Dartmoor Rail Trail

The Dartmoor Rail Trail is a short and accessible 1.3km sealed rail trail running through the heart of Dartmoor in far south-west Victoria. Following part of the former Mount Gambier–Heywood railway corridor, the trail provides an easy ride through town from Radiata Road to Fort O’Hare on the Glenelg River. The smooth asphalt surface and gentle railway gradient make this a great option for families, beginner riders and anyone looking for a relaxed spin. It’s suitable for mountain bikes, touring and hybrid bikes, as well as walkers, wheelchairs, prams and scooters. Along the way the trail passes the town centre, Village Green and playground, before reaching the historic railway bridge over the Glenelg River and the riverside Fort O’Hare camping area. There’s parking near both ends, making it easy to ride as a short out-and-back of around 2.6km. The trail opened in December 2021 following years of work by the local community to transform the disused railway reserve into a recreational trail. The railway itself has a much longer history, with the line reaching Dartmoor in 1916 before continuing through to Mount Gambier the following year. RTS Tip: At only 1.3km, Dartmoor Rail Trail is more about the experience than clocking up kilometres. It’s perfect for stretching the legs during a road trip or exploring Dartmoor by bike. Take your time at the Glenelg River end, and if you're travelling with the bikes, the free riverside camping at Fort O’Hare makes this an easy little ride to add to a south-west Victorian adventure.