Reids Tramline Walk (Powelltown)

The 6km Reids Tramline loop walk explores some of the relics of the historic tramline along which horses, and later, steam-powered locomotives hauled huge logs out of the forest. Tramlines such as these meant that the timber industry in Powelltown and the surrounding forest became a hugely successful business, and provided locals with full time employment.

Location and Access
The Reids Tramline walk starts and finishes at the Powelltown picnic area, which is opposite the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning office (1580 Little Yarra Road). The first part of the walk takes you past the present day sawmill in town, you may notice the original workers cottages above the mill. Powelltown is about 80km from Melbourne and can be accessed from Noojee or Yarra.

The Walk
This walk travels through the Powelltown township and then follows the historic Reids Tramline from the eastern end of Powelltown to the site of Reids Mill. Along the way, lengths of the old tramline can be seen, and relics of the old sawmill remain at the mill site. Three bridge crossings over the Little Yarra River are included in the walk.



The 2.5 hour loop walk is approximately 6 km long. It should be noted that, although the walk from Powelltown to the mill site is of very moderate grade, the return journey is a little more challenging. The return route is via Big Bertha's track, which contains some very steep slopes. For those who prefer a more relaxing walk, drive to the small car park at the eastern end of Powelltown. From this car park make the 2 km walk to the mill site and return along the same track.

Walk Route Map

Facilities
The Powelltown picnic area is very well equipped with toilets, a sheltered picnic table and BBQ/fireplaces. There are also some very useful and interesting information boards outlining other was and recreation activities within the Yarra State Forest, general information about plant and animal species, and the history of the area. There are no facilities at the Reids Mill site.

Log Bogies


Fallen logs were loaded onto log bogies and moved along the tramways to bush sawmills where the timber was cut. Each of the log bogies were a four wheeled, independent unit with the load of logs between them acting as a connecting rod. Together the two bogies and the logs resting on them form what was referred to a truck. The logs on each bogie were connected by a central pin and turntable allowing the top beam to spin.

For 45 years, the two log bogies on display had sat on an old tramline on Doweys Spur Road some 10km north-east of this point. In June of 1980 the two log bogies were recovered and recrafted by Fred Newcombe. The steelwork is original but due to weathering the woodwork has been replaced.

Both braking mechanisms used in this form of timber transport are displayed here. The first is the wooden block wedged between the back and front wheels of the log truck and operated by a vertical side mounted lever. The second type was operated by pulling a horizontal side-mounted lever which caused two boards to be clamped onto the outer sides of all wheels.

Plant and Animals
There have been over 70 species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals identified in the area. Some of the more common plant species you will encounter include Mountain Ash, Silver Wattle, Mountain Pepper and Hazel Pomaderris. You may also come across any number of animal species such as the Common Wombat, Swamp Wallaby and Greater Glider. Some particularly interesting birds known to frequent the area are the Laughing Kookaburra, Crimson Rosella, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and the Superb Lyrebird.

Looking After the Site
Please protect this fragile area by staying on the walking track at all times. The flora and fauna are protected so please respect the forest and the animals. Pets are permitted in the area but please keep them on a lead. Please take your rubbish with you. Remember, if you take it in, it's your responsibility to take it out.

Motorbikes, pushbikes and horses are not permitted on walking tracks.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are permitted.

Review:

The designated starting point for the walk is Powelltown picnic area. We decided to drive through the town and start where the track leaves the Yarra Junction-Noojee Road (near Messmate Close). There is a small carparking area beside the road. This gave us the option to walk the best part of the route and return along the same way if we decided on a shorter walk (to the mill and back). This way also enables us to drop into the Powelly Pub near the end of the walk for a drink and snack. As it turned out, we did the whole route.

The signage to get to the old sawmill is confusing. At the start of the walk the sign says "Mill Site 2 km" and after a short distance there is a sign "Old Sawmill 3km". It's quite hard to get lost. The key is to keep an eye out for brown poles which show the route of the Reids Tramline Walk.



The walk is stunning and initially crosses Little Yarra River and then follows beside Blackwood Creek. There are lots of tree ferns with tall straight trees higher up the hill in the background. There are occasional glimpses of the creek.

The track is distinct but is overgrown in parts with vegetation crowding the path. There is also lots of leaf litter along the path. We came across quite a few lyrebirds scratching away on the path.

The main navigation point is where a metal bridge crosses the creek. A brown pole points to the left over the bridge indicating "Reids Tramline Walk". The sign also indicates the mill site is straight ahead. The sign indicates Powelltown if you head back the way you came from. After crossing the bridge the track widens and the vegetation is more open. Follow the signs along Big Bertha Track to "Powelltown Picnic Area" which is a steady uphill walk initially. The walk down to the picnic area is overgrown (which means wet shoes after wet weather) and you cross a bridge across Little Yarra River.



The picnic area has toilets, log bogie, shelter with table and three shaded tables under trees.

If you don't like drop toilets, there are flushable toilets available at Powelltown Recreation Reserve and Powelltown Townhall. Caravans and trucks are recommended for the Powelltown Recreation Reserve as there is turning room. The Townhall has a carpark but not much turning around space for larger vehicles.

This walk is not recommended for those people who can't deal with leeches. We literally brushed away more than one hundred little leeches from our socks as we were walking. Some of them managed to get past our defences and attached to places like the webbing between our fingers which was very irritating for many days later. Let's put it this way - I'm not going to be making an appointment with the Red Cross for a blood donation since I don't have any spare at the moment thanks to all those leeches.

Photos:

Location

1580 Little Yarra Road,  Powelltown 3797 View Map

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Web Links

→ www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/walking-in-victoria/reids-tramline-walk


Reids Tramline Walk (Powelltown)1580 Little Yarra Road,, Powelltown, Victoria, 3797