O’Keefe Rail Trail

The O’Keefe Rail Trail is a fantastic 49km journey between Bendigo and Heathcote, following the route of the former Wandong, Heathcote and Sandhurst Railway through Central Victoria’s goldfields country. The mostly level trail travels through box-ironbark forest, farmland, waterways and historic country towns, making it a great option for recreational riders, gravel riders and anyone looking for a longer regional cycling adventure. The surface is predominantly fine gravel, with sealed sections around Axedale and Heathcote, and is well suited to gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and touring bikes. Riders can tackle the full 49km point-to-point or use the numerous access points to create shorter out-and-back rides. Axedale sits roughly halfway along the route and makes a natural stopping point, with the trail crossing the Campaspe River and passing through the Campaspe River Reserve. Other highlights include the impressive bridge over Axe Creek, native forests, historic railway remnants and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the small communities along the way. The railway originally connected Bendigo and Heathcote in 1888, with trains operating until 1956. The first section of the recreational trail opened in 1993, before the complete Bendigo-to-Heathcote connection was finished in 2015. Today, water stations, bike repair stations, shelters, tables and directional signage help support riders along the route. RTS Tip: At 49km one way, O’Keefe works brilliantly as either a big day ride or a more relaxed cycling adventure with a stop in Axedale. For riders wanting to go even bigger, the Bendigo end connects with the Bendigo Bushland Trail and sits close to the Goldfields Track, opening up some serious possibilities for a multi-day Victorian cycling trip