During the gold rush of the 1860s, railways in Victoria branched out from Melbourne to many far-flung parts of the state. By the late 1930s, the Victorian railway network covered more than 7,500 kilometres of track.
As cars and trucks became the dominant mode of transportation during the 1960s and 70s, the railways declined. Many smaller, less patronaged lines were closed and replaced by buses. Years after they were closed, they were converted to rail trails, typically used for walking, cycling and sometimes horse riding. There are now more than 100 rail trails throughout Australia.
One of my favourite trails is the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Situated in the northeast of the state, it follows the route of the former Bright Railway from Wangaratta to Bright. The trail is 95 kilometres long, with a side trail leading to Beechworth. This ride is my favourite, a classic journey through the Australian bush, steep cuttings and heritage brick bridges. The destination is the township of Beechworth, a well-preserved historical town and a popular tourist destination. The best part of this ride is that the return journey is all downhill.
Rail trails are a great way to explore the country towns and villages while taking in the changing landscape and soothing sounds of country life.
As cars and trucks became the dominant mode of transportation during the 1960s and 70s, the railways declined. Many smaller, less patronaged lines were closed and replaced by buses. Years after they were closed, they were converted to rail trails, typically used for walking, cycling and sometimes horse riding. There are now more than 100 rail trails throughout Australia.
One of my favourite trails is the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Situated in the northeast of the state, it follows the route of the former Bright Railway from Wangaratta to Bright. The trail is 95 kilometres long, with a side trail leading to Beechworth. This ride is my favourite, a classic journey through the Australian bush, steep cuttings and heritage brick bridges. The destination is the township of Beechworth, a well-preserved historical town and a popular tourist destination. The best part of this ride is that the return journey is all downhill.
Rail trails are a great way to explore the country towns and villages while taking in the changing landscape and soothing sounds of country life.