Final section of Victoria’s Great Southern Rail trail now complete for cyclists, hikers and horse riders

The final 21-kilometre section of the Great Southern Rail trail is now complete for hikers, cyclists and horse riders to experience in Gippsland. The new section of track between Welshpool and Alberton was made possible with a $6 million investment from the Victorian Government.

The completion of the final section means the trail now spans an impressive 131 kilometres from Nyora to Yarram, making it one of the longest in Australia.

The new extension features a shared pathway with 14 new bridges and four underpasses through farms. This final section takes in scenic farmland, forests and wetlands, connecting at Welshpool to the existing trail through to Nyora.

More than 40,000 people already visit the trail each year, making it one of Gippsland's most popular tourist drawcards. This addition to the track supports even more visitation to Gippsland with popular towns and villages to enjoy along the way, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.

The State Government has backed the growth of the Great Southern Rail Trail with funding totalling $10.3 million across four separate stages. The newest section was delivered by Wellington Shire Council and South Gippsland Shire Council delivered the previous stages.

The visitor experience along the trail will also get a boost with $100,000 for South Gippsland Shire Council to install new signage and public artwork, develop marketing and attract new events.

Support for this project is all part of a record $45 billion investment in regional Victoria since 2014 that means more locals have jobs closer to home, communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive, and more visitors can experience what our regions have to offer.

For more information, visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au