Waranga Rail Trail officially opened
Published on 20 May 2025
Following completion of the Campaspe Shire section of the Waranga Rail Trail in late March, the entire trail was officially opened on 17 May in Rushworth by Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell.
Marking a significant milestone for tourism and the promotion of outdoor recreation opportunities in the region, the official opening of the trail is the culmination of years of work from two neighbouring councils.
Funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program, the recently completed Campaspe Shire section of the trail connects with the eastern section developed by Greater Shepparton City Council in 2015, completing a 19km trail which follows the alignment of the decommissioned railway line from Rushworth to Murchison.
During the official part of the proceedings Cr Mackrell welcomed the large crowd that had turned out in fine autumn weather and included Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, Campaspe Shire Councillor Adrian Weston who presented a short history of the project, Crs Luke Sharrock and John Zobec, Council staff, Greater Shepparton City Councillors Kieron Eddy and Fern Summer, current Waranga Rail Trail project manager Paul Arthurson, and past Campaspe Shire Council employee Shane Stacey, who, as the original project manager, was instrumental in getting the Waranga Rail Trail project off the ground.
Cr Mackrell said the official opening of the completed Waranga Rail Trail was a special day for the shire and for those who had lobbied over many years in support of the project. He also acknowledged the support of local landowners and the key stakeholders whose advice and feedback proved invaluable in bringing the trail to reality.
“The Waranga Rail Trail allows walkers and cyclists to experience the region’s natural beauty firsthand,” Cr Mackrell said.
“It traverses a scenic route which passes through culturally and historically important areas while taking in unique features and sites of interest, including: the heritage-listed Rushworth railway goods shed, siding and turntable; Waranga Basin; the Cattanach and Sturt Murray canals; and Doctors Swamp Wildlife Reserve - offering the chance to see local wildlife in its natural habitat.”
He said with the linking of two towns, the Waranga Rail Trail created a seamless path for outdoor enthusiasts to explore while also generating wider exposure for local businesses.
“This trail not only fosters healthier lifestyles and promotes eco-friendly tourism, drawing visitors from near and far to explore the region – it also offers a boost to local businesses through increased foot traffic.”
Also present to help celebrate the trail’s opening were representatives from: Waranga Rail Trail Friends Group; Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail; Castlemaine – Maryborough Rail Trail; Cycling Without Age – Waranga; the former Rushworth Place-Based Plan committee; Rushworth Heritage Group; Rushworth Historical Society and Museum; Arbor Dynamics; and Rail Trails Australia, including Central Victoria representative Jenny Mustey.
Ms Mustey is a keen cyclist and said the opening of a new rail trail was an exciting milestone that brought together years of planning and months of construction.
“Congratulations to Campaspe Shire on the completion of this stunning rail trail that will be enjoyed by the local community and the many visitors it will bring to the region,” Ms Mustey said.
“Rail Trails Australia is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit organisation that strives for the creation and promotion of the rail trail network across the country, and it is very exciting that the Waranga Rail Trail is now fully completed and can be promoted as a high-quality rail trail in the Northern Victoria region.”
More information about Rail Trails Australia can be found at www.railtrails.org.au