Great Southern Rail Trail – Welshpool to Toora

We were staying in Yarram in South Gippsland, south-east of Melbourne. It was only a twenty minute drive to the start of my out-and-back ride from Welshpool to Toora on the Great Southern Rail Trail.

It was early October and at just after eight o’clock in the morning it was still very chilly as I headed west from Welshpool railway siding.

The first thing I noticed was that there were lots of rabbits sitting on the trail. As I approached they loped off into the vegetation on the side of the trail. I had not struck this before in Gippsland. Perhaps I was earlier than usual and they were trying to catch some sun after a cool night.

The next thing I noticed was this calf, who appeared to have her head stuck in the gate. There were two barbed wire fences between me and the calf. As it was still early, I hoped that if she was indeed stuck, the farmer would find her before too long. I made a note to look out for her on the way back.

As I continued, I began crossing a series of bridges over the Agnes River floodplain.

The day before we had seen the Agnes River at Agnes Falls not far away in the hills to the north. I recommend a visit if you are in the area.

With the wind behind me and the morning sun on my back, I felt warm and comfortable. At the third bridge I came to the Agnes River itself. It was spring and the gum trees on the river bank were covered in cream-coloured blossoms.

Before long I had covered eight kilometres. On my left, I could just catch glimpses of Corner Inlet and the mountains of Wilsons Promontory.

On my right,  windmills dominated the hills above the dairy pastures.

I was approaching Toora now and the tall brick chimney of a factory was a notable landmark. I found out later that this dairy factory, which began its life in 1893, is still a significant employer in the area.

Toora

I reached the Toora siding.

From here I turned right into the town and headed up the hill towards my coffee destination – Latte Dah cafe at the top of the main street. A particularly vicious magpie seemed determined to prevent me from getting my coffee and swooped persistently as I climbed.

Refreshed and warmed by my coffee and scone, I rolled down through the town (by another street to avoid the persistent magpie) to rejoin the trail.

The easterly wind made progress slow on my way back. As I approached Welshpool again, I saw a farmer bringing food to a group of twenty calves. I looked ahead on the trail and noticed that the calf I had seen earlier still seemed to be stuck.  I mentioned it to the farmer, who said “Yeah, I just noticed I was down one. I’ll be along to sort her out in a minute.”

Relieved to know that the little one would soon be freed, I pushed on to arrive at Welshpool siding.

5 More Kilometres?

The Great Southern Rail Trail sign to Port Welshpool indicated that with only another five kilometres, I could complete the eastern section of this trail.

Those who know me well will know that I hate to leave a trail unridden. The child in me stood looking at the sign with longing, wondering what adventures might await me on the last five kilometres of the trail.

Meanwhile the kind parent in me said “Helen, you have ridden a lot of kilometres in the last three days. Today you are tired, the wind is strong and this would be another ten kilometres by the time you ride back. Sometimes, less is more. ”

The good parent won this time and I packed my bike onto the back of the car. I had cycled 22 kilometres and climbed 81 metres.

Another wonderful ride on the Great Southern Rail Trail is between Foster and Leongatha.

Would you like to ride the whole Great Southern Rail Trail over two days? Have a look at this excellent eBike tour offered by Tour de Vines.

While you are in south Gippsland, why not also try the Bass Coast Rail Trail?