Fire damage has closed sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail up through Victoria’s High Country.
The bushfires in January damaged the trail itself, but more critically, cut emergency access routes into the trail corridor.
Work is underway to assess the extent of the impacts and plan for repairs and rebuilding of damaged and destroyed bridges and culverts, and removal of hazardous trees.
Some 27 bridges and culverts have been inspected, three bridges needing full replacement and seven with significant damage.
The affected sections, about 70km in total, are within the Cheviot, Molesworth, Koriella, Yarck and Kanumbra areas, including the spurline between Cathkin and Alexandra.
Access to the trail in these areas should not be attempted.
Other sections, about 60km in total, remain open for riders from the start at Tallarook all the way through to the Cheviot Tunnel just outside of Yea, and from Merton through to Mansfield.
The tunnel remains open.
A small section from the Alexandra trailhead through to Maintongoon Road is also open.
There are no detours available at this time. You can ride through the open sections and return the same way.
If there is an extended closure, there will be flow-on impacts for local businesses and communities across the region.
External funding will likely be needed to restore the major structures that have been destroyed or damaged.
The Mayor of Murrindindi, Damien Gallagher, thanked the community for its patience and understanding.
“The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a much‑loved attraction for our region, and we know how important it is for both locals and visitors,” Cr Gallagher said.
“While safety must come first as we work through these assessments, Murrindindi is very much open. Our towns, villages and natural landscapes are ready to welcome visitors, we simply ask that everyone respects the trail closures until it is safe to reopen.”
Further information will be made available. Please continue to check for updates posted on the Great Victorian Rail website.
Information will also be available at visitor information centres, located in Yea, Seymour and Mansfield.
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