Rail Trails are disused railway corridors that have been converted to paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Discover the Otways in a different way.
Enjoy this 50km scenic trail in parts or plan a full day or weekend traversing scenic farmland and pockets of forest between Colac and Ferguson. This trail is almost continually downhill from Beech Forest to Gellibrand, and is best suited for mountain and hybrid bikes.
The trail follows the original alignment of a narrow gauge railway that played a key role in opening the western Otways to settlement. Innovative interpretive signs along the route describe the history of the railway and the area.
Magnificent eucalypts and blackwoods provide homes for abundant birdlife in the section from Colac to Gellibrand. Gellibrand is a picturesque small town with food and accommodation available. To check if the whole trail is open, or parts are closed, get in touch with our friendly Visitor Information Centre for the latest or check any news before you head out.
Walkers can make use of V/Line train services between Melbourne and Colac to access the trail.
For more information and a map for the Old Beechy Rail Trail, visit Rail Trails Australia.
The Birregurra — Forrest ‘Tiger’ Rail Trail is a short 6km trail situated in the Otways township of Forrest. It is a family-friendly ride or walk that provides an alternative to the many mountain bike trails in the area.
The trail is well maintained and has interpretative signage along the way. The trail’s “Tiger” name comes from the days when trains stopped running between the towns and a converted Dodge sedan, painted black and yellow, ferried passengers instead – resembling a tiger.
Commence your ride or walk opposite the Forrest Brewing Company. The trail winds through the Yaugher State Forest on its way towards Barwon Downs. The trail then connects with mountain bike trail 16 “Tiger Loop”. This non-technical trail can be followed back to the rest of the mountain bike network.
Visit Rail Trails Australia for the latest information and map on the Tiger Rail Trail.
Make sure you pack your water and sun protective gear, and make sure the full trail is open by visiting colacotway.vic.gov.au or calling the Visitor Information Centre for the latest.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
