Old Beechy Rail Trail

The Old Beechy Rail Trail is an adventurous 50 km cycling and walking trail through Victoria’s Otway Ranges, running from Colac through Barongarook, Kawarren, Gellibrand and Beech Forest to Ferguson. Around two hours south-west of Melbourne and close to the Great Ocean Road, the trail follows much of the former narrow-gauge railway affectionately known as “The Beechy”. Unlike many flat, highly groomed rail trails, the Old Beechy delivers a more challenging ride through towering eucalypt forest, fern-filled gullies, rainforest, farmland and rolling Otways countryside. Surfaces vary considerably, including compacted gravel, coarse gravel, dirt roads, sealed roads and purpose-built trail, with several steep climbs and descents where the modern route leaves the original railway formation. The Colac to Gellibrand section is around 27 km, although the first 11 km from Colac is largely on-road. Less experienced riders can instead start around Barongarook, where the route joins the old railway alignment and continues through attractive bushland towards Kawarren and Gellibrand. The trail has a fascinating connection to the Otways’ timber and farming history. The 2 ft 6 in narrow-gauge railway opened from Colac to Beech Forest in 1902 and was extended to Crowes in 1911. It transported passengers as well as timber, cattle, potatoes, cheese and other farm produce before finally closing in 1962. Riders can still discover old station sites, railway cuttings, mileposts, bridges and other remnants along the route, including the restored Gellibrand railway station. The Beech Forest to Ferguson section is around 4 km and provides another beautiful standalone ride beneath dense rainforest and giant ferns before emerging into farmland. Riders should be aware that sections of the trail cross private property and working farms, so gates should be left as found and speeds reduced around livestock and farming activity. Important current access: The full Old Beechy Rail Trail is not presently continuous. The trail is currently open from Colac to Wimba, south of Gellibrand, and separately from Beech Forest to Ferguson, but the section between Wimba and Beech Forest is closed until further notice. Colac Otway Shire specifically advises riders not to use Old Beech Forest Road as an alternative because of vehicle and logging traffic. RTS Tip: Don’t expect the Old Beechy to ride like a typical flat rail trail — its rough surfaces, steep diversions and Otways terrain make a mountain bike or capable gravel bike with wider tyres the better choice. For a shorter ride, choose one of the open sections around Barongarook, Kawarren or Gellibrand, or ride the beautiful 4 km Beech Forest–Ferguson section. Mobile coverage is limited in places, so download the route before leaving and check the Colac Otway Shire Old Beechy Rail Trail page for the latest closure information before every ride.