Great Victorian Rail Trail – Cathkin to Mansfield

The 385m long bridge over the Brankeet arm of Lake Eildon - water level low at this time

Derek was happy – we had finished our time at the caravan park at Yea and had moved to bush camping at Delatite Arm Reserve on Lake Eildon. We were about 30 kilometres from Mansfield, which would be my end point on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.

The downside of this arrangement was that it would be too far for me to ride back to camp after a long day. Derek would have to drop me at the start and collect me from the finish of my next ride on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.  As he understandably did not want to do this two days in a row, I agreed to cycle the full 62 kilometres from Cathkin to Mansfield in one day.

Cathkin to Bonnie Doon (40 km)

There is a steady low-gradient rise for twenty kilometres from Cathkin to Merton Gap. About six kilometres into the climb, I stopped at the Giddy Goat Cafe at Yarck for a coffee.

The Giddy Goat Cafe at Yarck - only 7.2 kilometres into the ride
The Giddy Goat Cafe at Yarck – only 6 kilometres from Cathkin

Then it was back on the trail to continue the climb.

The view from Merton Gap
The view from Merton Gap

The view from Merton Gap was pretty but did not compare to what I had seen on the ride between Alexandra and Yea at Eglington Gap.

The remnants of the station at Merton - now on private property
The remnants of the station at Merton – now on private property

From Merton Gap, I enjoyed a 20 km downhill roll to Bonnie Doon.

Some old agricultural machinery on the trail between Merton and Bonnie Doon
Some old agricultural machinery on the trail between Merton and Bonnie Doon
Bonnie Doon to Mansfield (23 km)

I ate my packed lunch on a bench at Bonnie Doon before crossing the bridge over the Brankeet Arm of Lake Eildon.

The 385m long bridge over the Brankeet arm of Lake Eildon - water level low at this time
The 385 metre long bridge over the Brankeet arm of Lake Eildon – water level low at this time

The scenery became prettier as I approached Mansfield.

Scene from the trail between Bonnie Doon and Mansfield
Scene from the trail between Bonnie Doon and Mansfield

Feeling tired, I took a rest quite a few times during this last section of the trail.

The countryside near Mansfield
The countryside near Mansfield

Eventually I cycled past the Mansfield rail trail station to the Mansfield Coffee Merchant. I enjoyed a good coffee and cake while I waited for Derek to collect me at the agreed time.

Mansfield station at the end of the trail
Mansfield station at the end of the trail

The sixty-three kilometres had really been a bit long for me, especially for the last fifteen kilometres.  The total climbing for the ride was 405 metres.

Great Victorian Rail Trail - Cathkin to Mansfield - map and elevation chart
Great Victorian Rail Trail – Cathkin to Mansfield – map and elevation chart (courtesy of Strava)

This was my last day on the Great Victorian Rail Trail as I had already completed the sections between Tallarook and Yea and Alexandra and Yea.

If you’re planning to ride this wonderful rail trail, have a look at Tour de Vines Ultimate Guide for information about independent riding, self-guided tours or guided tours.

18 thoughts on “Great Victorian Rail Trail – Cathkin to Mansfield”

      1. I agree Helen. It’s a solid distance and even more so on a mountain bike. Plus, you had a long climb for the first 20kms. A great effort! Glad to see there was time for a couple of coffee stops 🙂

  2. Thanks for sharing Helen. Sounded like a wonderful ride albeit a bit longer than what you would have liked. Really enjoyed reading about it.

  3. A great effort Helen. What a wonderful way you are seeing Australia. Terrific pics . Thanks ffor sharing the ride with me. (On Facebook)

  4. Great blog Helen, we would like to ride this trail sometime. Do you know if there are any free camp spots along the trail?

    1. Hi Elaine – I would really recommend this trail, especially the sections between Alexandra and Tallarook. We could not find any free camp spots conveniently close to the trail, but the Delatite Arm campgrounds are about 25 kilometres from Mansfield, which is reasonably convenient for that end of the trail. We stayed at the Yea caravan park for the sections between Alexandra and Tallarook and that was quite conveniently located. There are also caravan parks at Bonnie Doon and Mansfield.

  5. I too have done this Rail Trail in January 2014 Helen. We also used Yea as a base so lots of your photos look familiar! I have the luxury of a husband who rides patiently with me one way, then heads back to the car in order to drive back to collect me and my bike! In the meantime I have a chance for a window shop/coffee as like D he is not a coffee shop lover! Great blog!

  7. My husband and I are planning to ride the trail in October 😍😍
    Would it be best to start the ride in Mansfield and finish in Tallarook? Or go the other way ?
    Thanks for your great blog Helen, very informative.
    Sue

    1. Hi Sue. Thanks for your comment. The elevation of Mansfield is only very slightly greater than Tallarook so it probably is best to go with what is convenient. It’s a great trail. Have a great time 😎

      1. Hi Sue – on further reflection I think it would be fun to finish at Mansfield as there are lots of facilities there for celebrating your accomplishment – coffee shops, etc.

        1. Hi Helen,
          Thanks for your sound advise, really looking forward to the ride. Only 2 weeks to go, hoping the weather stays bright and sunny, I know we all need the rain though.
          Regards Sue

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