Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail

A hidden natural gem near Hidden Valley and Wallan, gave up its secret to thirty-two community volunteers recently. Locked away for more than 50 years, a 1.2km section of the former Heathcote Junction to Bendigo railway line where it crossed the Great Dividing Range was revealed when a community working bee cleared a trail pathway.

The working bee’s aim was to uncover a section of this former railway line, as a start to creating an off-road trail between Wallan and Kilmore. Members from the Mitchell Bicycle Users Group, the Wallan Environment Group, the Merri Creek Management Committee, the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail, cycling associates of Wheelhouse Bikes, and a Melbourne based Rail Trails Australia representative all came together ready for action. The Mitchell Shire CEO and a South Ward Councillor also paid a visit to the site.

Work involved clearing fallen timber from the old railway alignment, as well as cleaning up weed and plant growth, to create a continuous yet basic trail pathway. The involvement of so many local community members showed their enthusiasm in seeking a much needed safe off-road trail to link local communities.