The section between Fish Creek and Foster climbs past Mount Hoddle and goes through dense forest with occasional magnificent views of Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet.

The section from Koonwarra to Minns road was opened in March 2016, incorporating what had been three very dilapidated wooden trestle bridges and replacing a three-kilometre diversion to the nearby South Gippsland Highway.

The railway was important for the settlement and development of the area, particularly providing transport for forestry and dairy products to Melbourne.

[6] The trail passes through wide-open spaces of lush dairy country before entering teatree and eucalypt bushland near Koonwarra.

[7] This section of the trail has a fine gravel surface and passes through bushland, swamp scrub and lowland forest.

[7] The quirky town of Fish Creek has a strong arts scene and plenty of options to eat and restock supplies.

The trail is initially an off-road bike path, then joins a quiet unsealed road which follows the alignment of the former horse-drawn Port Welshpool Tramway.

[9] The 21 km extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail between Welshpool and Alberton was declared open on 7 June 2024.