The Otways now has an addition to its list of things to do and see there: the Old Beechy Rail Trail - a narrow gauge railway only 762mm wide. Today it is a 45-kilometre bike and walking track privy to some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.

Geelong Otway Tourism Deputy CEO, Terry Hickey says, “It’s one of those wonderful attractions you can do at your own pace,”

“If you’re on a bike, you can do the whole 45 kilometres in one go.

“On foot you can do a part of it as a day walk or an ever shorter exercise just to let the children have a leg stretch after a longdrive in the car.

“There’s also the option to do the whole trip on foot, with an overnight stop in Gellibrand. Prudent to remember is that when deciding in which direction to travel, Gellibrand is the lowest point and Beech Forest, the final destination, one of the highest.”

“And the Otways offers some excellent accommodation particularly around Gellibrand, which has a pub, general store and a caravan park.”

Gellibrand to Beech Forest is 18.4 kilometres. It is fairly challenging if ridden or walked uphill, but very rewarding and scenic as it passes through deep green rainforest.

The original train line was opened 1902.  In 1911, it became the home to Australia’s southern-most, mainland railway station when it was extended to Crowes.

Linking pretty little Otway farming and forestry villages like Crowes, Barongarook, Kawarren, Gellibrand, Dinmont, Banool and Beech Forest to larger service towns like Colac was its main purpose.

The area had abundant forests and rich farmland, but the challenge for the hard working locals was always how to get their produce to market.

Roads in the hilly terrain were problematic, particularly when it rained. So what was 'The Old Beechy' became the lifeline for these communities.

And so it was until almost 50 years ago, when improved roads and more reliable vehicles led to the end of the railway service.

Victoria’s Puffing Billy - the original engine - remains in service elsewhere in the state, but the tracks and other infrastructure fell into disrepair.

It seemed the fast-growing Otways bush would reclaim the trail not already sold off as private land.

With the creation of the Old Beechy Rail Trail, however, that all  changed.

Great Ocean Road visitors do not need to bring their own equipment to take full advantage of it.

Apollo Bay has bikes, helmets, gloves and water bottles for hire part of the service of which is the facility to drop off at one end and pick up at the other.

Basic trail etiquette is required of all ridersespecially with the trail passing through private property and areas of high environmental value.

These include:

• Keeping to the trail;
• Not disturbing livestock or interfering with farm machinery;
• Keeping dogs on a leash at all times, and;
• Taking rubbish home.

Additionally, fires and camping are not permitted.

“The Great Ocean Road may be spectacular, but it’s important to remember to take warm clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water as well,” says Hickey.

“It’s also worth remembering that mobile phones don’t always work in the Otways and other parts of the Great Ocean Road. Riders and walkers ought to let someone know they are tackling the trail prior to going, just in case.”