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The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is a 67km recreational trail well suited for cycling and walking that joins Stratford to Traralgon via the former historic Gippsland Plains railway line route. At present the trail comprises approx 35km of good, flat and gently undulating surface connecting Stratford, Maffra & Heyfield which has been recently upgraded and is easily rideable by mountain and hybrid bicycles. The section from Stratford to Maffra is suitable for road bikes with an excellent new surface. The trail beyond Heyfield to Cowwarr, Toongabbie, Glengarry and Traralgon although established is best suited to mountain bikes at this time. The trail is an ideal introduction into the lush green Gippsland Plains, taking you through the centre of the rich Macalister irrigation district where cows graze under the backdrop of the Victorian Alps through small towns each with its own character and style at pleasant intervals along the trail. Each township provides a range of accommodation options to suit any budget or desire, good coffee, fine wine, food and many visitor attractions. The trail begins at the trailhead at Apex Park Stratford and continues to Maffra, a flat ride and a distance of approx 10km. A short 2.0k road section on the (C105) leaving Maffra rejoins the trail which then continues to Tinamba (7k) and on to Heyfield (13k). From Heyfield, Cowwarr is reached by a combination of trail (mountain bike) and country back roads, then the trail continues to Glengarry, before a road section is necessary to reach Traralgon. Facilities on the trail include toilets, parks and shops. The trail can be accessed by VLine services (3 per day) to Stratford with or a journey by car of approx 2.5 hours from Melbourne. Website: www.gippslandplainsrailtrail.com.au
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