East Gippsland acknowledges the Gunaikurnai, Monero and the Bidawel people as the Traditional Custodians of the land that encompasses East Gippsland Shire. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in East Gippsland, their Elders past and present.

tunnel b

Linking the bush to the sea via an old tramway track

The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail traces the path of an old tramway along the Mississippi Creek through the Colquhoun State Forest. The trail commences 12km east of Bruthen passing through peaceful farmland and enchanting forest, before arriving in the coastal town of Lakes Entrance.

This trail also serves as a link between the East Gippsland Rail Trail and the oceanside town of Lakes Entrance, offering the possibility of extended rides starting from Bairnsdale.

While on the trail, be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife that frequents the area, such as lyrebirds, wombats, wallabies, or possums.

 Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail

Location: The trail links the East Gippsland Rail Trail and Lakes Entrance

Distance: 36 km (Bruthen to Lakes Entrance)  or 65 km (Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance) 

Grade: Level 2-3

Start: Bruthen 

Finish: Lakes Entrance 

Bruthen to Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail (11kms)

Be sure to enjoy some time exploring the small country town of Bruthen maybe even treat yourself with a feed at the Bruthen Inn Hotel before beginning your cycling journey. The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail begins 11kms from Bruthen at Seaton Track.

bruthenhotel 1     bruthenhotel 2

Rail Trail to Mississippi Creek Quarry (4kms) 

The trail menders through open forest before descending on the Mississippi Creek where it passes by the Mississippi Creek Quarry carpark. From this point the trail follows the route of an old light rail tramway constructed in the early 1900's.

Mississippi Creek Quarry to Log Crossing Picnic Area (7.5kms)

From the Quarry the track follows the Mississippi Creek for several kilometres winding through lush forest. Stop at the Log Crossing picnic area the perfect rest spot with toilet and picnic facilities located 50m to your left after crossing Uncles Road. 

Log Crossing - Scrivener Road (1.7kms) 

Continue along the track before leaving the Mississippi Creek.

Scrivener Road to Lakes Colquhoun Road (4kms)

Head uphill before reaching Lakes Colquhoun Road.

Lakes Colquhoun Road - Lakes Entrance (1.7kms)

A relaxing downhill section with ocean views as you arrive in the Lakes Entrance township.

Nearby Attractions

 

Your East Gippsland experience