Barongarook: Old Beechy Rail Trail and bushwalking

Barongarook offers several ways to enjoy active days outdoors: the Old Beechy Rail Trail, bushwalking in the Barongarook Conservation Reserve, and horse riding in the area. The trail is not only a walking and cycling route, but also has a historical connection to the narrow-gauge railway “The Beechy”. This brings together outdoor activity and a piece of railway history when planning your trip.

The Old Beechy Rail Trail

The Old Beechy Rail Trail is a 50 km walking and cycling trail between Colac and Ferguson. The endpoints describe the connection as a whole; the distance gives you a clear sense of its length. In Barongarook, the trail’s history adds another dimension. When choosing between different activities, you can consider it as a route to walk or cycle—alongside bushwalking in the reserve and horse riding in the area.

The former railway “The Beechy”

The Old Beechy Rail Trail largely follows the original route of the narrow-gauge railway “The Beechy”. This railway operated from 1902 to 1962. “Largely” accurately describes the historical connection: today’s trail follows the former route for the most part, but that does not mean the alignments are completely identical. The figures also have different meanings: 1902 to 1962 are the railway’s operating years, while 50 km is the length of the walking and cycling trail. For anyone interested in transport and cultural history, the trail’s present-day use is thus connected to a clearly dated historical predecessor.

Bushwalking and habitat in the reserve

The Barongarook Conservation Reserve is an area for bushwalking. It also contains potential habitat for the Rufous Bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti caryochrus), which is classified as “Near Threatened”. Here, a specific activity and a named natural feature come together. The two statements refer to different things: bushwalking describes the reserve as a destination for an activity, while the habitat information describes a possible function of the area; “Near Threatened” is the bird species’ classification. For nature enthusiasts, both the reserve and its potential habitat are distinct aspects to consider when planning a trip.

Horse riding in the Barongarook area

There are specific options for horse riders, too. The roads in the Barongarook area of Otway Forest Park are ideal for riding because they have wide, cleared verges. Popular riding trails also run through the area. The wide verges explain why the roads are suitable; the riding trails offer another focus for this activity. The horse-riding information refers to roads and trails in the area, while the Old Beechy Rail Trail is described as a walking and cycling trail.

Which activity would you like to focus on during your stay?

To help you choose, it is useful to distinguish between the activities on offer: the Rail Trail is a longer route for walkers and cyclists, and also connects to the history of the former railway. The reserve offers bushwalking and potential habitat for the Rufous Bristlebird. If you are interested in horse riding, the Barongarook area has both roads with wide, cleared verges and popular riding trails. This makes it easier to decide whether a route, bushwalking in a reserve, or horse riding should be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations

Barnawartha, Neerim, Hmas Cerberus, Hotham Heights, Tonimbuk, Cottles Bridge, Nunawading, Toolleen

See the broader travel overview: Victoria.