Dookie Rail Trail

Dookie Rail Trail Dookie Rail Trail Dookie Rail Trail Dookie Rail Trail Dookie Rail Trail Dookie Rail Trail
Directions: Dookie rail trail starts opposite the Gladstone Hotel, Mary Street, Dookie. Dookie is located approximately 30 kilometres from the city of Shepparton.

The Dookie Rail Trail offers scenic views of rolling hills, seasonal crops, wildlife and a town with spirit. This trail is suitable for all ages, with gentle hill climbs and great views of the Dookie & Yabba Districts.

Where:
67-71 Mary Street,
Dookie VIC 3646

Click here to download the Dookie Rail Trail Brochure

About the Dookie Rail Trail

The Dookie Rail Trail is a very picturesque trail, albeit relatively short, making it perfect for cyclists and walkers looking to enjoy a gentle ride or stroll traversing some of the Goulburn Valley’s most fertile farm land nestled between Mt Saddleback and Mt Major.

The trail stretches out in two directions from the centre of Dookie township:

Stage 1 (4.7km one way, 9.3km return):

Heading eastwards, after a gentle climb you can turn back to see the majestic view of Mt Major to the South and Gentle Annie hill to the South East. As you cross over the range you will gently meander onto the Yabba flats with their olive and orange groves, vineyards, cropping lands and the ever memorable Dookie Red loams.

Look out for the Wildlife!

Keep your eyes peeled!! ... If you’re lucky you might just happen upon ‘Willy the Wombat’, at the 3rd intersection (Hooper’s Rd) ... Willy has made a den in the under-road drain!

There have been many sightings of Echidna’s, Blue Tongue Lizards, kangaroos and even two Wedge-Tailed Eagles along with everyone’s favourite the Koala! ... not to mention the possums, and incredible bird life that inhabit the trees along the trail and the odd rabbit or two! ... and although they are not so wild, there are always sheep, and often lambs, in the paddocks nearby ... See if you can spot the camels!!

Stage 2 (3km one way, 6km return):

This section of the trail heads westwards from the site of the former Dookie Railway station platform, offering as different perspective of the region with a view that is more open, with low foliage and less undulation.  Interpretive signage offers a greater understanding of the area and interesting insights into Dookie's past.

Points of Interest

  • CWA Gardens is home to the towns historic clock, originally housed in the historic Dookie Chateau tower and cellars, built in 1889.
  • The trail is set at the base of Mount Saddleback. To the South you can see Mount Major, Gentle Annie hill to the South East and to the West you will see St Mary’s Church, built in 1898. The church features stained glass windows dating from 1911.
  • The branch line to Katamatite was constructed by the Yarrawonga Shire in 1890 and taken over by the Victorian Railways in 1892. The railway was closed in 1986 and the rails removed shortly after. The branch line from Shepparton to Dookie is still used by grain trains.
  • Spot the various fauna and flora including echidnas, blue tongue lizards, kangaroos and even wedge tailed eagles.

Walk Notes

  • There are no toilet or water facilities offered on the trail, but are available at the Dookie CWA Gardens.
  • This walk provides access to geocaches. 
  • Care is required when crossing all roads.
  • Be aware of snakes during the warmer months.
Directions: Dookie rail trail starts opposite the Gladstone Hotel, Mary Street, Dookie. Dookie is located approximately 30 kilometres from the city of Shepparton.