The rail trail for walking and cycling is developed and open on two sections of the crown land reserve. The first section is a gravel trail along the former railway corridor from Balkins Rd to the Wannon-Nigretta Road (12km). The second trail section is a gravel trail from the Coleraine Railway Station building and parklands to the Glenelg Hwy (12km). Other sections are undeveloped rail trail with
in the crown land reserve and may be accessed by the public.
[] Background
In April 2000, the former Hamilton-Coleraine rail line was made a Reserve for conservation and recreation purposes by the Victorian Minister for Conservation. Since that time the community has volunteered to work towards developing the reserve into a 37km long Rail Trail between the communities of Hamilton, Wannon and Coleraine. The rail trail reserve begins in Hamilton near the Grange Burn Parklands precinct (Dunn Rd) and passes through magic redgum country, passing near the Wannon Falls, and finishes in Coleraine at the historic railway station. The Rail Trail is a wonderful multi-use recreation trail and has further development potential to benefit the region and visitors.
[] Committee of Management
A Committee of Management named Hamilton–Coleraine Rail Reserve Committee Incorporated was incorporated in 2000 under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. The COM manages and oversees the reserve.
[] Volunteers. The Friends of the Hamilton Coleraine Rail Trail support, volunteers and promote the development, use and maintenance of the rail reserve for environment conservation, recreation, health, tourism & economic benefit. To get involved and stay in touch join the Friends of the Hamilton Coleraine Rail Trail Facebook group linked to this page.
[] Donations
Donations are very welcome. To make a donation via internet or mobile app banking use PayID ABN 61 071 015 240
[] Environment
The crown land reserve contains sensitive, threatened, and rare grasslands environments that are protected. Trail users are to minimize their impact on the environment and not damage or remove vegetation.
[] While on the trail
Please respect other trail users by:
> Warning others when approaching from behind
> Keep the trail by stopping on the verge
> Keeping to the left of the trail
> Not parking across gates or close to road crossings
Please respect adjoining landholders by:
> Not trespassing onto adjoining land
> Moving quietly near stock
> Leaving gates as you found them
Please respect the environment by:
> Not disturbing plants and animals
> Not littering, please take all your rubbish with you
> No fires
> Keep to the trail and track except in designated areas
> No livestock, or horses
> Dogs are permitted strictly on a lead and you must clean up after your dog (scoop the p**p)
> When taking a dog onto the rail trail be aware that farmers use 1080 poison from time to time to control foxes. For your own safety:
> Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions
> Wear an approved helmet while riding
> Ensure young and unexperienced riders are supervised
> Take care at road crossings, young and unexperienced riders should dismount
> Inform someone where you are going and when you will return
> Take care on Total Fire Ban days and days of high fire danger
> Do not cross or climb on old railway bridges
> Obey signs
Carry:
> Sunscreen
> A bicycle repair and puncture kit, there are no repair shops along the trail
> A mobile phone and emergency numbers
> Water and food for your journey
Please help us maintain and improve the trail and report issues, concerns, feedback, and suggestions through posting or messaging to this page or linked group.
