Gippsland Plains Rail Trail: route guide

The trail runs west to east across the Gippsland plains, from Traralgon through Maffra and Heyfield to Stratford. It follows the old Maffra railway line, which branched off the main Gippsland line at Traralgon and rejoined it at Stratford.

Coordinates below are approximate town centres, not exact trailheads. Use the official trail website or a local map for precise access points and car parks.

The trail is short enough to ride in one push, but breaking it at Maffra or Heyfield turns it into a relaxed day and a half. Distances below are approximate and follow the rail corridor; check the official trail map for exact access points and any temporary closures.

Riding west to east puts the prevailing weather behind you more often, and leaves you at Stratford, where the train back to Melbourne is straightforward. Riding east to west starts at Stratford, which has fewer services and no staffed station.

Spring through autumn (roughly October to April) gives the most reliable weather: mild days, firmer gravel and long daylight. Summer afternoons in the Gippsland plains can be hot, so start early and carry more water than you think you need.

Winter brings rain and softer gravel, which slows a loaded bike and can leave puddles across the corridor. Check the official trail site and local weather before setting out, and avoid riding after heavy rain if you are on narrow tyres.

Maffra is the natural overnight stop: it is roughly halfway, has the widest choice of motels, pubs and caravan parks, and sits close to the trail. Heyfield is smaller but works if you want a shorter first day. Traralgon and Stratford both have accommodation and are the easiest bases if you are arriving or leaving by train.

Book ahead on long weekends and during school holidays, when Gippsland fills up. Camping and caravan parks along the route suit riders carrying their own gear; motels and pubs suit those travelling light.

The surface is gravel and mainly flat, so a hybrid, gravel or mountain bike is comfortable; a road bike with narrow tyres will work in dry conditions but is less pleasant after rain. Carry water and food, because services between towns are limited and some stretches have no shade.

Both ends connect to the rail network. Traralgon is served by V/Line trains from Melbourne's Southern Cross and you can tap on with a Myki card. Stratford also has trains, but you need a paper ticket, and the station is unstaffed with no ticket outlet in town. Buy your ticket in advance at Southern Cross, or at the Heyfield newsagency while you are on the trail. Alternatively, cycle about 20 km from Stratford to Sale station.

Helmets are compulsory in Victoria. Carry a repair kit, spare tube and pump; mobile coverage is patchy in places. Tell someone your plan if you are riding solo.