After the closure of the Warburton railway line in July 1965 and the dismantling of the track in the early 1970's, the land remained vacant.

In 1984, and again in 1996, the state government investigated selling the land but withdrew the proposal, in part due to community opposition.

Over several years a significant amount of effort went into clearing the land, restoring 13 bridges and surfacing of the trail.

Negotiations were undertaken with neighbouring farmers who had previously occupied the reserve, to erect fencing and gates where necessary.

The southern end of the deviation rises to meet the original alignment of the trail at a steep grade that makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs.