hour and we alighted there to find the well posted signage and commenced our ride. What we didn't figure on was the head winds. Oh well never mind!
The scenery started almost as soon as the trail began and once the Old Western Highway was crossed we were along the well formed track out in the bush of green rolling hills and interpretive signage explaining the track diagrams, the population of the settlements encountered, the goods and passengers carried etc.
Further along was an opportunity to visit the beautifully restored Smythesdale Court House Hotel and enjoyed a pot of tea.(see separate review) Refreshed and ready to take on a few gentle hills we were on our way and over the spectacular trestle bridge and onwards through the forest with beautiful wild flowers and deep rail cutting.
Arrival at Linton was sooner than expected and the toilet facility resembling a railway station is modern, and has a good interface with the parallel Glenelg Highway. A pint at the Railway hotel (see separate review) and we were soon on the final long and gentle uphill rise till the gently downhill ride to Skipton.
Overnight in the BP Road-house cabins (see separate review) and an average evening meal at the road-house (see separate review), the only accommodation in Skipton at the time of writing and after breakfast we were on our way home with the wind in our sails and a total combined riding time of only 4.5 hours...though, again much time was enjoyed at some of the eateries and watering holes we had discovered the previous day.
At the time of writing the historic bluestone Skipton hotel (currently closed) was being renovated after suffering two serious floods in 5 years.It's hoped that a future visit will enable a stay at that hotel.
The original 1967 timetable for the Linton Line train is available by looking up the Victorian Railways enthusiast site.
We took the train from Melbourne to Wendouree which virtually operates every hour and we alighted there to find the well posted signage and commenced our ride. What we didn't figure on was the head winds. Oh well never mind!
The scenery started almost as soon as the trail began and once the Old Western Highway was crossed we were along the well formed track out in the bush of green rolling hills and interpretive signage explaining the track diagrams, the population of the settlements encountered, the goods and passengers carried etc.
Further along was an opportunity to visit the beautifully restored Smythesdale Court House Hotel and enjoyed a pot of tea.(see separate review) Refreshed and ready to take on a few gentle hills we were on our way and over the spectacular trestle bridge and onwards through the forest with beautiful wild flowers and deep rail cutting.
Arrival at Linton was sooner than expected and the toilet facility resembling a railway station is modern, and has a good interface with the parallel Glenelg Highway. A pint at the Railway hotel (see separate review) and we were soon on the final long and gentle uphill rise till the gently downhill ride to Skipton.
Overnight in the BP Road-house cabins (see separate review) and an average evening meal at the road-house (see separate review), the only accommodation in Skipton at the time of writing and after breakfast we were on our way home with the wind in our sails and a total combined riding time of only 4.5 hours...though, again much time was enjoyed at some of the eateries and watering holes we had discovered the previous day.
At the time of writing the historic bluestone Skipton hotel (currently closed) was being renovated after suffering two serious floods in 5 years.It's hoped that a future visit will enable a stay at that hotel.
Written 22 November 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.
bamorehouse
Melbourne, Australia309 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
A great rail trail. Had thought about it for ages and we finally gave it a go. Bit annoyed we waited so long. Plenty of shade along the way so not out in the hot sun for too long. Not too many inclines. A few old bridges and the like to look at along the way. Nimmons bridge is better seen going down rather than over if you don't mind the trek back up. Toilets on the path at Scarsdale about half way if you need them. Stop in a few towns for a cafe break if you like. If you are into bike trails this is a good one. Probably about 3 hours or so one way for most people, bit longer if you stop for a break. Easy for all ages.
Written 4 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.
Gary S
7 contributions
Mar 2021
We rode this trail across 3 sections. Three easy hours each morning. Linton-Skipton. Smythesdale-Linton. Smythesdale to Wendouree. Information boards at each former Station site. Nimmons Bridge most impressive. Have a look at the grain silos and loading into Containers operating at Wendouree end. Surface VG granite sand base. Beware of lots of road crossings. Call into the new Coffee shop/cafe in the main street of Linton (western end of St - opened Aug 2020 - very brave move). Speak to Carl, very helpful and knowledgeable. Helped us report a sick Tawny Frogmouth that was perched on a street sign post.
Written 11 March 2021
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.
Janneke B
Ballarat15 contributions
Sept 2020
We parked our car near Nimons Bridge and biked to Linton. 7-8 kms. What a beautiful bike ride. Then to Linton Larder for delicious coffee. What a great Father’s Day 👌.
Written 5 September 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.
Aussiemandias
Melbourne Australia2 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I rode from Cardigan to Skipton and back. Hard to find the actual Ballarat start. Each km is signposted. No real food in
Written 8 October 2019
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.
Sallya
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
So we did the Ballarat to Skipton direction thinking it would be downhill- not so sure about that! But we had perfect weather conditions whatever and a great ride which we took about 5 hours to do a our leisure.(with the cross wind blowing) A great snack stop at the local Lindon cafe - thank you!
A couple of points - we would have LOVED the signage to be a little more prominent at the Ballarat end - maybe it is going to be replaced as evidently there is a lot of roadwork going on in the area and it is temporarily not there....
We would have loved to see the height above sea level at the strategic spots of Ballarat/Haddon/Smythesdale/Scarsdale/Lindon and Skipton
The trail surface was in fabulous condition and the route was well maintained all the way...was able to observe much of the local landscape which was so interesting ..highly recommended
A couple of points - we would have LOVED the signage to be a little more prominent at the Ballarat end - maybe it is going to be replaced as evidently there is a lot of roadwork going on in the area and it is temporarily not there....
We would have loved to see the height above sea level at the strategic spots of Ballarat/Haddon/Smythesdale/Scarsdale/Lindon and Skipton
The trail surface was in fabulous condition and the route was well maintained all the way...was able to observe much of the local landscape which was so interesting ..highly recommended
Written 8 April 2019
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.
Wayne Domaschenz
Ballarat, Australia251 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
Did a mountain bike ride, Nimmonds bridge to Linton and return, about 17klms, took about 50 minutes return, a good well maintained track
Written 10 November 2024
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.
John C
Rockhampton, Australia24 contributions
Jan 2020
A few hills, not too steep, gravel track, but easy enough,
I have road tyres, no probs for MTBs though! A few scenic spots, especially the bridge. Towns along the way have cafe's and facilities etc, and are quite close together
I have road tyres, no probs for MTBs though! A few scenic spots, especially the bridge. Towns along the way have cafe's and facilities etc, and are quite close together
Written 22 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.
Simon B
City of Greater Geelong, Australia4,223 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Walk or ride a bike. Terrific landscapes of fields, trees and dusty track. Enjoyable day out with family in quiet beauty.
Written 11 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.
Hi, my wife and I plan to ride this rail trail in a few weeks time. We enjoyed your description . We would like to have some update on the trail surface.We ride hybrid bikes...not with MTB tyres .Is the surface smooth and packed hard enough for easy riding? Look forward to your comment. Many thanks .Rexaust.
Written 10 October 2017
Hi, sorry I missed your message. I'm afraid I'm not a 'tech head' when it comes to these things.
The surface is generally packed gravelly sand, ideal for all kinds of tyres, provided no heavy rain recently.
Mike.
Written 29 July 2018
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