january-2010

If
sitting in gridlocked traffi c for hours
isn’t your idea of a relaxing weekend, the
Bellarine Peninsula beckons. Here you’ll fi nd
one of Victoria’s hidden gems, a 32km rail
trail linking the Victorian port town of Geelong
with the picturesque resort of Queenscliff. The
trail follows the route of the former Peninsula
railway line, built in 1879 to ferry the military
stationed at Fort Queenscliff. These days,
thankfully, it’s a lot quieter around here.
From Melbourne’s Southern Cross station,
the trail is accessible via the V/Line train line
to South Geelong station, with the trip taking
about an hour. Most trains will allow bikes to
be stored on board but avoid rush hour or
you might have to wait for a later service. The
start of the trail is a little underwhelming as
we make our way through suburban Geelong,
but soon we’re happily riding through market
gardens and parkland. Much of the ride to
Leopold is lined with red gums providing
plenty of shade on hot days. There are few
steep gradients and the path is unsealed in
parts, so there’s a welcome absence of “road
racers” on weekends.
From South Geelong station, it’s a short
ride along Strong Street to connect with the
trail. It’s a great feeling to be off-road and
getting some fresh air into our lungs. The
only traffi c you have to watch out for here is
fellow cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers. The
steady climb through Melbourne’s hinterland
to the sleepy township of Leopold is the
only uphill section of the trail. After crossing
Portarlington Road, you’ll catch glimpses of
Corio Bay and panoramic views across the
water to the granite peaks of the You Yangs.
TOP TO BOTTOM: Admire the
historical buildings lining the
streets of Queenscliff; the entire
family can cycle the Rail Trail;
take a breather on the jetty of
Queenscliff Harbour
OPPOSITE: A heritage steam
train runs alongside the Rail Trail
several times a week
The Friends of Bellarine Rail Trail, a group
of volunteers who undertake revegetation
programs along the route, have thoughtfully
built and installed benches and picnic tables
at various points along the trail, handy for
taking a breather at the top of a slightly taxing
hill. You don’t need to be super fi t to cycle
this trail — it only takes about three hours
and it’s worth stopping off along the way to
ADRENALINE
BELLARINE PENINSULA
JANUARY 2010 41