WELSHPOOL to ALBERTON

Zip through paddocks on this flat, straight section until you reach a highway crossing at Hedley. As the trail becomes separated from the highway, enter a peaceful part of the Trail, heaving with butterfly swarms and the occasional eagle.

Ride under pine trees, leaving a dusting of needles over the gravel trail, as the flora changes to tea tree scrub then to gums, past a series of small creek crossings. There's flat, low-lying farmland to the right with the mountains of Wilsons Promontory rising in the far distance. To the left, you'll see the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Cross over the Albert River and glide into Alberton, arriving in town at the Victoria Hotel.

Welshpool

Country charm near the coast

Welshpool is surrounded by smooth, flat land, and a promise of proximity to the coast. In the distance, the outlines of hills of the Strzelecki Ranges loom.

The small town has a distinct country feel, with rows of cottages lining the Rail Trail, and an avenue of mature oak trees flanking the main street.

WHILE YOU’RE IN WELSHPOOL

There is a small clutch of shops where you’ll be able to recharge with icy drinks and hot food.
A generous grassy reserve is in the town centre, enjoying the shade of gum trees and palm fronds. The reserve is also serviced with toilets, shelter and a playground.

More information

Parking

Available at Memorial Park off the South Gippsland Highway.

Alberton

A remarkable past and a peaceful present

Tiny Alberton is surrounded by lush, pancake-flat pastures, with views of the Strzelecki Ranges in the distance. Home to a hotel, General Store and a small clutch of businesses, the town is the stepping off point to the coastal hamlet of Port Albert to the south.

WHILE YOU’RE IN ALBERTON

The stately Victoria Hotel is bathed in period charm, looking radiant at the northern edge of town. Check out the mural on the north-facing wall to see one of street artist Heesco’s salutes to the rich heritage of the district.
The General Store is housed in a cute heritage cottage, providing drinks and snacks if you’re in need of refuelling.
On the eastern side of the highway, between Rankin and Kirksopp Streets, you can see two concrete domes which are the remnants of the Alberton Cordial Factory.
History buffs will be fascinated by the Alberton Cemetery, located on the trail 2 kilometres south of the town. One of Victoria’s oldest cemeteries, with burials dating back to 1842, the headstones paint a picture of the hardships endured during settlement. Tours are available.

More information

Parking

Available along Rankin Street.
Limited parking along Gellion Street - access via Russell Street.

Next on the trail

With panoramic views of lush farmland, temperate rainforest and pristine seascapes, the Great Southern Rail Trail links several unique towns, celebrating the best of what the region has to offer.