Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail

The Port Fairy - Warrnambool Rail Trail is a continuous 37.32km walking/cycling pathway which meanders through a highly scenic, diverse and relaxed part of south-west Victoria. Encompassing historical, agricultural, Indigenous and nature-based themes, it is – quite simply – a `must do’ for anyone visiting the region.

The project involves the transformation of the existing disused rail corridor between Port Fairy, Koroit and IIIowa (19.23km). The remaining almost 18 kilometres runs from Warrnambool’s breakwater precinct along the spectacular coastline through to an underpass on the Princes Highway, linking to the Illowa section.

Making its way through rural landscapes and farming communities, the user will travel through dairy and beef farming country as well as remnant forest, skirt the north side of a 25,000-year-old volcano (Tower Hill) and traverse wetlands and coastal sand dunes.

It encompasses the historic towns of Port Fairy and Koroit, rural countryside, woodlands and native vegetation, extensive sea views off Killarney, the northern banks of Tower Hill Game Reserve, extensive woodlands, coastal sand dunes, the Merri River and Warrnambool breakwater precinct.

The trail has a gentle gradient and is suitable for use by cyclists and walkers of all ages and levels of fitness. Township sections are bitumen, allowing for use by mobility scooters, wheelchairs and the elderly. There are three major entrance/exit points to the route – Port Fairy, Koroit Railway Station and Warrnambool Breakwater – allowing users to determine their own length of travel.

Energetic walkers are able to continue on the 22-kilometre Mahogany Walk, which creates a circular route along the coast.

Parts of the trail are not yet complete, so it is wise to check first with the Visitor Information Centre (5568 2682) which parts are accessible before undertaking the trail.

www.portfairytowarrnamboolrailtrail.com can provide you with further information