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Great Southern Rail Trail extension between Leongatha and Nyora October 2021 update

Project that will help enhance the accessibility and economic growth of the region.

By news@gippsland - 20th October 2021 - Back to News

The Great Southern Rail Trail will form part of a proposed iconic Great Gippsland Trail. The creation of the proposed multipurpose trail would contain elements of many existing trails marketed as the Great Gippsland Trail. The concept of the trail sets a vision for connection between Gippsland's main towns and experiences with bike friendly trail options.

The Great Southern Rail Trail Projects will improve the accessibility that will also enhance tourism opportunities in South Gippsland

Improving accessibility

Council is working with Cardinia Shire Council and City of Casey to extend the trail at its western end with a 76 km extension that will link Leongatha and Clyde. This will greatly improve accessibility to the trial as Clyde is on the edge of Melbourne's outer southern growth corridor. The proposal also includes the establishment of a 21 kilometre spur line linking Nyora to Woolamai located in Bass Coast Shire Council.

The vision is to develop an unbroken rail trail of 168 kilometres connecting Melbourne's outer south-eastern suburbs to the regional township of Yarram in Wellington Shire Council, becoming Australia's longest rail trail.

Enhancing economic and community benefits

The Great Southern Rail Trail Projects include the:

Leongatha to Korumburra link
Korumburra to Nyora extension and beyond
Welshpool to Alberton link

Since the complete closure of the rail line between Dandenong and Port Albert in 1994 various sections have been developed into a rail trail. At present the Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 71 kilometres from Leongatha to Port Welshpool. The trail is an important contributor to the local and regional economy, attracting a large number of tourists.