The Bass Coast Rail Trail is a short and scenic rail trail in south-west Gippsland near Phillip Island. The trail follows 23 kilometres of a former branch line which operated between 1910 and 1978.
The day before I had cycled between Woolamai and Kilcunda and today I was exploring the other half of the trail from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda.
My husband Derek dropped me with my bike at Wonthaggi. Before starting on the Bass Coast Rail Trail back to our caravan park in Kilcunda, I planned to explore the Wonthaggi East Area Rail Trail.
The Wonthaggi East Area Rail Trail
The Wonthaggi East Area Rail Trail and the Bass Coast Rail Trail both start outside the Wonthaggi Centennial Centre.
The East Area Rail Trail uses the same former railway as the Bass Coast Rail Trail but heads east from Fincher Street Reserve. After crossing the Bass Highway, it curves south through bushland to the the site of the former Wonthaggi State Coal Mine.
I turned back at the entrance to the historic mine site, but you can ride on a further 500 metres. It is best to set aside a few hours if you want to visit this interesting tourist attraction, as there are tours below ground as well as informative displays above.
At five kilometres return along a flat and well compacted trail, this is an easy ride for all the family.
Exploring Wonthaggi
After arriving back at Fincher Reserve in Wonthaggi, I took some time to enjoy coffee at The Coffee Collective before exploring the town.
The Wonthaggi Poppet Head in Apex Park is a significant landmark.
In Wonthaggi’s coal mining days, 24 of these structures stood over the coalfield shafts. The frame at the top of the mineshaft supported pulleys which winched coal laden buckets from below. The State Coal Mine Whistle, which used to signal a change in shifts at the mine, now sounds from this relocated poppet head every day at noon.
The former Wonthaggi railway station is also located in Apex Park.
Wonthaggi to Kilcunda (13 kilometres, one way)
About three kilometres out of town on South Dudley Road is the official car park for the trail.
Soon after that I was riding through typical Gippsland dairy country.
Some windmills on the ocean side of the trail indicated that the area could be windy.
After another four kilometres, I came to this attractive bridge over the Powlett River.
A little further on I had the joy of seeing my third wild echidna in Gippsland.
My first had been on the East Gippsland Rail Trail between Bruthen and Nicholson and my second on the Great Southern Rail Trail between Fish Creek and Meeniyan.
I continued on as my echidna waddled off to the side of the track. Although it was still chilly on this spring morning, it was sunny and cheerful.
I came to the Powlett River Wetlands. Hidden behind the sand dunes, they reminded me of Kellys Swamp on the Port Fairy Rail Trail between Koroit and Warrnambool.
Now the trail started an easy low-gradient rail trail style climb. This continued for two kilometres until I reached the crest of the hill.
The view opened up to reveal Kilcunda Beach in all its glory.
In another 500 metres, I crossed the iconic Kilcunda Trestle Bridge.
For more photos and information about this beautiful bridge, see my article about my ride between Woolamai and Kilcunda.
Soon I was rolling into our caravan park just in time to have lunch with Derek. Including my meander around Wonthaggi, I had cycled 14 kilometres and climbed only 39 metres.
Suitable for family ride
This section of the Bass Coast Rail Trail is an enjoyable and easy ride for all the family. Next day Derek and Kenji the dog came out with me for a short ride on the trail.
The Bass Coast Rail Trail between Woolamai and Kilcunda is a little more challenging with a steady climb for the first six kilometres of the ride. Other wonderful rail trails in Gippsland are the Great Southern Rail Trail, the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail and the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
