Beech Forest, VIC
45.0 km (1.5 hrs )
★★★☆☆

The Old Beechy Rail Trail is a 50 km walking / cycling trail that follows much of the original path of the narrow-gauge railway, 'The Beechy'. The narrow gauge railway was opened in 1902 with the line from Colac to Beech Forest, and an extension to Crowes added in 1911. The Beechy ran mixed trains with passengers and goods (mostly timber from the surrounding forests), servicing 28 stations and sidings, some of which have been restored and can be seen along the trail. The line was closed in 1962 and repurposed as a rail trail in 2005.

The trail between Beech Forest and Colac is the most popular section (45 km) with a mostly downhill gradient. Parts of the rail trail are accessible by road, which is what I did on this trip. I especially enjoyed the stop in Gellibrand, with its large siding and restored railway buildings.