Share your ideas on local tracks and trails
Published on 30 July 2021
Hepburn Shire Council is seeking community feedback to assess the feasibility of growing and expanding tourism opportunities including bush walking and cycling trails throughout the Shire.
Two opportunities are a walking and cycling rail trail that connects Daylesford with Hanging Rock in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council; and an extension of the existing heritage tourist rail from Bullarto to Trentham.
As part of the early feasibility work, Council wants to hear from the community about local tracks and trails. “We want to understand early what the community would like us to focus on in relation to tracks and trails in the Shire,” said Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt.
“We invite you to share your thoughts on the options of a rail trail and extension of the heritage railway line, and more what you think more broadly about tracks and trails in our Shire,” she said.
“Which tracks or trails do you enjoy, which need work, are there opportunities to link trails, or do you have ideas for improvement?
“This is the kind of feedback we’re looking to gather through this very early stage of the project.”
To start the conversation, Council invites you to complete a survey before Monday 16 August.
Complete the survey online via https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/tracks-and-trails or collect a printed copy from libraries and Customer Service hubs at Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford or Trentham.
You can also make a written submission directly to the project manager. Email trails@hepburn.vic.gov.au or post to Hepburn Shire Council, PO Box 21 Daylesford 3460, VIC.
Background on the Rail Trail and railway extension opportunities
Daylesford to Hanging Rock Rail Trail (Rail Trail)
The Daylesford to Tylden Rail Trail project proposes a shared use trail for walkers, cyclists, trail runners and other suitable trail activities along the existing rail corridor connecting Daylesford to Woodend, Kyneton and Hanging Rock for an experience that engages the trail user with rural landscapes, towns and heritage.
The Rail Trail will link to events, local food and contribute to comfortable and enjoyable trail use.
Like all Rail Trails, it proposes to re-use the old, decommissioned railway tracks and, where required, establish new trails adjacent to the old track preferably within the corridor.
The Rail Trail will create a shared-use pathway and will eventually cross two municipalities, Hepburn Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire.
This project is looking at the section within Hepburn Shire from Daylesford to Tylden and will be approximately 26.5 km (or 61.5% of the entire distance) and is proposed to connect into a similar trail in Macedon Ranges Shire.
Daylesford Spa Country Railway Extension
Daylesford Spa Country Railway currently operates from Daylesford to Bullarto. The Daylesford Spa Country Railway has investigated the potential to improve the tourist train experience by extending their current tourist trail operations to Trentham, a distance of 9.15 kilometres.
The proposed extension would connect Daylesford with the Trentham heritage town experience including local food and produce together with the other unique visitor opportunities along the line.
The new track would be completed using new concrete sleepers, salvaged rail made available by VicTrack and new ballast being purchased locally.
Trentham would be the terminus and would connect with visitors from Melbourne and elsewhere.
The route for the railway extension may look to share sections of the rail corridor with the proposed Rail Trail.