Erica - Thomson Rail Trail
The Erica - Thomson Rail Trail (also previously known as the Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail) from Erica to Thomson features tall forests and views of the Thomson River.
The Erica - Thomson Rail Trail is a 7.3 km (one way) rail trail which follows the former route of the narrow gauge Walhalla railway line between Erica and Thomson station, near Walhalla. Another small section of the former line, where it runs through Moondarra State Park between Moe and Erica, is also open as the unofficial Moondarra Rail Trail.
The original railway line from Moe to Walhalla was closed in sections between 1944 and 1954, although the section from Thomson to Walhalla has been rebuilt as the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
The surface is compacted earth. The trail is rough, steep and poorly signposted. The trail features side paths to the Horseshoe Bend tunnel, and to the small town of Coopers Creek, as well as connections to the Australian Alps Walking Track.
To access the trail from Erica, turn down Henty Street and follow to the end where there is space for car parking. Follow the signs along the trail. The trail is suitable for walkers, mountain bikes and horses.
Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail Map
Review:
We did a 2.8km (one-way) section of the rail trail. If truth be known, we planned to do the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel walk but mistakenly stopped at a point before the start of the walk and ended up doing this walk instead.
Take the road to Horseshoe Bend Tunnel from Walhalla Road along Coopers Creek Road. The road passes a visitor day area on the right after 300m with parking for a few cars and a picnic table. From here a path leads down to the right and intersects with another wider path at a corrugated iron shed. Head left downhill, and at some discarded rail tracks, turn left under a road bridge. Pass a green gate and proceed down the track. There are lots of tree ferns beside the track and further on views of the river below. The track passes the remains of an old bridge, narrows and eventually reaches the Thomson train station.
Return back the same way or return via the main road.
Photos:
Location
34 Henty Street, Erica 3825 View Map
Web Links
→ Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail (Railtrails Australia)
