Bicycle Network: Regional Routes

Repair works Complete

15 May 2012 - We have been notfied that repair works post the Delburn bushfire have since been completed.

Grand bridge on Grand Ridge

29 June 2011. Work is underway to replaces bridges on the Grand Ridge Rail Trail that were destroyed in January 2009 by the Delburn bushfire.

Two major 66 metre bridges have recently been set in place along the trail from Mirboo North to Boolarra in the Strzelecki Ranges.

The bridges comprise 22 metre steel spans manufactured off-site in a contract involving two Gippsland companies, Hourigan and Walsh and Strzelecki Engineering.

The 13 kilometre trail was extensively damaged in the fire, and bridges, along with surfacing, drainage, culverts and signage need replacement.

This trail, along with a number of others in bushfire-devastated areas of Victoria, provided important access to fire fighters and locals during the fires. As they are being rebuilt, measures have been taken to improve their ability to serve the needs of emergency services in future bushfire outbreaks.

The $1.6 million project is part of the Bushfire Recovery Plan, a joint initiative of the Victorian and Federal Government.

Regrowth underway

2 July 2010. The Mirboo North to Boolarra (Grand Ridge) Trail, unfortunately burned out in 2009's bushfires, is showing some green shoots.

A $2 million grant from the State Government will allow the trail to be rehabilitated and rebuilt where necessary, with some improvements.

The trail will be resurfaced, revegetated, have better drainage and fire management installed, and the trailhead at Mirboo North will be improved as well. The bridge that were lost (see photos below) will be rebuilt, ensuring the connectivity of the new and improved trail.

Click the links in the right-hand panel to see some more detailed information about the upcoming works.

The trail should re-open by the end of 2010.

Trail burned out by Victorian bushfires

12 March 2009. The Mirboo North - Boolarra "Grand Ridge" Rail Trail has been severely damaged by the February 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

Several bridges along the trail have been completely destroyed and the Trail is currently closed.

The destroyed bridges are in the section that runs from Darlimurla to Boolarra. This section is expected to be closed indefinitely until the bridges can be replaced.

The section from Mirboo North to Darlimurla will hopefully be re-opened soon, pending a review of damage. This section may initially only be appropriate for walkers.

This page will be kept up to date as more information on reconstruction of the Trail becomes available.