Mirboo North - Boolarra Grand Ridge Rail Trail
The railway between Morwell and Mirboo North was completed in 1886 and carried freight and passenger services until closure in 1974.
Thirteen kilometres of the old line was opened as a rail trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riding in 1998. The trail rises gently from Railway Park in the centre of Boolarra to Baromi Park in Mirboo North (150m rise over 13km) and passes through remnant temperate rainforest, dry schlerophyll forest and significant areas of regrowth. Badly damaged by the bushfires in January 2009, the trail was rehabilitated with two new bridges built and re-opened in 2012.
The trail starts at Railway Park in Boolarra. Following the old railway line, it climbs steadily through tall eucalypt forest, lush pastures, sheltered fern gullies and pockets of beautiful rainforest, crossing many small creeks and streams along the way.
Just outside the town of Darlimurla is the Big Tree, the last proud survivor of a stand of towering grey gums. The different types of vegetation offer important habitat for many native plants and animals. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and wombats, as well as noisy cockatoos, brilliant rosellas and majestic Wedge-tailed Eagles.
After an ascent of nearly 240 metres over the 13 kilometres from Boolarra, the trail ends at Mirboo North and the refreshing sight of the Grand Ridge Brewery. At Mirboo North you will find colourful historical murals depicting the town's past.
There are toilets at the start (Boolarra, in front of rail trail) and the end (in the township of Mirboo North) of the trail.
Trail Summary:
Distance: 13 km
Duration: It takes 3 hours to complete the walk one way. A two car shuffle can be employed to leave a car at either end. It is approximately 20 minutes by car between the two towns.
Track: Fair (muddy in winter)
Grade: Moderate (climb)
Start: Boolarra
Finish: Mirboo North
Nearby: Morwell
Best time: Spring to autumn
Car Parks: Car parks are located at Mirboo North, Darlimurla (about 6km from Mirboo North) and Boolarra.
Facilities: Water and other facilities are available at Boolarra and Mirboo North.
Prohibitions: Motor vehicles and trail bikes are prohibited on the trail. Keep dogs on a lead.
Getting There: Boolarra - 165km east of Melbourne (about 2 hours) via Princes Hwy to Morwell and then Churchill. Mirboo North - 160km east of Melbourne (about 2 hours) via Princes Hwy to Trafalgar and then Thorpdale.
Map of Grand Ridge Rail Trail
Points on map:
1. Meadow
2. Open spoon spillway
3. Murrays Creek Neil Cartwright Bridge
4. Bair Creek & Neil Trease Bridge
5. Darlimurla Picnic Rotunda
6. Ian Sargent Shelter
7. 1.5m Brick Culvert
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Location
Duke Street, Boolarra 3870 Map
Web Links
→ Grand Ridge Rail Trail (Rails Trails Australia)
→ Grand Ridge Rail Trail on Facebook
