Comments on: Bushfires Devastate Two Victorian Rail Trails

By: Jill M.

Jill M. — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:00:04 +0000

This makes me so sad. We just rode this trail dec 29. I'd wanted to do it for a few years and finally made it happen. My husband and I stopped at every bridge to admire it and read the history. We had a wonderful day. It's a lesson in not waiting to see these things and make it happen if you can.
Thanks to RTA for your hard work and preservation efforts.

By: May L.

May L. — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:23:00 +0000

What a dreadful loss. Those historic bridges were key features of riding along rail trails in Victoria. How can they ever be replaced? It seems that all wooden bridges, particularly those in bushland areas, are vulnerable.

By: Daryl D.

Daryl D. — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 03:58:33 +0000

In reply to Brian S..

When the line was in use the trees near the line would have been cut down and the rest of the line kept clear. Today we like to ride though the trees and take in the scenery – bush. No wonder when a fire goes through these areas the damage is high. The build up of dry undergrowth also doesn’t help the situation.
How to manage this is left to the various government bodies who are task with this. But always it comes down to
Funds and man power.
As painting the bridges with fire proofing, a small 4 Lt tin costs $138.00.’

By: Brian S.

Brian S. — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:49:32 +0000

It is a shame those bridges were burnt but not surprised, there should have been better protection for those bridges like fire retardant sprayed on them at the beginning of the fire season, for more and better protection, the lower halves should be incased in concrete and metal coverings to reduce the effects of the fires, the ones on the Orbost Bairnsdale trail should be done asap, either we protect them better or expect more total destruction.