Have your say on the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail
Published on 02 October 2025
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail draft design.
The proposed 61km trail will follow the disused rail corridor between Castlemaine and Maryborough, passing through Campbells Creek, Guildford, Strangways, Newstead, Moolort and Carisbrook.
The rail trail is a multi-stage project with works recently commencing on the pre-construction phase of the project.
This phase includes detailed design work for the rail trail, environmental and cultural heritage investigations, and engineering design for road crossings and heritage bridges.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said the Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail will provide lasting value for the community.
“This trail will be a big win for regional tourism, helping to boost local jobs, businesses and the economy,” said Mr Dimopoulos.
Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said local and tourists can both look forward to this.
“Locals and visitors alike can look forward to this new trail that will support local tourism in the region – now is the time to have your say on this landmark project,” said Ms Edwards.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, said that Council is excited to be part of the next phase of the rail trail project.
“The rail corridor between Castlemaine and Maryborough is a beautiful stretch of land peppered with historic and unique towns,” said Mayor Annear.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy everything our region has to offer – nature, agriculture, history, and good food and coffee.
“This community consultation phase of the project is important because it invites locals to view the designs and provide feedback, ensuring we have the best possible plan for the rail trail.
“I encourage you to learn more and get involved in this amazing project.”
Following the completion of a Feasibility Study in 2023, which included initial community engagement, the current phase will bring the trail design closer to readiness for approval and to seek funding for construction.
Have your say
There will be a number of ways for residents to provide feedback on the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail draft design.
Community and stakeholder consultation will begin in late October, with engagement activities running throughout November.
Keep an eye on www.cmrailtrail.org.au/community-and-landholder-consultation for details of all engagement activities, which will be available in late October.
For more information email the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail team at railtrailfeedback@cmrailtrail.org.au.
This pre-construction phase is led by Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail Inc., with support from the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund, Central Goldfields Shire Council, and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Image: Guildford-Yapeen