HighCountryRailTrailHuon, Sandy Creek Bridge, Tallangatta and Old Tallangatta

Visitors to Victoria’s High Country can discover one of this country’s great cycling and outdoors experiences with the reopening of the historic Sandy Creek Inlet railway bridge spanning Lake Hume.

The new 600 metre bridge is an impressive link creating 44 km of continuous High Country Rail Trail. It hugs the shoreline along the old railway line from Wodonga to Tallangatta and

beyond to Old Tallangatta, the original town that moved to make way for the lake’s expansion more than half a century ago.

Ten kilometres of the track, from the Huon Reserve to Tallangatta, has been resurfaced offering cyclists and walkers easy access to the superb views and rich history of this little-known place tucked away in the foothills of the Alpine National Park.

AUSTRALIA’S MOST SPECTACULAR NEW RAIL TRAIL

A NEW ICON OF THE HIGH COUNTRY

Framed against a spectacular backdrop of Australia’s highest peaks and beautiful Alpine valleys, the new Sandy Creek Bridge is set to become a 21st century icon of the High Country.

Rising dramatically from the clear waters of Lake Hume, its sculptural sweep of bright red pylons and 12 metre-high columns echo the rhythm and movement of a train at full steam ahead.

In this land of heroes and legends, this beautiful new structure is a must-see for cyclists, day-trippers, tour groups, walkers, bird-watchers, photographers, nature lovers and anyone else

in search of a memorable High Country experience.

A new 15 metre cantilevered viewing platform at the southern end of the bridge offers amazing vistas – and superb photo opportunities – of the beautiful Alpine scenery.

Visitors can also enjoy new picnic areas and upgraded parking for cars, tour buses, caravans and RVs.

DISCOVER AN AREA RICH IN HISTORY

The Sandy Creek Bridge and Rail Trail are steeped in the colourful history the High Country.

From the time it was built in 1887 until it closed in 1981 the Wodonga to Cudgewa railway line was a key transport link in the development of the High Country.

Used to transport both passengers and freight including gold and tin, timber and stock, the line also played a central role in such significant national projects as the damming of Lake Hume

and the creation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

Migrants from post-war Europe rode the line to Bonegilla before embarking on their new lives as Australian citizens.

Now the redevelopment of the Sandy Creek Bridge offers visitors the chance to discover a new chapter in the rich history of this fascinating area.

AUSTRALIA’S MOST SPECTACULAR NEW RAIL TRAIL

DISCOVER TALLANGATTA OLD AND NEW

In the mid-1950s the original township of Tallangatta was relocated eight km to allow for the expansion of Lake Hume to provide reliable water for annual irrigation downstream.

Most of the timber buildings were moved to the new site while brick houses, hotels, halls and churches were demolished.

A new shopping precinct was built around two large triangles of parkland and since then Tallangatta has been a busy service centre for the local farming community and for the increasing visitors keen to explore the many attractions of Lake Hume and the Alpine valleys.

The new town was officially opened in June 1956 but not without much pain for many families forced to leave their generational ties and a place whose social fabric had developed over a century.

Some of the original township remained and is known today as Old Tallangatta. In 1955 the original post office was renamed Tallangatta East.

Today, Tallangatta is a great base to explore the High Country Rail Trail. Pack a picnic and cycle or walk the eight kilometre track to the old town or head east and soak up the spectacular views from the Sandy Creek Bridge.

The High Country Rail Trail offers a great way for visitors, on two wheels or on foot, to explore Tallangatta – old and new.

Huon Hill Parklands

Kiewa River

Parklands

Padman Park

Federation Hill

Mahers Hill

Gateway Island

Parklands

JAMIESONDRIVE

CHAPPLES

ROAD

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High Country Rail Trail map base courtesy Railtrails Australia

TALLANGATTA

LAKEHUME

WODONGA

ALBURY

Gateway Island

Parklands

Padman Park

Huon Hill Parklands

Kiewa River

Parklands

Padman Park

Federation Hill

Mahers Hill

Gateway Island

Parklands

Tato

nga

19

2m

i

Wodonga Pathways map courtesy City of Wodonga

Hotel

Railway

Former RailwayStation

LEDGEND

GRADIENT CHART

Corryong Visitor Information Centre

P: 02 6076 2277

www.towong.vic.gov.au

www.parklands-alburywodonga.org.au

HighCountryRailTrailHuon, Sandy Creek Bridge, Tallangatta and Old Tallangatta