Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail

The trail was in poor condition for many years before being upgraded and resurfaced in 2008, at a cost of $700,000, funded in roughly equal measure by local, state and federal government.

The total length of the trail is 53km including an 8km section from Ballarat railway station to the trailhead.

One major landmark on the route is the historic timber Nimons Bridge at Newtown over which the trail passes.

Remnants of this era are on display at the Smythesdale Historic Precinct Further gold was discovered on the northern portion of the Emu Hill pastoral run in 1855, bringing miners from around the world, and leading to the eventual establishment of the town called Linton in 1860.

On 25 July 1862, the borough of Brown’s and Scarsdale was proclaimed, extending southwards to Cape Clear.