East Gippsland Rail Trail

Stretching 96 kilometres from Bairnsdale to Orbost, the East Gippsland Rail Trail is a multi-use path that slices through some of Victoria’s most captivating bushland. This former railway corridor offers a gentle gradient, making it perfect for cyclists, walkers and horse riders of all abilities. The trail weaves through towering eucalypt forests, fern gullies and past historic timber towns, with the occasional glimpse of the Snowy River. It’s a journey through the heart of Gippsland’s timber and gold history, with the added bonus of abundant birdlife and wildflowers in spring.

Highlights & What to See

• Bairnsdale to Bruthen (35 km): The first section is sealed and ideal for road bikes, passing farmland and the Mitchell River. Stop at the Bruthen pub for a classic country meal.
• Bruthen to Nowa Nowa (20 km): A gravel section that dives into tall forests, crossing the stunning Stony Creek Trestle Bridge – a heritage wooden viaduct that’s perfect for photos.
• Nowa Nowa to Orbost (41 km): The wildest stretch, with tight tunnels of manna gum and blackwood. Look for koalas and lyrebirds, and rest at the historic town of Orbost, where the trail ends near the Snowy River.
• Snowy River diversion: From Orbost, a short side trip to the Snowy River National Park offers river views and walking trails.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for wombats, echidnas and the elusive platypus in the Mitchell and Snowy rivers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow two to three days to ride the entire trail at a relaxed pace, with overnight stops in Bruthen, Nowa Nowa or Orbost. If you’re short on time, the Bairnsdale to Bruthen section is a rewarding half-day ride (3–4 hours). Walkers can tackle shorter sections – the 10 km from Nowa Nowa to the trestle bridge is a popular day walk. Most cyclists prefer to ride east to west (Orbost to Bairnsdale) to take advantage of the prevailing tailwind.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lakes Entrance: A 45-minute drive from Bairnsdale, this coastal town is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, perfect for boating, fishing and swimming.
• Mitchell River National Park: Just north of Bairnsdale, this park features the dramatic Mitchell River gorge and Den of Nargun, a cave with Aboriginal significance.
• Snowy River National Park: Accessible from Orbost, this park offers white-water rafting, hiking and spectacular river viewpoints like Little River Gorge.
• Buchan Caves: About an hour from Bruthen, these limestone caves are a fascinating underground adventure, with guided tours through caverns and stalactite formations.
• Metung: A charming lakeside village near Bairnsdale, known for its seafood restaurants and calm waters for kayaking.

Please check official sources for current details.