Gippsland Plains Rail Trail

Stretching 130 kilometres through the lush green heart of Gippsland, the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is a multi-use path that follows the old railway line between Stratford and Maffra, and on to Sale, Rosedale, Traralgon and Glengarry. This gentle, well-formed trail is a favourite for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, offering a serene escape into farming country, river flats and pockets of remnant forest. You'll roll through historic railway towns, cross timber trestle bridges and soak up big skies over the Latrobe Valley. It's a trip back in time, with interpretive signs revealing the region's railway and timber-milling heritage.

Highlights & What to See

• Stratford to Maffra section – a scenic 12 km ride along the Avon River, with birdlife and picnic spots.
• Maffra – a historic dairy town with a grand 1880s butter factory and a friendly pub for lunch.
• Sale Wetlands – just off the trail, a boardwalk and bird hide perfect for spotting waterfowl and black swans.
• Rosedale – pause at the restored railway station, now a museum with railway memorabilia.
• Glengarry – the trail's northern terminus, surrounded by dairy farms and rolling hills.
• Timber trestle bridges – several original bridges, notably over the Thomson and Latrobe rivers, ideal for photos.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow two to three days to cycle the full trail at a leisurely pace, staying overnight in towns like Maffra or Sale. For a shorter taste, the 12 km Stratford–Maffra leg makes a perfect half-day ride, leaving time to explore the Avon River and grab a coffee in Stratford. Walkers can tackle shorter sections between towns; the flat terrain suits families with kids. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, with wildflowers in bloom and mild temperatures.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lakes Entrance – gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, with boating, fishing and the Ninety Mile Beach.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park – stunning coastal hikes, granite peaks and abundant wildlife, about 1.5 hours south.
• Tarra-Bulga National Park – ancient fern gullies and mountain ash forest, a short detour from Traralgon.
• Briagolong State Forest – bushwalking, swimming holes and the Mitchell River National Park nearby.
• Port Albert – historic fishing village with seafood and a jetty, an easy drive from Sale.

Please check official sources for current details.