Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail

The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail is a beautiful 23km one-way shared trail linking the East Gippsland Rail Trail near Colquhoun with Lakes Entrance. Unlike a typical straight and flat rail trail, this one has plenty of character, winding through Colquhoun State Forest before following around 9km of the historic Mississippi Creek tramway alignment. Expect fine gravel and compacted-earth surfaces, forest singletrack-style sections, creek crossings, short steep climbs and descents, plus remnants of the old pink granite quarry and tramway that once transported stone towards the Gippsland Lakes. Link it with the East Gippsland Rail Trail and you can create a 36km Bruthen-to-Lakes Entrance ride or a huge 65km Bairnsdale-to-Lakes Entrance adventure. RTS Tip: Don’t expect this to ride like a smooth, flat rail trail — the old tramway section is rougher, narrower and more undulating, so a mountain bike or capable gravel bike is the better choice. For a shorter option, start at Log Crossing Picnic Area and ride towards the historic Mississippi Creek quarry before returning. There’s no potable water along the trail, so fill up before setting off, and remember the final section into Lakes Entrance includes some road riding with limited shoulders.