Some of the best rail trails in Melbourne, and our experience with them.

Great Victorian Rail Trail

Spanning 134km, this route is Australia’s longest rail trail. Start at Tallarook (home to the annual Boogie Music Festival) and ride through Molesworth, Yarck, Merton, Bonnie Doon (the serenity) and Maindample before finishing at Mansfield.

Capital City Trail

This is a blissful 30km trail along car-free paths around inner Melbourne. Be your very own tour guide as you fly past Docklands, Fed Square, Dights Falls, Royal Botanic Gardens, Abbotsford Convent, Como House and the Melbourne Zoo. Hugs the Yarra River too.

Warburton To Lilydale Rail Trail

What an embarrassment of riches. Zoom past wineries, quaint cafes, scurrying wildlife and all that lush Yarra Valley forest. Surprise friends by joining halfway through the 38km or do the whole thing in a day, it’s up to you.

Ballarat To Skipton Trail

This is a ripper for reminding you how much Victoria has progressed. The 53km trail crosses over the spectacular, not-as-rickety-as-it-looks Nimmons Bridge, a trestle railway bridge at Newtown. Stay in accommodation along the way if you fancy it.

St Kilda Beach To Half Moon Bay

Eating fish and chips on the beach is always a life-pausing moment, a time to reflect (with a koala?) and be away from emails/appointments. It’s especially lovely at Half Moon Bay, an alcove with lots of history. This is an easy 13km ride, hungry cyclist.

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