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Great Southern Rail Trail gets 21km extension from Welshpool to Alberton marking 129 km trail through South Gippsland

The Great Southern Rail Trail official opening despite weather delays is planned before September school holidays. A new website, set for late 2024, will offer trip planning tools.

By news@gippsland - 7th June 2024 - Back to News

The much anticipated 21km extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail between Welshpool and Alberton is now open, welcoming walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and people of all abilities to explore the beautiful South Gippsland region, with a focus on the southern part of The Middle of Everywhere. The extension increases the total length of the trail to an impressive 129 km.

From left Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye and South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Clare Williams at the Great Southern Rail Trail

Trail completion celebrated

Yesterday, Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye and South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Clare Williams took to the trail to ride the extension, crossing the border between Welshpool and Alberton, commending both councils for their collaborative efforts to achieve the much-anticipated project.

The milestone not only marks the completion of the Great Southern Rail Trail from Yarram to Nyora but also completes an eighteen-month journey, providing locals and tourists access to the eastern end that reaches the historically rich coastal area, known fondly by locals and visitors to Wellington Shire as 'The Middle of Everywhere'.

The extension was made possible through $6 million in Regional Infrastructure Grant funding from the Victorian Government, via the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions. The funding supported eighteen months of construction work across both shires. While the trail is now open, final interpretive and wayfinding signage is still to come, with installation and completion expected by the end of 2024.

Trail opening celebration

Locals, visitors, and partners can expect an invite to an official opening ahead of the September school holidays, when the trail will be celebrated in all its glory. In late 2024, a new Great Southern Rail Trail website will be launched which will provide comprehensive information allowing users to plan ahead of their visit.

Out of the 21km extension, Wellington Shire Council covers 14km, with South Gippsland Shire Council managing the remaining 7km. Over the past eighteen months, the project has reconstructed nine small bridges and five large bridges, including an impressive 80-metre bridge over Albert River.

The works involved constructing gravel paths and extensive vegetation management between the towns of Alberton and Welshpool, including Hedley and Gelliondale. Despite weather setbacks in late December 2023 and January 2024 causing extensive damage and delays, the trail is now ready for public use.

Trail enhances region

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye expressed excitement over the project's completion, saying that everyone at council is thrilled to see the community and visitors alike enjoying this beautiful addition to our region.

"The trail is a testament to the council's commitment to providing recreational opportunities while boosting the local economy through tourism. Visitors can enjoy diverse landscapes, including farmland, forests, wetlands, and historic towns like Yarram, Alberton and Port Albert."

"The trail also offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as kangaroos, birds, and other native animals as well as infrastructure remnants, adding a cultural and historical element to the journey, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy," Cr Bye said.

Rail trail extension

Cr Williams said, "It is exciting to see this extension complete and our shared vision of a recreation asset connecting our two regions fulfilled. Rail trails are popular with local residents and are a drawcard for visitors. I know that many people have been asking about this section of trail and are keen to get out there and explore."

"This extension means that the Great Southern Rail Trail now extends 129km through a variety of beautiful Gippsland landscapes. I can't wait for visitors to discover what we are fortunate to have in our very own backyards," Cr Williams said.

At the time of grant application funding, a joint cost-benefit analysis between both councils showed that the benefits of the extension would outweigh the construction costs in every way. The bulk of benefits were estimated to be linked with the attraction of tourist spending into the region (defined as South Gippsland and Wellington Shires). Other benefits included improved health and enhanced recreational opportunities for the local population. For more information, visit The Middle of Everywhere website or Visit South Gippsland website.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippslanders are invited to enter the 2027 #lovegippsland photography competition, with 13 images selected for the calendar and entries closing September 25, 2026.
• Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
  Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential.
• Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
  Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing.
• Free green waste disposal helps East Gippsland residents prepare properties for upcoming bushfire season from 1 to 30 November 2026
  East Gippsland residents can dispose of eligible green waste free throughout November to reduce bushfire risks. Council also encourages safe gas bottle disposal and separating green waste from general rubbish to save fees.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Darren Chester encourages young Gippsland athletes to apply for local sporting champions grants supporting championship participation and travel costs
  Darren Chester Encourages Young Gippsland Athletes to Apply for Sporting Grants, Offering $500–$750 to Eligible Competitors, Coaches and Officials Representing the Region at State, National and International Championships.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• Danny O’Brien urges premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien urges the Premier to delay VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s election, allowing community input and addressing landholder and environmental concerns.
• Danny O’Brien urges Premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien is urging the Premier to delay awarding VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s state election, citing landholder concerns and unresolved environmental, financial and property impacts.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback to shape safer roads through New Road Safety Strategy Plan until 10 September 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape its new Road Safety Strategy through community workshops and an online survey, aiming to reduce crashes and improve safety for all road users across the shire.
• Wilsons Promontory whale watching offers front-row seats to annual migration
  Wanderer Adventures offers seasonal whale watching cruises from Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory, bringing passengers close to migrating humpback and southern right whales, fur seals and spectacular coastal scenery aboard eco-tourism vessels.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.