Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

The Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail in western Victoria, Australia, is a must-visit outdoor adventure.

Converted from the old Skipton railway line, the 63 km trail offers a scenic and leisurely ride from western Ballarat to Skipton. The trail was upgraded and resurfaced in 2008, resulting in a new compacted granitic sand surface.

One major landmark along the route is the historic Nimmons Bridge located at New Town Station at the 33.8 km mark. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque view as the trail passes over the timber bridge. There is also an adjacent dirt road for a closer look at the structure.

The trail starts at Ballarat railway station, with the trailhead located 8km away. At the 4.5 km mark, visitors will come across the Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour, commemorating Ballarat residents who enlisted in World War I. Further down the line, at the 17.8 km mark, is Haddon Station, and at the 25 km mark is Smythesdale Station, a former gold mining town. Scarsdale Station is at the 29.3 km mark, followed by New Town Station and the historic Nimmons Bridge at the 33.8 km mark. The trail continues to the historic township of Linton at the 42.3 km mark, before reaching Pittong at the 50 km mark and finishing up at Skipton Station, covering a total distance of 63 km.

The Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail is a popular tourist destination in Victoria, offering stunning views of the region and a chance to experience history through landmarks such as the Nimmons Bridge and the railway stations. Don't forget to