Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail
The Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail is a 37 km rail trail which is suitable for cyclists and walkers and follows the route of the disused railway line that loops between Port Fairy, Koroit and Warrnambool skirting the northern side of Tower Hill.
Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail Overall Map
Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail Town Maps
POINTS OF INTEREST ALONG THE TRAIL (Refer to maps)
POINTS OF INTEREST ALONG THE TRAIL
1 PORT FAIRY TOWN - Ride through the back streets of Port Fairy and absorb the old world charm of the town. Plenty of cafes and accommodation.
2 PORT FAIRY GOODS SHED - Port Fairy siding contains one of the few remaining railway goods sheds in the region.
3 MOYNE RIVER - This section of the Moyne River was cut in the early 1800’s to drain the swamp lands to the north and open up farming land.
4 MOYNE SIDING - One of the few forested areas along the trail.
5 NORTH LINK - This is the junction of the old line to Ararat.
6 KOROIT STATION & GOODS SHED - The Koroit old rail station building has been restored by the local community.
7 KOROIT TOWN - Ride through the back streets of Koroit and absorb the old world charm of the town.
8 TOWER HILL - is an extinct volcano, Victoria’s first State Park.
9 ILLOWA SIDING & GOODS SHED - Illowa siding has one of the three remaining goods sheds on the trail.
10 KELLYS SWAMP - is a wet land wonderland.
11 MERRI RIVER - This section of the Merri River was man made to provide water for the Woollen Mill and Warrnambool.
12 WOOLLEN MILLS - The Mill was established in 1874 and closed in 2000.
13 LAKE PERTOBE - Once a swamp, this area is now a significant playground and recreation area.
14 BREAKWATER AND MIDDLE ISLAND - A working port, yacht club and refreshments in the pavilion.
15 WARRNAMBOOL TOWN CENTRE
The main trailheads are:
- the Warrnambool Breakwater (or start where the Merri Creek intersects with Roxburgh Close)
- Koroit station (Bourke Ave)
- Illowa (Underpass on the Princes Hwy)
- East of the Visitor information centre at Port Fairy (Regent Street).
The route travels through farming country, extensive woodlands, the Merri River wetlands and coastal sand dunes. There are views of Tower Hill, the Merri River and great sea views. Starting in the historic harbour village of Port Fairy the township gives way to farmlands with paddocks of dairy cows and beef cattle. If a shorter ride would suit you better them break your journey at Koroit (17.7 km from Port Fairy) and soak up some of their Irish heritage or cycle down to the rim of Tower Hill for a panoramic view across the crater and out to sea. As you head towards Warrnambool the scenery will change once again and eventually the paddocks will give way to swamp land, coastal sand dunes and the river flats along the Merri River until you end at the Warrnambool breakwater.
The trail has a gentle gradient and is suitable for use by cyclists and walkers of all ages and levels of fitness. The majority of the three metre wide trail is made of packed limestone; short sections are sealed and there is packed quartz at the Warrnambool end. The trail is generally through open areas with only one forested section.
Location
Regent Street, Port Fairy 3284 View Map
Web Links
→ www.portfairytowarrnamboolrailtrail.com.au
→ Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail Map (PDF)
→ Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail (Rail Trails)
