Grampians Rail Trail

Follows the old narrow-gauge tramway (1882-1949) that once hauled white sandstone blocks from Heatherlie Quarry, at the foot of the Grampians, to Stawell - stone that went on to build many of Melbourne's grand public buildings, including Parliament House and the State Library. A quiet, easy, family-friendly ride through picturesque bushland with views towards the Grampians, close to Lake Lonsdale for part of the way. Doesn't currently reach the Grampians National Park itself or Heatherlie Quarry - there's a separate short walkable section right at the quarry, but no plans to connect the two. Well signed by local volunteers (Friends of Grampians Rail Trail / Northern Grampians Shire) with 22 interpretive signs, 15 trail signs and information boards installed at both ends. A gentle option to pair with a Grampians/Halls Gap holiday rather than a full day's ride on its own.

Stawell West to approx. 2.5km: starts at a small car park on Grampians Rd, 700m south of the Western Highway, on a gravel path south of the original rail easement. Approx. 2.5km to the Mt Dryden Rd end (approx. 8.5km): follows the actual old rail alignment, running parallel to Grampians Rd and then Mt Dryden Rd, passing close to Lake Lonsdale, with several small bridges and a boardwalk section. Finishes at the Mt Dryden Rd car park.