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You are here: Home / Latest News / Wodonga to Cudgewa High Country Rail Trail

Wodonga to Cudgewa High Country Rail Trail

January 18, 2015 By railtrails

Bleak City and Tinsel Town are separated by 807 kilometres of Hume Highway and over 100 years of rivalry.

Melbourne and Sydney are now connected by an unbroken 110km per hour dual carriageway  so boring that authorities in NSW recommend that you take a break every two hours to prevent falling asleep at the wheel.

In Victoria, the antidote to micro sleeps is apparently the ‘power nap‘, the two states can’t even agree on a common way of preventing fatigue.

While the train service is excellent but expensive and time consuming, and flights are cheap but fraught with anxiety and unpleasant harassment, the economics of taking your own car when staying for more than a few days can be hard to beat. Perhaps our cycling lobbying will one day allow us to ride from Sydney to Melbourne uninterrupted along the old Hume Highway.

My own antidote to excessive fatigue and boredom is to break the trip. Now with a number of rail trails in north eastern Victoria, and several mooted for southern NSW, it has become feasible to take your bike, add an extra day or two and get the feel for some of the towns that one has driven past so many times.

The Wodonga to Cudgewa High Country Rail Trail is one such trail.

The trail, as of today, early 2015, is not complete, but comprises two sections. One is Wodonga to Tallangatta (the first two a’s are apparently pronounced long, the second two short), the other section is around Shelley.

On a blistering hot Christmas eve, Nan and I rode to trail from Wodonga to Old Tallangatta and back.

Wodonga and Albury are separated by the Murray River and the Gateway Island Arts Precinct.

We stayed in Wodonga and found it very cycle friendly, apart from the main street. Wodonga sports a great tourist information centre and an arts centre clustered around the library and council building.

It is very easy to cycle to Albury on dedicated cycle paths through the Murray wetlands and the Gateway Island precinct. There are viewing points for bird watching, with opportunities for a swim.

Old Bridge across the Murray. A new pedestrain/cycle suspension bridge.

Old Bridge across the Murray. A new pedestrian/cycle suspension bridge.

Wodonga is in the process of developing the old broad gauge terminus into something useful, retaining the heritage building. The terminus is close to a shopping hub and large hotel.

NSW and Victoria couldn’t even agree on a standardised rail gauge, or rather, they did agree on the Irish broad gauge, but I believe NSW reneged and changed to standard gauge.

An enterprising soul has set up a coffee stand on a disused section of the development for passing joggers, cyclists and motorists.

Picolo cafe.

Picolo cafe.

The rail trail doesn’t start in Wodonga, but it is not difficult to cycle from town through quiet streets and dedicated cycle paths to the start. Some of the old line is visible, next the ubiquitous Victorian ‘service road’. The service road and the expectation of U-turns is a curious Victorian phenomenon.

Remnants of the old line

Remnants of the old line

The trail proper kicks off in Bandiana, an army facility which also houses the Bandiana Army Museum. The trail at this point is rolled small loose gravel, suitable for bikes such as hybrids, mountain bikes and tourers. Racing bikes probably shouldn’t be used for this trail.

Much of the trail has been developed in a grass roots manner. Council community officer Ant Parker has given an inspirational talk several times about how community members have chipped in to help build and repair sections of the trail. In fact, Ant believes that the trail is almost as important as a way of building communities as it is in bringing in money as a tourist attraction.

The figures we have seen for rail trails support the fact that a large number of local residents use rail trails as well.

Shortly at another army facility there is a diversion down a side road, and a cross country section across three bridges. They have the appearance of practice attempts by trainee army engineers. They must have passed their courses, they are still standing. Signs warn of snakes.

Watch for snakes!

Watch for snakes!

The station plaques have been restored on this trail, and the siding at Bonegilla is a real treat. The sign states:

“Notice: passengers desiring to join trains at this station are requested to exhibit the red flag in daylight and adjust the red glass and light lamp during darkness. Tickets may be obtained from the guard who will accept parcels and furnish any information.”

Bonegilla was also the site of a migrant reception centre. Block 19 is open today, the web site has full details.

Bonegilla siding. Nan waving down the train.

Bonegilla siding. Nan waving down the train.

Beyond Bonegilla, the rail runs along the shores of Lake Hume. Many of the station areas are now picnic spots and entry points for boats.

Hume Dam

Hume Dam

Although you can swim in any of the areas, our out and back distance of some ninety kilometres meant we pressed on to avoid the hottest parts of the Christmas eve. As it was, few people were on the trail this day, most probably in air conditioned malls, or girding themselves for the minefield of family Christmas time.

The trail Welcome shade.

The trail. Welcome shade.

Rail motor car.

Rail motor car.

At Huon Reserve, someone has collected some of the rail memorabilia. Two bulk goods wagons, an old truck and the remnants of a rail motor car are present. This appears to be a private collection, perhaps an attempt at some kind of low scale theme park. The motor rail car in particular is exposed and not in good shape. The motor has been removed.

After Huon Reserve the part of the trail that appears to have been the best funded starts with the Sandy Creek rail bridge. Only the concrete supports were standing after the rails had been removed, new concrete spans had to be built.

The red girders are an artistic afterthought. The surface of this part of the trail is sealed.

Sandy Creek Bridge

Sandy Creek Bridge

Sandy Creek Bridge (artistic view)

Sandy Creek Bridge (artistic view)

Along the way are several wild fruit trees. It is easy to believe the peach, fig and apple trees are the result of passengers flinging their fruit remnants out the window.

Us humans don’t seem to tread lightly.

Tallangatta is a welcome break, with several cafes. We pressed on to Old Tallangatta.

It should be possible to go through back roads in NSW to Albury from Old Tallangatta, but we hadn’t planned this out, so we took the conservative approach of retracing our path.

It will be a red letter day when the whole trail is open. Indeed the whole area is fascinating, with possible side trips to Corryong, with its tales of the high country and the man who is supposed to have inspired Banjo Patterson’s “The Man From Snowy River” ballad.

The next day, Christmas day we set off early, and within four hours were out the other side of Melbourne, down on the Mornington Peninsula.

Filed Under: Latest News

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99 Bikes is a supporter of Rail Trails for NSW.

99 Bikes Sponsor99 Bikes has a growing number of conveniently located bike shops across Australia. Open 7 days, with stores across Sydney; along with an online store with free shipping. 99 Bikes is determined to create a ground-breaking, professional bike business. with passionate sales people, skilful mechanics and exciting products.

OUTBIKE

Ride beyond The Beyond!

Ralph says…

“We’re waiting for NSW’s trails!”

While we wait, come and join us on:

  • Victoria’s rail trails one week summer rides (2016-17)
  • SE Queensland one week winter rides including the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
  • The Bike ‘n Wheels Expedition, riding Gulf to Gulf from Port Augusta SA to Karumba QLD in 30 days
  • Tour de Front retracing WW1 Belgium & France in 23 days
  • Europe river path rides from our pretty base on Rhineland’s Mosel River

We also offer luxury 21 seat mini-coach charter, trailers and camping gear to support cycle rides.

Outbike is a trading name of My Europe Base Pty Ltd A.C.N. 053515834

Owner / Rides Manager: Ralph Jackson

0406 440418

outbike.rides@gmail.com

www.outbike.com.au

www.myeuropebase.com

outbike

PTNZ-RT4NSW-Nov15

TUMUT APARTMENTS

Six studio apartments located in the heart of Tumut and close to Tumut’s paved and gravel cycling/walking path. It meanders along the picturesque Tumut river through the towns parks and award winning wetlands area. Explore Batlow, Adelong, Talbingo and the Kosciuszko National Park.

Phone 0498 358137 or book online at www.tumutapartments.com.au

Proud Supporter of the TUMUT-BATLOW RAIL TRAIL

Comments from the Sydney Rail Team who stayed 3 nights in this accommodation:
We were fortunate that we were able to book the 6 apartments for a 3 nights stay. They are fantastic, very clean, with a kitchen, TV and everything you need for a “home away from home “stay. In the garden outside the apartments is a table and chairs, ideal to relax and chat at. A covered barbecue is outside as well, but we were too busy eating out to use it.  The shops, eateries and main street are only a short walk away .We enjoyed sitting outside at the tables of cafes and bakeries, to eat and have coffee and drinks.  There are plenty of good eating places. Tumut is very scenic and an easy town to get around. On the Sunday, some rode  by bike to the wetlands, then followed the river via Elm drive to the racecourse, to join the rest of us for breakfast at the wonderful outdoor café there.. So don’t forget to bring your bike!

Strongly recommended by all the Team. John Moore, Chairman RTs for NSW. February 2016

Cycling Tours & Bike Tours

Tour de Vines is a long standing, trusted tour operator, offering unique, fun & great value cycling tours in Australia, NZ, France, Croatia & Asia.  Choose from small group guided tours or self guided itineraries, awarded Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015 & 2016 & 2017 & 2018.

Tour de Vines
1300 665 330
www.tourdevines.com.au

Manilla Motel – conveniently located

Manilla Motel is a small, owner operated motel, with queen beds, a family room and single rooms and situated on the Fossickers Way in the historic and picturesque town of Manilla.  With museums, national parks, dams, two rivers (the Namoi and Manilla) flowing through the town, a Fishermans paradise, bird watching and much much more.

Manilla is internationally recognised for a variety of aero sports, Hang gliding, Paragliding, gliding and a range of ultra lights. Lake Keepit , 30kms from Manilla has a wide variety of water sports, sailing, skiing, fishing and more.

Conveniently located within walking distance to the showground, shops, post office, ATM’s, churches, clubs,  pubs, cafes and restaurants, Manilla motel  will provide you with quiet and comfortable accommodation whether it be for one night or more.

So, if it is a break away from the city you need, why not consider a trip to Manilla. Situated just 44 kilometres North West of Tamworth (the home of Country Music) on the Fossickers Way, Kate & Greg will ensure you receive a warm welcome.

Phone:  (02) 6785 1306  or book online at : www.manillamotel.com.au

Email: enquiries@manillamotel.com.au

Comments from the Sydney Rail Team of 8 who stayed 2 nights in this accommodation:
We came to support and meet with the local Save the Manilla Viaduct Railway Bridge and Tourism Group and it was a bonus to us that this centrally located motel’s backdrop was the large Manilla Railway Viaduct, a distinctive heritage feature, of this small town , established in the 1850’s.The hotel rooms are well equipped and very comfortable to stay in.  Our hosts Kate and Greg were very warm and hospitable and their motel caters for the whole family. In the front, there is a children’s playground, and the fire lit at night outside warmed us when we returned from our evening meal. The trip was a memorable one, our stay a pleasant one and we will remember its wonderfully warm townspeople who love their history and dedicated to saving its towering Manilla Railway Viaduct.

Strongly recommended by all the Team. John Moore, Chairman RTs for NSW. July 2019

Sponsors

Add your company’s name, logo & links here.

Is your business aligned with tourism, travel, cycling, walking, horse-riding or, trail engineering/maintenance etc. Rail Trails are keen to have supported who can sponsor some of the costs of our activities fostering the development of rail trails in NSW such as hosting workshops in rural areas with a potential rail trail. Contact us.

Sponsors

Rail Trails for NSW is looking for individuals or companies who could financially support our efforts. Could you help? Contact us.

Who uses Rail Trails?

 Results from 116 touring cyclists in a 2013 online survey showed:

  • 92% were over 40 years old
  • 38% spent over $100 per day while cycle touring
  • 54% rode for 10 days or more when cycle touring
  • 53% had ridden the Victorian “Murray to the mountains ” rail trail
  • 69% had ridden on overseas rail trails (EG: The otago rail trail, NZ)

Contact Us

For more information, contact: John Moore, Rail Trails for NSW, Phone: 0403 160 750 Email: rtfornsw@gmail.com

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