Blaze a trail with us!
We’re building overwhelming support for a new world-class recreational trail for all in Central Victoria.
Connecting communities
“From little things, big things grow.”
– Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody
Members, volunteers, supporters and friends. We are many, with one goal: to connect our communities along the proposed trail corridor.
OUR PURPOSE
CMRT was founded to transform the 55km Castlemaine to Maryborough disused rail corridor into a world-class recreational trail. A trail that can be used by cyclists, walkers and horse-riders of all ages and abilities.
We want to connect communities, defend safe travel, encourage prosperity, look after the bush and tell amazing stories of place and people.
We use grassroots action to inspire communities and spur governments to lead the charge to establish a new trail in Central Victoria.
Our community outreach aims to rally people of all ages and backgrounds behind the idea of a trail. To build a trail, we need to build a movement.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Jaara Jaara people, the custodians and caretakers of this land through which the rail trail passes. We thank them for the care they have taken of the country: the rivers, mountains, trees, and animals. We could like to honour this Country, the Elders of the past and present and most importantly the young, proud Aboriginal people, as they are our leaders for tomorrow
Our People
We are blessed with a growing crew of talented and energetic volunteers. We think you’re amazing. You help out organising, doing, creating and spreading the word. Come on, join us!
Our Members
You can shape our direction and make a difference. Membership has expectations too. We want our members to be actively involved. Volunteer or donate so we can campaign for you.
Our Sponsors
We simply couldn’t do this without you. From Maryborough to Castlemaine and every town in between, we’re humbled by the support we’re getting from our small business sponsors.
Our Partners
Big projects need good friends. Friends who can help show the way and frame standards. Friends who help us walk just a little taller. Thank you to our partner organisations.
One of the wonderful things about our trail is that it will be equally enjoyable no matter which direction you start from!
Start at Maryborough and you can alight from one of Australia’s grandest old railway stations. Start at Castlemaine station and you will be right where the story of the goldfields began.
A powerful and unique feature of the trail is that it has a train line to Melbourne at both ends. Easy for local commuters; a magnet for eco-tourists.
If you start in Castlemaine, you can easily find good food and coffee and any last-minute necessities, then you’ll be off along the Campbells Creek Trail to Winters Flat where the disused part of the old train line begins and the Goldfields Steam Train blows it’s whistle and turns off towards Maldon.
Then the creek, the road, and the rail trail rolls down the valley past farms and houses to Guildford. You’ll be able to look down on the cars passing by as you are safe on the trail and can enjoy the view.
At Guildford, the line crosses the highway on a high bridge and leaves the road for a while, past the place where Campbells Creek joins the Loddon River, over another bridge, and now you’ll follow the Loddon River through bush and farmland, all the way to the old Newstead Station which is now an arts hub.
Soon after Newstead, you will ride across the spectacular Joyce’s Creek bridge, the longest of the trail, at the bottom of Lake Cairn Curran Reservoir. Then it’s a short climb up onto the volcanic Moolort Plains, with big skies, and world-recognised wetlands.
The rollicking downhill run past the Moolort Silos and into Carisbrook is a blast before heading into Maryborough and the truly magnificent Maryborough Station where you can enjoy a well-deserved milkshake (or other age-appropriate refreshing treats).
P.S. Take a peek at some of the views you’ll experience with photographs by Mick Evans in Views From The Trail gallery below.
Views along the trail
Love the trail? Join in the chorus for change! Sign our petition, like us on social media and stay in touch. We know you care. And you want to be heard. And you’re busy. We get that. So, just make your mark, and hang out with us occasionally as a friend.
You want this rail trail! To explore, communte or for the kids to get to school. But don’t have the time to join and volunteer? We hear you. You can make a difference. Donate and help the volunteers working for you at the front-line. So we can campaign for you.
We love our members. You can shape our organisation. You can have your say and vote. We love our members. You help keep us strong. Membership is a great chance for you to get really involved, actively make a difference and to volunteer!
Our volunteers are impact members. You make a big difference. You choose your hours. You deliver our campaigns. You keep us going! You meet other wonderful people. And we will look after you. We can offer you a role, respect and special recognition.
Places and stories
What’s in a name? A lot, we reckon. Stories and names have a lot of power. It’s been shown worldwide that a trail’s success has as much to do with the experiences they create as the routes they traverse. Which is why we’ve started thinking already about “storytelling” for our trail well before its construction. Such as signposts that help direct visitors’ attention, stories that come alive when visitors reach a particular spot and some simple technology. It’s all about enriching the experience.
Community Ambassadors
Our community ambassadors are having an impact in loads of places. From Maryborough to Yapeen. From Castlemaine to Newstead. We are connecting communities along the trail path in a new way and bring us closer together than ever before. We want each of our communities to have an “ambassador”. Someone who can encourage grassroots participation and liaise with local groups and businesses to create support and enthusiasm for the trail. Think that’s you? Get in touch!
Feasibility study advocacy
Is the rail trail a good idea? Well, yes of course it is – but how good an idea is it? What tourism opportunities will arise? What kind of positive economic impact can it bring? How much will it cost? How will it impact all the communities along the trail? How can it be built? What route and stages will it follow? About $70,000 will be needed to fund a thorough feasibility study to answer these questions and more. We’re working alongside the councils and government to attract the funds.
NEWS
Wonders on the Volcanic Plains
There’s a lot to love that’s rare and special about our region’s volcanic plains; in the landscapes and stories they hold; on our trails and off them. It was a unique opportunity to explore Wild Pig Gorge with renowned local ecologist and historian Barry Golding and the GDTA walking group.
Volunteer Chats Bring Connection and New Ideas
What stood out from our conversations with volunteers this week was the strong desire to connect. That’s been tough the past few months. “People are ready to engage,” said CMRT’s Yapeen Community Ambassador, Jill Pattinson. “Everyone’s tired of being kept at a distance.”
Build it and they will come, says Deb Macer
We understand that government types want to see a trail feasibility study first. But for Maryborough CMRT volunteer and trail advocate, Deb Macer, the conclusion is simple: ‘Build it and they will come’. Especially to Maryborough. Rail access both ways is a real winner too.
EVENTS
AGM 2021 7 Dec 6:45pm (Members only)
It’s been a tremendous year, Trail Blazers. In the past 16 months we’ve hit one milestone after another. Our 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Newstead is a chance for you to celebrate. Come along, have your say and vote in a new Committee for 2022. Book today to secure your seat!
Newstead on Show 3462 is ON…Join us Dec 5!
Newstead calls and we answer. We’ll be bringing a bit of hooplah to this fabulous town-on-the-trail for its Summer festival. This event showcases everything that sets this community apart – past, present and emerging. Visit CMRT’s stall and hear how we’re working to connect Newstead.
Volunteer RUOK check-ins to celebrate via Zoom
We’re flying, Trail Blazers. Butit’s been tough the past few months. Which is why we’d like to make up some lost ground and check in how you’re all going before we break for Xmas. Zoom’s a bit “Covid”, but it’s also pretty handy when we’re spread up to 50km apart.