G2Q Rail Trail
Welcome to the G2Q (Geelong to Queenscliff) Rail Trail which will take you on an amazing journey along the beautiful Bellarine Rail Trail across the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula.
The G2Q series of caches are placed along the Bellarine Rail Trail which is located between Geelong and Queenscliff following the route of the old railway branch line which was opened officially in 1897 and closed in 1976.
In 1979 the Bellarine Railway reopened part of the line which now extends from Queenscliff to Drysdale with regular tourist train services. Later a rail trail was established linking Geelong to Queenscliff.
The G2Q cache series runs along the rail trail starting at Strong Street, South Geelong and ends near the Queenscliff station. The trail is approximately 34 kilometres in length and at its highest point, near Drysdale, is approximately 80 metres above sea level. The trail’s surface is a mixture of asphalt and gravel and is rated as one of the best rail trails in Australia. It makes its way through urban areas and farmland on its way from to Queenscliff.
The G2Q Rail Trail series can be done in sections or as a day long ride. You can walk, jog, run, ride your bike or horse (please note that horses may only travel on the trail between Geelong and Drysdale) but motorized vehicles are prohibited from accessing the trail. Watch out for the numerous road crossings.
Emergency trail markers displaying the distance to and from Geelong, Drysdale and Queenscliff are located every two kilometres. Ensure that you carry enough water with you for your journey as access to water is limited. Once you leave Geelong, Leopold, Drysdale and Queenscliff are the only locations along the trail that will have access to toilet stops, coffee, food and occasional public transport.
Be aware that you may see snakes during the warmer months.
The Bellarine Railway run regular train excursions between Queenscliff and Drysdale so watch out for trains in this section.
Now get out there and enjoy the adventure!
This section of the G2Q cache series is devoted to the Victorian Railways locomotives and the people who worked the branch line hauling goods and passengers.
A J class engine has been chosen for this cache. There were 60 in the class all built by Vulcan Foundry Co. in England, 1953-1954 and were designated as 2-8-0 type. It seems unlikely this class was used on the Queenscliff line, however they are significant for being the last of the steam engines purchased by the Victorian Railways.