When I think of a cycling holiday the sun is always shining and over the last few years I have been fortunate to experience mostly good weather. However it was not to be on the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail this year. On my first day cycling from Port Fairy to Koroit and back again there had been a massive downpour and even thunder and now on my second day there was a steady drizzle.
Derek dropped me in Koroit and I took advantage of the slightly drier day to get a better photo of the old Koroit railway station. Only the day before we had sheltered from the deluge under its wide verandah.
The first three kilometres of the trail were fairly level, interrupted only by the occasional muddy dairy cow crossing.
Then there was a gradual decline
until the trail crossed under the Princes Highway at approximately the seven kilometre mark.
For the next four kilometres the trail followed Illowa Road. Although the road was not busy, I liked the way the trail was properly separated from the road by a wire fence.
At around eleven kilometres, the trail turned onto Millers Lane,
which led to the entrance to Kellys Swamp.
Kellys Swamp
Kellys Swamp was wide, serene and beautiful. Although the water level was not high, I could see black swans, herons and other water birds. The zig-zagging boardwalk was fun, but a bit slippery in the wet.
On the other side of Kellys Swamp were shrub-covered sand dunes. You can continue along Levys Point Track or there is an alternative track which climbs very steeply up a sandy incline to the top of the dunes. I took this path in the hope of seeing the “extensive views of the sea” that were promised in the brochure. As the day was grey and visibility poor, I was disappointed. Perhaps the struggle up the steep slope would be more rewarding on a clear day.
Back on the level, I continued along Levys Point Track. At around seventeen kilometres, the trail turned onto the Merri River Cutting shared path. Some parts of the track were sandy and soft from the rain and my tyres sank almost an inch deep in places.
After a few more kilometres I arrived at the end of the trail at the Warrnambool Breakwater. I was ready for a hot coffee at the Pavillon Cafe overlooking the sea.
I had cycled 22 kilometres and climbed 90 metres. Kellys Swamp had been my favorite part. I felt that perhaps it had been especially beautiful in the rainy weather.
The previous day I had cycled from Port Fairy to Koroit.
If you are planning a ride, the official Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail website provides detailed information.
Other enjoyable rail trails nearby are the Old Beechy Rail Trail and the Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail.
