It was my second day on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. The day before I had completed the section between Heyfield and Stratford. Today I was giving my husband (and support driver) a break by doing an out and back ride from Heyfield to Toongabbie.
As I headed west out of Heyfield, the Rail Trail descended for almost a kilometre until this sign indicated that a steep climb was ahead.
It surely was steep – I had to get off and push my bike. After climbing out of this gully I got a bit lost, but soon found my way back onto the trail. On the edge of town I noticed this sign.
I could see why horses might not be permitted here – the track was already a bit soft and sandy, and horses would only make this worse.
After six kilometres, I arrived at Dawson Station.
A sign explained how to use the local road network to get back to the rail trail on the other side of the Thomson River.
Later, when crossing the Thomson River on the main road, I noticed that it was deep and flowing swiftly. It must have been too expensive to rebuild the railway bridge across this river, thus necessitating the diversion.
Initially I enjoyed being on the bitumen after the sandy gravel of the trail. Dawson Road was extremely quiet,
but when I turned onto the Cowwarr-Seaton Road, there were a few cars going past at high speeds. Fortunately after two kilometres I was able to turn left onto Cowwarr-Heyfield Road, which was very quiet.
Until a huge tractor came along! I was amused to notice that the driver was using a mobile phone. After a short distance, it was time to turn onto the Rail Trail again.
Soon I crossed this bridge over Rainbow Creek.
I stopped to listen to the croaking of frogs and the sound of water tumbling over pebbles.
From there it was a short distance to Cowwarr station.
The eight kilometre track between Cowwarr Station and Toongabbie was long and straight.
After 21 kilometres, I enjoyed a hot and delicious steak and mushroom pie at the Toongabbie General Store.
Heading Back to Heyfield
On the return journey I noticed the blue mountains of the Great Dividing Range ahead of me.
After Cowwarr, instead of continuing on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, for a change I turned right at Cowwarr-Heyfield Road and followed it back to Heyfield.
I had cycled 43 kilometres and climbed 135 metres. The following day, I rode the section between Toongabbie and Traralgon. The day before I had ridden the section between Heyfield and Stratford.
Recommendations
- The section between Dawson and Cowwarr is not suitable for children because of cars travelling at high speed.
- The section between Cowwarr and Toongabbie is easy and enjoyable, with General Stores at each end for snack options.
- A trip from Heyfield to Cowwarr by the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail and then returning via the Cowwarr-Heyfield Road is a great loop ride, with only two short busier sections (26 kilometres in total, of which about 4 kilometres are on slightly busier roads).
Another lovely rail trail in Gippsland is the Bass Coast Rail Trail.
Another lovely cycle Helen! Thanks for sharing.