The Old Beechy Rail Trail is one of those gems that locals have been quietly enjoying for years while everyone else fights for parking spots at the Twelve Apostles. It follows the old railway line that used to run from Colac to Beech Forest – back when timber and potatoes needed to get to market and the roads were basically mud tracks with opinions.
The railway ran from 1902 to 1962, and honestly, it’s a miracle it lasted that long. The Otways weather gave those train drivers hell – fallen trees, washouts, fog so thick you couldn’t see past the engine. There’s stories of passengers having to get out and help clear the tracks. These days, instead of steam engines struggling up the hills, you’ve got families on bikes and walkers with dogs.
The whole trail is 45km if you’re keen to do the lot, but here’s the thing – nobody says you have to be a hero. Most people just pick a section and enjoy that. The trail’s been broken up by roads and farmland in places anyway, so it’s more like a series of connected tracks than one continuous path.
Ferguson to Beech Forest is probably the pick of the bunch. It’s about 7km each way through proper forest with those massive old trestle bridges that make you feel like you’re in a movie. The Ferguson trestle is an absolute unit – 80 metres long and 20 metres high. Kids love it, though some adults get a bit wobbly looking down through the gaps in the timber.
The Colac to Warrion section is completely different – all farmland and open country. Dead flat, which is perfect if you’ve got little kids on bikes. About 5km each way, and you’ll probably see more cows than people.
Gellibrand to Kawarren is the sweet spot for a proper day out. About 17km return with a good mix of farmland and bush. Stop at Kawarren General Store for a coffee and vanilla slice. The trail goes right past the store so you can’t miss it.
Let’s be real – this trail was made for bikes. The gentle gradient (never more than 1 in 30, train drivers insisted on that) means you can actually have a conversation while riding instead of puffing. Even better, hire an e-bike from the shop in Forrest and you’ll cruise it. No shame in that game – the locals have caught on and half of them are on e-bikes now too.
That said, walking’s great if you want to take your time. The Dinmont to Buchanan section is brilliant for spotting lyrebirds. Early morning’s best – they’re usually scratching around near the track. You’ll hear them before you see them, doing their weird impressions of chainsaws and car alarms.
April and May? Perfect. Not too hot, usually dry, and the autumn colours in the deciduous trees around Beech Forest are ridiculous.
Spring’s nice too but can be muddy. One decent rainfall and some sections turn into chocolate pudding. The Wimba section cops it worst – your bike wheels just collect mud until they won’t turn anymore. Check the weather and if it’s been wet, maybe stick to the gravel sections.
Summer can be a scorcher on the open farmland bits. Start early or you’ll fry. The tree cover between Ferguson and Beech Forest makes that section bearable even on hot days though.
Winter… look, you can do it, but it’s muddy, cold, and some of the bridges get properly slippery. Hardcore mountain bikers love it.
Start at Beech Forest, ride to Ferguson and back (14km round trip), then drive to Gellibrand and do the section to Kawarren for lunch (17km return). That’s about 31km of riding with a break in between – enough to feel like you’ve done something but not so much you can’t move the next day. Plus you hit the best bits of the trail without the boring road sections.
Bring snacks though. More snacks than you think you need. There’s something about rail trail riding that makes everyone hungry. Maybe it’s all that fresh air, or maybe it’s knowing there’s a vanilla slice waiting at the other end.
Otways Tourist Park is nestled in Gellibrand, a short drive from the charming rural townships of Colac and Forrest, Victoria. Otways Tourist Park is a welcoming destination – perfect for those looking to unwind, slow down, and reconnect with nature and loved ones.
Nearby attractions include the world-famous Great Ocean Road, waterfalls, rainforest walks and the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk.
The park is also conveniently located within easy reach of popular destinations like Apollo Bay, Lorne and the Twelve Apostles, making it an ideal base for exploring the spectacular Otway Ranges and Surf Coast region.
