Skipton Rail Trail Link Walk
The Skipton Rail Trail Link Walk is an approximately 4 km circuit connecting the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail terminus with Skipton’s town centre, parks, historical precinct and visitor facilities. The route can be explored on foot or by bicycle.
Distance: Approximately 4 km circuit
Time: Approximately 1 hour walking
Terrain: Mostly flat
Track: A combination of gravel, sealed concrete and granitic-sand paths
Start/Finish: Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail terminus, Skipton Recreation Reserve, Osborne Street, Skipton
From the rail-trail terminus, follow the track north along Anderson Street towards the Lismore-Skipton Road. Pass the Skipton Mechanics Institute Community Hall and Skipton War Memorial before reaching the intersection of Anderson Street and Montgomery Street.
At the intersection is a large mural by Mike Makatron featuring eucalyptus leaves, flowers and Skipton’s iconic platypus. Turn left and cross the bridge over Mount Emu Creek to Stewart Park Historical Precinct.
At Stewart Park, visit the platypus viewing platform and explore the historical precinct, which includes the bluestone and timber residence, courthouse, former police residence and stables, historic footbridge and the four-metre-high Platypus Rising sculpture.
Cross to the northern side of Montgomery Street and continue east through the town centre. Pass Bills Horse Trough and the Blade Shearer sculpture before leaving the main road near Skipton Kindergarten to explore Jubilee Park and Jubilee Lake.
Cross the Glenelg Highway at the school crossing and continue towards School Street and the Montgomery Street service road. Pass the Anglican church and continue towards Rokewood-Skipton Road, where the route reconnects with the trail.
Turn right, carefully cross Rokewood-Skipton Road and follow the trail beside Skipton Golf & Bowls Club back to the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail terminus.
Facilities along or near the route include:
- Parking and toilets at Skipton Recreation Reserve
- Public toilets in the town centre
- Picnic facilities at Stewart Park
- Platypus viewing platform beside Mount Emu Creek
- Playground, tennis courts, picnic shelter, barbecue and toilets at Jubilee Park
- Food and drink outlets in the town centre
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on a leash. Keep dogs under effective control and clean up after them.
Location:
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail terminus, Skipton Recreation Reserve, Osborne Street, Skipton.
Location
Osborne Street, Skipton 3361 View Map
