Skipton Rail Trail - September 2024
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The Skipton Rail Trail in Victoria's Western District. The trail follows the old Skipton railway line, which was decommissioned in the 1970s. The trail is 50 km long and runs from Ballarat to Skipton.
Rail
The line was built to serve an expected gold mining boom but gold rush had largely subsided by then. The line mainly served farming and industrial with some passenger services. It was opened in stages. First being to Scarsdale in 1883. Seven years later the Scarsdale to Linton stage opened. The final stage to Skipton opened in 1916.
Passenger rail stopped in 1972 and the line itself closed in 1986.
There was a rail junction at Newtown that branched down to Colac to connect to the Warrnambool line. That line opened progressively from 1889 (Colac to Beeac), Beeac to Cressy (1910) and Cressy to Newtown in 1911. It closed in 1953.
The Trail
The trail is mostly flat and well maintained, making it suitable for all fitness levels. The trail passes through farmland, forests, and wetlands, offering a variety of scenery along the way. There are several towns along the trail where you can stop for a break or a meal.
Day One
I arrived at Wendouree station around 11am and set off on my journey. The trail was well signposted and easy to find.
The weather was great as I rolled through new estates of Ballarat and out into the countryside. The first stop was Haddon, where I had a snack. Then moved to Smythesdale. The cafe was closed for the long weekend, so I continued on to Scarsdale.
The Scarsdale general store felt like stepping back in time. Old school shelving. The owner was incredibly friendly and helpful, pointing out areas along the trail where magpies might swoop. It was a charming little stop that added a nostalgic touch to the trip.
I took a break at Linton, where I got out my stove, boiled some water, and made a cup of coffee. It was a peaceful moment to recharge before continuing on.
Just outside of Skipton, I paused to rest and found myself next to an echidna. It was a delightful surprise to see such unique wildlife up close.
As I continued, I passed by wind farms and fields of bright yellow canola. The scenery was stunning.
Upon arriving in Skipton, I set up camp on the local footy oval. After getting settled, I headed to the supermarket to buy supplies for dinner. It was a simple but satisfying end to the day.
I had a good sleep that night. Although it was forecasted to drop to 0°C, the wind kept the frost at bay, making for a comfortable night under the stars.
Don't forget to leave a donation to the local footy club for camping on their grounds. Their bank details are on the notice board at the gate.
Day Two
The wind made the journey quite challenging, even turning the downhill sections into hard work. Both my battery and I were draining fast, struggling against the relentless gusts. Each pedal stroke felt like a battle against an invisible force, sapping my energy and slowing my progress.
By mid-afternoon, I realised I needed to take a break and recharge. The constant effort was taking its toll, and I knew pushing on would only lead to exhaustion. The forecast for the next day was rain. I wasn’t keen on cycling in the rain, but anything would be better than the relentless wind.
I decided to stay in Smythesdale for the night, giving myself a chance to rest and recover before continuing on my journey. Donation envelopes are located at the main buildings. Donations can be left at the Smythesdale Roadhouse or Post Office. There are also bank details on the notice board. There are contact numbers for the caretakers if you need assistance or the shower code.
I set up my camp, feeling the weight of the day’s effort lift off my shoulders. The small town offered a peaceful respite, and I took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings. I explored a bit, grabbed a bite to eat, and allowed myself to unwind. It was a necessary pause to regain energy and prepare for the next leg of the trip. As I settled in for the night, I felt a sense of accomplishment for making it this far and a renewed determination to continue my adventure the next day. The rest in Smythesdale was just what I needed to recharge my spirit.
Day Three
The rain started around 5am, waking me up with its steady patter. I got up, had some breakfast, and began packing up my gear. The weather radar showed a brief gap in the rain, so I decided to take advantage of it and set off. Unfortunately, the rain soon returned, making the journey a bit more challenging.
Despite the wet conditions, I managed to reach Wendouree around 8:30. Feeling a mix of relief and accomplishment, I caught the 9 o’clock train home. It was a wet and weary end to the trip, but the experience was worth every moment.
Getting There
Catch a train to Wendouree, Ballarat. From there, it's a short ride to the start of the trail. The trail is well signposted and easy to follow.