Barongarook – Bushwalking, Riding Trails and Railway Heritage

Barongarook offers several ways to explore the area actively: bushwalking in Barongarook Conservation Reserve, walking or cycling the Old Beechy Rail Trail, and riding trails through the area. There is also the history of a former narrow-gauge railway. Which of these appeals to you most can help guide your trip and your search for a suitable holiday rental.

Walk or cycle the Old Beechy Rail Trail

The Old Beechy Rail Trail is a 50 km walking and cycling trail. One section of the trail lies within Barongarook Conservation Reserve. For the most part, the trail follows the original route of “The Beechy”, a narrow-gauge railway that operated from 1902 to 1962. This connects today’s activity on foot or by bike with a specific part of the region’s history: the trail follows a railway line that operated for six decades.

If you enjoy walking or cycling, the trail’s 50 km length provides a useful framework for planning your trip. You can make the Rail Trail a focus of your visit while keeping in mind that one section runs through the Conservation Reserve. The trail is more than a sporting opportunity: its close alignment with the former railway line makes the line’s past use part of its connection to the town and region.

Bushwalking and nature in the Conservation Reserve

Barongarook Conservation Reserve is an area for bushwalking. For travellers who want to include a bushwalk in their trip as well as the Rail Trail, the reserve is an attraction in its own right. It also contains potential habitat for the Rufous Bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti caryochrus), which is classified as “Near Threatened”. This bird gives the natural area added significance and is a notable detail for visitors interested in nature.

There are several options to choose from: a walk in the reserve, the longer walking and cycling trail, or a stay focused on the area’s natural surroundings. You can take these interests into account when choosing a destination and looking for a holiday rental, without needing to combine them into the same outing or activity.

Riding trails in the Barongarook area

Horse riding is another option in the area. Popular riding trails run through the Barongarook area. The roads in the Barongarook area of Otway Forest Park are considered ideal for riding because of their wide, cleared roadside verges. Roads and riding trails are distinct aspects of the riding options: the trails pass through the area, while the condition of the road verges is what makes the roads suitable for riding.

If you’re travelling with a group whose members are interested in different activities, you can consider these options side by side when planning: walking and cycling, bushwalking, or horse riding. When searching for a holiday rental, the first thing to consider is which of these options matters most to your stay.

A taste of the local area

Nearby, Otway Estate Cellar Door offers its own Prickly Moses beers, Redwood whiskies, Otway Rainforest gins and Forbidden Fruit ciders for tasting and purchase. Cocktails are also available. This offers a food-and-drink experience alongside outdoor activities: when planning your trip, you can also consider whether you’d be interested in tasting locally named drinks.

Discover more places

Heath Hill, Keilor East, Newhaven, Mirboo North, Chiltern, Willaura, Smiths Beach and Lancefield.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.