Travel through the Latrobe Valley by train with views to the Baw Baw Plateau, a pub lunch, two short river walks with historic rail bridges and a bat colony.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Easy to Moderate 13.5 km walk, slightly undulating/flat on a paved, shared cycle rail trail and partly gravel on the river walks.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:
A long day of travel but the current low fares makes venturing further out to new areas more appealing. Travel by train to Bairnsdale, then a short bus ride to Nicholson where we will have lunch on arrival at the Nicholson Hotel. After lunch we walk to the Nicholson River, past the small marina and to the East Gippsland Rail Trail with views of the rail bridge along the way. This part of the rail trail is on the far western end and 9 km long, and is part of the former Bairnsdale to Orbost rail line (opened 1916 and closed 1987) that mostly carried timber and farming produce. Passenger trains ceased in the 1930s and the line was dismantled in 1994. This part of the trail passes through open farmland predominantly for cattle and horse grazing with some long straight stretches and distant views to the Gippsland Lakes in some sections until we reach Howitt Park and the Mitchell River, just east of the main part of Bairnsdale. We view what's left of the former rail bridge across the river and the Little Swing Bridge across Clifton Creek, then we cross the river on the Princes Highway bridge (1958). We will walk along part of the Mitchell River walking track to view the small fruit bat colony (Grey-headed flying fox) - if we have time, then backtrack a little bit before cutting across town to the station. We may stop at the Grand Terminus Hotel (1889) for a quick drink, again, if we have time, before catching the train home.
BOOKING: By Friday 5th July. To register click on Get Tickets.
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FURTHER INFORMATION: East Gippsland Rail Trail; Mitchell River loop walk; Nicholson Hotel; The Grand Terminus Hotel; V/Line; PTV; Metro Trains; Major Disruptions - Trains and Trams.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 0745am at Southern Cross Railway Station for a 0754 Departure or meet 1142 at Bairnsdale Railway Station or enroute.
MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 2E grid K6 | Google map goo.gl/q5zh11z1QWAXDDNX8 Bairnsdale Station: Melway map X928 grid J5 | Google map goo.gl/XYs4bALf6xTteksJ6
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 281 km, 3 hours 48 minutes by train from Southern Cross or approximately 3 hours 45 minutes via Monash Fwy/Princess Hwy/M1 to Bairndale by road.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Depart Southern Cross Station at 7:54 am to Bairnsdale, arriving at 11:42. We then conect to a road coach for a 10 minute drive to Nicholson. The train is a 6 car Vlocity with no cafe car so BYO any refreshmemts that you might like including dinner on the return trip. Cars B & D have reserved seating, we will travel in car F the last car which is unreserved and on the North Melbourne end. The coach is also unreserved and is the service to Marlo. Note: Please be aware of any bus replacement on your Metro train or tram line and plan accordingly. Major Disruptions - Trains and Trams.
FARE: Return Ticket Melbourne / Southern Cross to Nicholson (Paper Ticket only - No Myki ) - Full $7.30; Concession/Senoirs $3.65. Includes Metro Suburban zones 1 & 2 (if bought in advance), V/line train and coach travel. V/Line - Where to buy tickets. Also available online for station pickup.
FOOD: Carry snacks and a litre of water. Lunch will be at the Nicholson Hotel Bristro. Dinner BYO to have on the train as there is no cafe car or wait until you get home for a late dinner.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking boots/shoes and dress according to the weather forecast. Bairnsdale/East Gippsland usually has a better winter climate than Melbourne.
LEADER: Paul K. | Email LeaderPaulk.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
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