ROLL ON DOWN!
The completed Camperdown to Timboon section is a wonderful family trail dotted with statuesque trestle bridges and spellbinding scenery. Riders and walkers traverse volcanic features listed in Kanawinka Global Geopark, farmland, wooded grassland and tall wet forest on descent into the wooded Timboon valley.
The trail provides an important connective corridor for native animals. The relationship between native wildlife and the trail is creatively interpreted by a display housed in the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery. This building along with the old ticket office forms the southern terminus of stage 1 of the trail.
Timboon is earning an international reputation for its gourmet produce including cheese, ice-cream, honey, smoked eel and now fine spirits and liqueurs. It is located just 17km from the coastal townships of Port Campbell and Peterborough.
TRAIL NOTES AND MAPS
Temporary trail Detour Notice - all trail users are advised of a temporary closure of the section of the trail around Lake Bullen Merri. Download a full trail map here
Riders are asked to ignore signage directing them left around the lake and continue west (and up) along Sadlers Road for 1.9km to the t- intersection with Cross Forest Road. Turn left for 3.2km along Cross Forest Road and turn left again onto NaroghidRoad Road. Ride for 500m along Naroghid Road and turn right across Naroghid Road to rejoin the trail.
The detour adds 200m and one big hill (great views from the top over Lake Gnotuk) to the total distance.
BIKE HIRE
For transport and bike hire solutions see Craters to Coast Bicycle Hire
GETTING HERE AND HOME:
V-line train services to Camperdown station from Geelong, Melbourne, Warrnambool and coach services from Ballarat. To return home use local transport back to the train or stay a while an explore more.
One way trips on the trail:
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays users can roll one way on the trail and make use of local transport to return to Camperdown or Timboon. All return services to Camperdown link with departures to Warrnambool, Geelong, Melbourne and Ballarat.
Bookings are essential even when bike transport is not required:
Bookings essential:
0427 408 096 or david@popes-timboon.com.au
Transport to the Coast:
Transport beyond Timboon to the coast at Peterborough or Princetown is available with Timboon Taxis (bike racks available.) We advise that the Great Ocean Road between Princetown and Peterborough has narrow shoulders a 100kmh speed limit and distracted drivers.
MINIMUM EMISSION MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT
Take the rail to the trail – Consider a low emission weekend experience for your family. Make use of regular V-line services between Melbourne Ballarat Warrnambool and Camperdown. Stay overnight in Camperdown and soak up the well preserved buildings significant architecture and manicured streetscapes of Elm, Oak and Birch before beginning your trail adventure. Accommodation options and opportunities to refuel present in the townships of Cobden and Timboon.
FUTURE EXTENSIONS
Planning for an extension is underway south to Port Campbell and eastward via Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles, Gibson’s Steps and on to Princetown via the historic Old Coach Road. Talks have moved beyond the 2007 trail assessment project and are being driven by the Twelve Apostles Trail Committee.
Stay tuned!
And for more information on this and other victorian bike trails visit www.bv.com.au and www.railtrails.org.au comprehensive guide books on Victorian and South Australian rail trails are available for purchase through Rail Trails Australia and by visiting the Rail Trails Australia website.
