Name: Port Fairy Rail Trail
Rating: 3.8

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Why visit the Port Fairy Rail Trail?

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Take in the rolling countryside for which the region is famous, with southern ocean glimpses near the Warrnambool end of the trail
Enjoy Warrnambool’s foreshore precinct, meanders through the historic village of Koroit and the popular seaside town of Port Fairy
Cycle the length of the trail in a brisk two or a leisurely four hours each way

Nearby Attractions

Port Fairy is a charming coastal village with many historic buildings and a very popular music festival
Visit the small Irish heritage township of Koroit and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Warrnambool has many attractions including Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, beaches, whale-watching and Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground
Country markets in Warrnambool and Port Fairy

Trail Guide

Last updated: 21 February 2024

The project is being managed by the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail Committee of Management who are grateful to the Moyne Shire Council which provided $600,000 from its allocation of Local Road and Community Infrastructure funding.

The main sections of the trail are:

Warrnambool to Koroit (20km) passes through wetlands on the edge of the Southern Ocean and skirts around Tower Hill Reserve
Koroit to Port Fairy (18km) descends gently through farmland and native vegetation

Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Koroit all have a wide range of facilities.

Signage for the trail is deficient at the Warrnambool end

From Warrnambool to Illowa the trail does not follow the original alignment.

Horses are permitted beside the trail only between Commercial Rd (or the Penshurst/Warrnambool road), Koroit and Illowa, then down Illowa Rd to Millers Lane and on to Levys Point track. Horses are not permitted between Port Fairy and Koroit, or along the Merri Creek to Warrnambool.

Section Guides

Port Fairy to Koroit (18 km)

Due to the re-sheeting of the sections between the Princes Highway in Port Fairy and Koroit, this section will be progressively closed to all users, with detour signs in place. It is anticipated the work will commence in early July and be completed in early September.

The trail starts at Regent St in Port Fairy and is sealed for 1.5 km as it leaves town.
After crossing the Princes Hwy, the trail passes through farmland and skirts the northern side of an extinct volcano that last erupted around 25,000 years ago – now Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. The crater is home to native animals and has many walking tracks.
The old Koroit railway station and goods shed have been restored and a real feature, along with the playground and other facilities there.
Koroit has refreshments and toilets.

Koroit to Warrnambool (20 km)

Due to the re-sheeting of the sections between the Koroit and Lanes Lane in Illowa, this section will be progressively closed to all users, with detour signs in place. It is anticipated the work will commence in early July and be completed in early September.

The first 5 km travels southeast toward Princes Hwy, where an underpass has been built. At Lanes Lane, just before the highway, you travel west along the lane to the underpass

The next 9km passes through the Kellys swamp wetlands toward Levys Point. Riders should check for any floodwaters after heavy rain

As you pass beneath the highway you travel along Illowa Rd, which has been fenced to provide separation from traffic, and turn right into Millers Lane
At the top of the lane the path continues on the right side of the horse-riding school, and downhill across the boardwalk over Kellys Swamp
The trail continues on a dirt road past the knackery to Levys Point
The last section winds 6 km along Merri River to the breakwater in Warrnambool
The section between Illowa and Warrnambool is not on the original railway alignment. Signage is minimal
The pedestrian and bicycle crossing across the railway line at the Warrnambool trailhead is closed. For access to Warrnambool CBD or to the rail trail from Warrnambool Station, detour via Pertobe Rd or Harris St. Neither route is cycle friendly, and user groups are lobbying Victrack to reopen the crossing.

Photo Gallery

Near the start of the trail at Warrnambool [2021 George Turner]

The trail at Warrnambool Breakwater (2011)

Walking along the Merri River from Warrnambool (Andrew Lecky 2019)

Kelly Swamp boardwalk [Steve Bennett 2015]

Migratory geese and swans at Belfast Coastal Reserve wetland (Andrew Lecky 2019)

Following the Merri River, on the outskirts of Warrnambool (Steve Bennett 2015)

Protected path along Ilowa Rd [Steve Bennett, 2015]

Crossing under the highway at Illowa and rejoining the original alignment [2016]

Riding between Illowa and Koroit [2011]

Tower Hill road crossing near Koroit (2011)

The Queen Anne style Koroit railway station has been fully restored by the community which now hold many events at this precinct [2020]

The Koroit station precinct is a great place to have a break for all ages. (Andrew Lecky 2019)

The Koroit goods shed has also been restored and is the base for the voluntary rail trail committee. [2021 George Turner]

The Moyne station site is also a good spot for a break between Koroit and Port Fairy.

Typical scenery between Koroit and Port Fairy [2021 George Turner]

More typical scenery around the dairy farming region of Port Fairy [2011]

Bridge across the Moyne River near Port Fairy (2011)

The start of the bitumen entering Port Fairy [2021 George Turner]

The railway signal near Port Fairy. The last few kilometres are sealed.

A bit of an attraction on the outskirts of Port Fairy [2021 George Turner]

The only original railway remnant at Port Fairy is the goods shed [2011]

Port Fairy atmosphere

Comedian Tracy Harvey visited the rail trail in 2021.

Get Around

AllTrails Bicycle Tours

AllTrails Bicycle Tours have been running multi-day cycle tours around Victoria and across the country for 25 years and once again return to Western VIC for our Coast, Craters and Gold ‘Six-Pack’ rail trails tour. This group tour takes in six of the best trails in Victoria (Port Fairy to Warrnambool RT, Craters to Coast RT, Old Beechy RT, Skipton to Ballarat RT, Castlemaine to Maldon RT, O’Keefe RT) – a wonderful way to see multiple trails with full support and great accommodation, all with minimal effort and organisation on your part.

The Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre has bicycles for hire. Contact (03) 58 682 682 or vic@moyne.vic.gov.au

Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.

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Reviews

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39 reviews of “Port Fairy Rail Trail”

We thoroughly enjoyed riding this trail. It has recently been re-sheeted so is in excellent condition. We stayed at the Kirkstall Recreation Reserve and rode around 4 kms to access the trail just out of Koroit.The ride into Warrnambool was a tad challenging due to very strong headwinds (in both directions!) But the reward of stunning, rugged coastline well worth the effort. We rode into Pt Fairy on a less windy day,bought some local produce (and gin) at the lovely community market then spent a couple of hours exploring this charming town.

An article I'm doing for MBTC newsletter (14'11'23), various sources:

Warnambool-Port Fairy Rail Trail news:
<https://www.facebook.com/portfairytowarrnamboolrailtrail>

(6'11'23) A new bicycle shop has opened in Koroit: Tower Hill Cycles, 158 Commercial Rd Koroit Repairs, maintenance, pick up and drop off.

(24'10'23) Koroit Railway precinct BBQ update: volunteers installed tables and seats in the new BBQ shelter. Warrnambool Rail Trail Committee aimed to plant around 4000 trees, commencing 1'8'23 for about 3-4 weeks; mainly in the vicinity of Badhams Road.

Resurfacing of the rail trail between Illowa and Port Fairy is complete (Port Fairy & Region Visitor Information Centre, 14'11'23). Moyne Shire Council provided $600,000 from its allocation of Local Road and Community Infrastructure funding. One rider (below) 24'9'23 wrote: 'The resurfaced sections are glassy smooth with not a pebble out of place'. Another rider (9'23) said, 'The new gravel topping is a night and day experience. It's super smooth (think bitumen quality smooth) which makes for much faster riding'.

We did this on a weekend in late October. We got the early morning train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool. As you exist the station, we turned right and then cross the rail line at the first pedestrian crossing, you then enter some parkland and can follow the signs to the rail trail. We first had a brief detour to a lovely cafe on the water, called Pavilion. The first section of the trail follows a canal, it is quite nice. The next section is along a quite country gravel road that is just behind the dunes of the coast. This is actually one of the best sections of the trail. On our way to Port Fairy, we had a VERY strong headwind. Apparently it is often windy, I recommend checking for that before heading off. We spent the night at Port Fairy. Then the next day the wind had died down. There is one shelter/rest stop about halfway between Koroit and Port Fairy. But no water, so fill up in Koroit. The quality of the surfance was excellent. There is a section between Warrnambool and Koroit where you are on a sealed road for a while, but there is a barrier between you and the cars, and it is not that busy, so it felt safe, but it is not that scenic. When we returned to Warrnambool we got the late afternoon train back to Melbourne. So we had lots of time to checkout the region, as the ride itself only takes a few hours one way.

I'm wondering what the trail resurfacing status is? It's cited as due for completion in August and also Sept 2023. Leigh's post of 23/10/23 below mentions hitting trail works, but getting thru anyway.

Enjoyed the Port Fairy to Koroit ride, not fussed on the Koroit to Warrnambool section as most of it doesn't follow the original rail easement but instead follows rural roads.

Rode Illowa to Port Fairy and back on 21 September. The resurfaced sections are glassy smooth with not a pebble out of place. Although signs indicated that the track was closed for resurfacing between Kirkstall and Rosebrook (with road detours), I rode the track anyway, dismounting and walking past the maintenance crew at work. They didn't mind at all. They were doing a great job.
A stiff SE headwind made the going tough through the open landscape, but a breeze for the gentle uphill return from Port Fairy to Koroit.
What a stark contrast this open easy-to-ride trail is to the adventurous challenge of the nearby Camperdown to Timboon trail. Variety is the spice of life.

Just completed a return journey on this trail on Sunday September 17 2023, and it was wonderful to experience the resurfacing that is progressively being rolled out. Coming from Warrnambool the new gravel topping starts at Illowa and goes for about 14 kilometres towards Port Fairy. It's a work in progress, and I assume that you wouldn't be able to ride this on weekdays as the trucks and equipment are stationed on the track so in the middle of the job (but OK on a weekend to access).

I've ridden this trail many times, and the new topping is a night and day experience. It's super smooth (think bitumen quality smooth) which makes for much faster riding. This trail has always been a grind for me. I emjoy it, but the very poor surface mean that it was a bone-rattling experience, more like a tough workout than a pleasant ride. Now it has become enjoyable. Congrats to the Committee of Management for getting this done, and I can't wait to ride it when the work is complete. My only dream add-on would be for the pretty terrible quality of the surface of many parts at thw Warrnambool end to be fixed. But overall, a really nice ride now which will only get better.

Have walked this a few times now, most recently this week. Thank you for all of your work clearing up around Illowa. Can I suggest you add a table or, better yet, a Moyne station type shelter? Nice for a rest stop, especially in the warmer months. The sculptures are an interesting new addition. Also good to hear about the planned resurfacing; the trail’s still good for walking but perhaps a bit rough for the cyclists?

Ridden in Jan 2023 from Warnnambool to Port Fairy on a warm day from the Warrnambool station and from the station, the best approach is to head back east along the railway carpark and cross the railway line at the first crossing and double back to pick up the old jetty spur embankment route. Hit the main jetty for some very rusted rails and then back to the Pavilion café that is the terminus. Head back up the spur and you will see the rail trail sign pointing to the left. On a hot day, make sure you grab some water.

So is it a true rail trail? You need to traverse 15km before you meet the old line but what a 15km, especially if there is a lot of water in the landscape. A superb ride through the back streets, engineered stream and wetlands before breaking out on to the main road but fenced off from the cars – how good is that! Super kid friendly as well as it is a slight down hill back. The entire railtrail is on superfast fine compacted gravel or asphalt in towns. Some of the gravel/ground is so smooth it looks like it is paved almost.

The is limited tree coverage on the route apart from the Moyne river area and it can get hot out there with no water until Koroit (and then Pt. Fairy) however the track keeps on giving… art work everywhere and there is a plethora of sculptures in the midst of nowhere. Enjoy!

I highly recommend Red Spoon Thai and the Laneway bar ('Bool), Noodledoof brewery (Koroit) and Alexo that does Indonesian, Thai and Pizza in Port Fairy – so all main food groups then.

The things the LGAs could do would be promote it, improve the signage for the start and have a terminus at each end. Kilometre signs would be beneficial and Emergency location markers at road crossing could be considered. The RT map needs a tad of a tidy at the 'bool end (see openstreetmap) I would give this a 4.5/5

Hi Ewen, it's good to hear you had a positive experience. Thanks for your suggestions for improvement which I have passed on to the trail managers. Darren RTA Western Victorian rep

Pretty ride. Towns are very picturesque and lots of distractions for those who are into food and history. Causeway at Warrnambool end is still under water. 9th Nov

My first rail trail on my new E-Bike. Port Fairy to Koroit and return to Port Fairy. Easy ride and perfect riding conditions, if you don't count those pesky magpies. And since have sorted out the beginning of the Warrnambool to Koroit section. Familiarised myself with Warrnambool breakwater to Dennington – next trip the whole length.

I rode Warrnambool-Port Fairy 39km (each way) over 2 days, with an overnight at Port Fairy YHA. I had a nav problem with the turn-off from bitumen to RT at marker 5.8km (east of Koroit); missing an RT gate approx 100m east of the Illowa Rd tunnel under the Princes Hwy. The problem is perhaps most acute for the west bound rider, missing this turn-off and continuing along a 4-wheel drive dirt road for several kms. A helpful farm worker lass drove me approx 15km out to Koroit on a 4 wheel drive ute. It had rained 13mm to 9am 2 days before, and the trail worked well; no flooding or boggy spots. The surface for Koroit to Port Fairy is a bit rough, as in coarse stone chip embedded in clay, with the clay eroded over time. I rode on the margin of trail and dirt siding, and found this alright with 35mm tyres. Not ideal for 23mm tyres. Good cafe in Koroit (plus 2nd cafe, pub & IGA supermarket). To start or end the trail in Warrnambool, take Wellington St from train station 0.9km W to intersection with Merri River (or reverse order). I'm told the RT committee have obtained a $0.5mil grant to repave approx 22km of trail from the Port Fairy end, with signs on the trail about upcoming work. Tower Hill Nature Reserve entrance is 5km S of Koroit, with some up hill (it's a volcano). In a 2hr visit inside the caldera, I saw 2 Emu, a wallaby, 2 grey roos, a copper head snake, 5 black swans, dozens of ducks, and a koala feeding in a tree. At Logans Beach (E Warrnambool) I spotted 2 whales from the lookout there (July 2022), one 400m away. The wetland approx 10km W of Warrnambool can be amazing with migratory geese and swans, but was relatively quiet this visit (a few dozen black swans and ducks, 3 hawks). I managed to take my bike on the Melb-Warrnambool train, and Vline say there's space for 8 bikes onboard (luggage compartment at end of train); info <https://www.vline.com.au/Timetables/Train-coach-timetables>. I rode the return 39km in 3.5hrs, with a coffee at Koroit, a few chats on the way, and took some snaps. Frost for 10km on the trail, leaving Port Fairy at 8am; sun warming fingers at 8:45am. An enjoyable ride with sympathetic locals.

Port Fairy to Koroit is an easy ride on a well defined trail. We did that section in about 75 minutes. From the Warrnambool end signage is very poor. Hard to find the way from the foreshore trail to the rail trail. Price Street is a good place to start the rail trail. Very pretty along Merri River.

We had a great Christmas E-bike ride after the free ride from Ballan to Warrnambool by V/Line on Christmas day.
From Warrnambool we rode to Port Fairy overnight and return, however signs for the start of the trail are scant and starting at Warrnambool station we couldn't find the trail until we were riding about 3 Km past Dennington on the very busy Princes Hwy.
But once we were on the trail it was a great ride, cool cloudy days and a howling southerly on both days.
The return ride passed by some spectacular wetlands, but again once in the Warrnambool built-up area the signs either disappeared or became apparently wrong, so we ended up riding along a walkway with spectacular ocean views and some manageable stairs.
Once we were near the breakwater the signs for the rail trail commenced again.
A highly recommended ride, but good luck finding the start at Warrnambool!

Hi Mike. The Rail Trail committee of management is currently working with the Warrnambool City Council and Vic Track to install signage from the Warrnambool railway station to the Rail Trail now that the Gillies Street railway crossing has been reopened. Signage near the old Woollen Mills has recently been upgraded and they are now working on signage to the start of the Rail Trail at the Warrnambool breakwater precinct.

I would highly recommend the Koroit to Port Fairy portion of the rail trail, very well maintained with spectacular scenery. I can also highly recommend a few nights stay at Mickey Bourke’s Koroit Hotel to align visitors with the unique irish heritage of the area.

Feb 2020 to go to the Jazz Festival I caught the train to Warnambool station hoping get to Port Fairy but found the railway service had been closed since the 1970’s due to lack of patronage. I couldn’t find any information about the RT from V/Line (suggestion) so cycled in the general direction until I found the tunnel under the highway. Great work all the way to Port Fairy and came back five days later. My only concern on return was before the knackery, the overgrown vegetation blocking any views of on coming traffic on the shared dirt track. Thanks to all the volunteers for your efforts.

Rail trails are silly…get rid of them and re-instate the train, whether they are. The right of way is meant for trains, not pedestrians and people on bikes.

No, rail trails are not 'silly'. Rail Trails offer a way for people to ride from the main rail terminus to other towns. Port Fairy already has a bus service connecting with the V/Line train at Warrnambool. Perhaps you should get a bike and try for yourself.

I would go one step further (pun intended), ban the bikes and get everybody walking…..

21/27. The plan was to have a break over the winter to reduce the chance of crappy weather spoiling the beautiful rural railtrails. Well, that didn’t quite work out!
Port Fairy to Warrnambool Trail is through prime dairy grazing land between 2 beautiful country towns, and passes through another lovely town Koroit. Next time I will detour and go to the lookout over Tower Hill.
The weather forecast was poor but I was lucky to have the strong wind at my back pushing me along. I was able to dodge most of the showers too. My tip for future riders is to take note of the wind direction and go with it. I passed a few people going the other way and they were struggling.
I had to negotiate my way through a couple of cow herds heading off to milking, but that is all part of riding in the country. I was even able to ride through Kelly’s Swamp which is notorious for flooding.
Credit to the managers of the trail for the clear separation of track and road on those parts that follow the road. I really appreciated it particularly at the time as it was raining and very dull.
However the signage through the streets at the Warrnambool end needs improving.
No 21 completed! You can follow all my railtrail rides on FB Warwick Duncan – The 2nd Chance Man or Insta @warwick_rides

Rode this trail in under a day. Excellent wayfinding (other than at each trailhead) and very-well maintained surface. Did the trail with 27-inch tyres on an urban bike with no suspension with no problems. There are lots of interesting places to stop along the way and many of the old railway remnants have been restored very nicely. A short detour that I can highly recommend is through Koroit to a lookout that gives spectacular views over Tower Hill. It’s only about 15 minutes riding but is well worth the extra time. Koroit Station is also a lovely place to stop with picnic tables, drinking fountains and toilets. Be aware of strong headwinds on the way into Port Fairy (heading west) on days of inclement weather due to the flat topography and lack of vegetation.

December 30, 2017. My husband and I rode the trail from Port Fairy to Warrnambool and back again in one day. The biggest ride we have done so far. I ride a road bike quite often, but for my 72 year old husband this was huge. We both rode the trail on hybrids and they were fine. The trail from Port Fairy to Koriot was great. Quite flat and easy going. The second half on to Warrnambool is more hilly and, in places, quite rugged. However, we managed it. Be aware the signage in Warrnambool is terrible. We got a bit lost and had to use Google maps to find our way. However, we had a great time and are feeling pretty chuffed with ourselves.

Just rode this from Warrnambool to Port Fairy yesterday then back to Warrnambool today. Koroit station & yard was very well kept (and the local volunteers were even mowing the grass as I rode through today). The locals told me that it has been very dry in the area so there has been some cracking and there are patches of rough gravel in parts of the trail in the last few unpaved kilometres before you get to the Glaxo Siding on the outskirts of Port Fairy (so if you’re a non-MTB cyclist, do take a bit more care along there) but work to remedy these problems was also evident. If you are cycling this trail, there are large sections without much cover and you may well be reminded that Mr Wind is rarely your friend… Port Fairy is also fairly cycle friendly so do allow yourself some time to enjoy the town too. All in all, a very enjoyable ride and I’ll be back!

What a magnificent rail trail! We rode this trail over this past weekend, from Warrnambool to Port Fairy on Saturday and back to Warrnambool on Sunday, staying overnight in the delightful town of Port Fairy. The trail is well marked with large yellow arrows (although it would be good to have some more distance markers in place) and traverses a range of scenic areas. The highlight was a detour to Tower Hill and visiting the extinct volcano there with emu’s on the plains. Fortunately we had very little (if any) headwinds — excellent riding weather certainly helped to make this a memorable ride.

This RT was the main reason for a recent trip to Western Victoria, and we have given it a 5 star rating.
Here is an idea for those visiting the area and wanting to ride the trail from end to end. We set our camper up at the very pleasant Koroit Caravan Park. On day one, we rode in to Warrnambool, had a relaxed look around the waterfront, a pleasant pub lunch in the CBD and an afternoon ride back to our Koroit base.
On day 2 we rode in to Port Fairy, enjoyed a few hours there taking in the sites, the Saturday Market and as a bonus were there on the same day as a large number of beautifully restored motor vehicles (all 100+ years old)were on display. As luck would have it, we rode back to Koroit in record time, thanks to a very strong tail wind.
The only negative on this great RT was having to ride past the Warrnambool knackery at Levy’s Point. I’m not sure how it could be done, but a different alignment here would be appropriate.
Once again, congratulations to all the volunteers who do so much to make their RT attractive for oldies like us who have come from afar to enjoy.
Hint: look closely at the weather info. (eg Elders Weather) and try and avoid the head winds. We met others returning to Port Fairy who were really struggling into an unpleasant head wind.

I rode this trail yesterday morning. (4th Feb 2015). This is a great rail trail that is essentially a ride around the back of Tower Hill from Warrnambool to Port Fairy. The only negative was the wind – being an onshore it meant a hard ride into Port Fairy and on the return into Warrnambool. On the other it meant I made good timing riding out of Warrnambool and Port Fairy. The trail surface changes along the route – good around Warrnambool and Port Fairy, very poor as you approach Koroit. It is clear that they are increasing the trail signage – which is good. Just outside of Warrnambool I almost rode over the biggest brown snake I’ve ever come across – so other users watch out. All in all, an good rail trail.

Started off early from Warrnambool heading to Port Fairy. A very interesting ride along the Merri River and eazy going until Levy’s Point road where you travel on a vehicle track. Be careful if moving at speed along here of oncoming traffic and riders. Signage was eazy enough to follow though care is needed due to the sign size and is sometimes hidden.
Across Levy’s Swamp and through farm lands until you reach Illowa Road and then on to finally joining the original railway alignment near the Illowa Siding location. This site is fenced off but you can see the original platform mound and goods shed.
Up through a small cutting on the side of Tower Hill and into Koroit. This Station area is beautifully kept, and a beautiful Station building in the process of being renovated to it’s former glory. Here the friendly volunteer staff can offer advice on the trail or history of the lines through Koroit.
Koroit is roughly half way to Port Fairy and a junction for the line to Hamilton. The town is also a great place for a morning or afternoon tea break.
Down to Port Fairy is a much better ride with hard packed gravel. It is relatively smooth all the way. At Port Fairy look for the old Ganger’s or Fettlers Shed. Refurbished bridges along this section are well done and several of the original culverts can be seen. Great workmanship in these.
It is a pity that the Siding Names are not displayed with a brief history of the location for eg: what was loaded here, how many trains stopped here and what type of trains used the line.
Overall, a great ride for a sixty plus gent. You need to consider whether to go passed the Levy’s Point Meat Works if you are squirmish, as it could be an unsuitable site if un prepared. Second half was much better. Could do it all again. Good work to those involved.

We rode the trail from Port Fairy to Warrnambool yesterday. The Port Fairy to Koroit section was really enjoyable but we were disappointed with most of the Koroit to Warrnambool section. The signage was confusing close to Warrnambool, there were a couple of boring bits which went along next to the road for a few k’s, there were some sand drifts that we found scarey, and approaching the rending factory, we could smell and see the tracks of wild pigs which was quite disconcerting given that we had to walk those sections (sand drifts) The pigs would have been attracted by the rending factory which was like something out of a horror movie with great (20 foot high) piles of dismembered animal carcases, skins, flesh and bones as well as stinking, belching chimneys. The one saving grace for this section was the boardwalk covered wetland where we were able to see Magpie Geese, Avocets,Terns, Banded Godwits and Black Swans.

Did this trail 09/11/14 Loved the scenery but the trail is in dire need of an upgrade at several locations to make it a viable attraction for people to come all the way from Melbourne and outside of Warrnambool Port Fairy area.

We did this from pt fairy to koroit and return 1/02/14, was ok but found the section a little boring only farm land to look at. Track condition ok little bumpy in a few places looks like the farmers may use it in places, will return to complete the section from koroit to warrnambol sone.

Hi All.
Did this trail Port Fairy to Warrnambool on Jan 8 2014, with my 17 YO son on MTB’s. Could have done without the headwind, but that’s not the fault of the trail. Got to Warrnambool and popped into Browns Depot Bakery for some awesome nourishment. Picked up my other son, daughter and MTB tandem bike & headed back toward Port Fairy. Stopped at Koroit for a snack (Gravy Chips from the little fast food place over the pedestrian crossing) then on to Port Fairy for an ice cream (Rebeccas).

Great trail. Do it. Signage seemed adequate, as we didn’t get lost either way. Surface and scenery good and quite varied (fields, sand hills, wetlands, beach). Mainly hard packed sandstone, some paved & paved road. a few gravel & sandy spots on the road at the Warrnambool end, but nothing dicey. Hybrids would do it fine. Generally flat to slight hills, again nothing hard.

Just do it and enjoy.

We love this trail. We stay at Koroit and ride to Port Fairy and back then to Warrnambool and back. Thanks to those who look after the trail. It would be nice to have more shade along the way if possible? Port Fairy is such a lovely spot to stop for a while.

Have to say this track is a disppointment. The Warrnambool to Port Fairy Trail is currently under one metre of water in some sections and is poorly signposted near Warrnambool. With the high rainfall often in the area, more raised sections of track really should have been constructed but I guess the money ran out on this project. Here are some pictures http://sdrv.ms/16HBbKm

Sorry. Should have said “travelling West” towards Port Fairy.

Travelling East
Hint 1: Don’t go up to Levy’s Point Park and off through the bush trail unless you want to do a bit of mountain biking. The trail is very sandy there. Better to go (as indicated) along the graded dirt road by the knackery.
Hint 2: The alternate route from the Lady Bay Resort is more pleasant than going up Stanley and McDonald streets. When you get to the old Woollen Mill wall (now much graffitied) turn left and you will find a narrow bridge across Merri Creek, then a short ride up the grassy hill to the road and the rest of the trail. You can see the bridge on the satellite version of the Google map on this site.

I ride the trail on a regular basis. An excellent initiative and a very worthwhile venture. It is amazing, regardless of the weather, just how many other people are utilising this wonderful resource. Well done to all involved.

Further Information

Information and Links

The rail trail is maintained by the Rail Trail Committee of Management (email RTCOMWP@gmail.com), Moyne Shire Council 5568 0555, and Warrnambool City Council 5559 4800 .

Feedback on the rail trail is appreciated and can be provided to any of the above.

Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre 5568 2682

Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre 1800 637 725

Download a map of the rail trail here.

Contact Rail Trails Australia

To contact us about this rail trail, email vic@railtrails.org.au

Background Information

Traditional owners

We acknowledge the Gunditjmara people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is built.

Railway history

The line opened in 1890 and cropping farmers were pleased to be able to send their produce to Geelong by train, rather than by ship from the ports of Warrnambool and Port Fairy (then known as Belfast). The area grew wheat, oats, malting, peas and beans, potatoes, turnips, hay and grasses. Special trains ran to the seaside towns for picnics and excursions.

The line closed in 1977.

News

Extension proposed for Port Fairy Rail Trail

Posted: 12/09/21

Moyne Shire has released a draft bicycle strategy for Port Fairy in Victoria's western district. ...

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Koroit Station restoration

Posted: 22/10/14

A total of $80,000 will be spent in the restoration project on the Port Fairy to ...

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Good news on the Warrnambool to Port Fairy rail trail.

Posted: 05/03/13

Article text reproduced with permission from The Moyne Gazette (by Anthony Brady 6th Feb 2013). USE ...

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Opening of Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail (Vic)

Posted: 06/06/12

The opening of the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail took place on 31st May 2012 ...

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Port Fairy to Koroit, Organised Fundraiser Ride (VIC)

Posted: 11/01/11

Murray Goulburn - Moyneyana Family Bike Ride. Saturday 15th January 2011. Port Fairy to Koroit (17 km ...

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Port Fairy to Koroit (Vic) Now Open

Posted: 02/07/10

Typical scenery on the Port Fairy Koroit section. Photo ...

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Port Fairy to Warnambool Rail Trail

Posted: 12/04/09

The April edition of the Moyne Shire Community News details progress on the Trail. Download ...

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Start of Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail (Victoria)

Posted: 26/02/08

Turning the first sod. Photo credit: Pam Moore ...

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Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail (South West Victoria) Receives Funding

Posted: 23/11/06

The Moyne and Warrnambool Shire councils have been successful in obtaining funding of $850,000 from the ...

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Proposed Port Fairy – Denington Rail Trail Feasibility Study Released

Posted: 23/01/05

The Moyne Shire Council commissioned a feasiblity study into constructing a rail trail from Port ...

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