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$2 from every adult bicycle hired is donated to the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail.
​The rail trail is managed and maintained by a small group of volunteers and this donation assists with the upkeep of the rail trail.

Looking for winter school holiday activities? Entertain the kids this school holidays with 50% off children's bike hire*. Enter promo code WINTER50 at checkout.
You may be thinking, what activities are there to keep the kids entertained this school holidays? 
​
Travel to the charming towns of Cobden or Timboon in South West Victoria and enjoy a family bike ride along the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail, the 12 Apostles Bicycle Trail or simply ride around one of these quaint little towns (see below for 7 things to do on your family bike ride).

Hire bikes and spend time with your family doing something active and memorable.

​Get 50% off children's bike hire this school holidays when you book one or more adult bikes. Enter promo code WINTER50 at checkout.
​Valid until 31st July 2023.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Bicycle hire
  • Helmet
  • Directions to the most suitable family friendly ride from your chosen departure point

8 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR BIKE RIDE THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ​

  1. Visit Cobden Sewing Machines and Lolly Shop in Cobden for a mid ride sugar hit.
  2. Visit A Little Bit Of Sweet Lolly Shop in Timboon for an end of ride sugar hit.​
  3. Visit Timboon Fine Ice Cream for ice cream and if you're lucky you might even find piping hot cinnamon donuts on the menu.
  4. Grab lunch and a soft serve ice cream at the kid friendly Bistro On Neylon at the Cobden Golf Club in Cobden at the end of your ride. There is a small playground, a kids menu and soft serve ice cream machine which is quite the hit.
  5. Check if the Cobden Miniature Railway is open and stop by for a ride on the amazing miniature trains. This one will not disappoint! Miniature trains are scheduled to be open to the public from 11am - 4pm on Sunday 25th June, Sunday 2nd July, Sunday 9th July and Sunday 16th July however be sure to check their website or Facebook page to check public open dates. Cheap thrills for the kids at only $3 per ride. Run by the volunteers of South Western Model Engineers Inc.
  6. Check if the Cobden Mini Golf course is open and drop by for a round of mini golf. Open 3 Sundays over the winter school holidays Sunday 25th June, Sunday 2nd July, Sunday 9th July. A fun addition to your bike ride. Run by the Rotary Club of Cobden volunteers.
  7. Visit the Big Butter at Cobden's Pioneer Park. The Big Butter is available to visit 7 days a week for photo opportunities. Pioneer Park is open 3 Sundays over the winter school holidays Sunday 25th June, Sunday 2nd July, Sunday 9th July. You might also like to wander next door to the Cobden & District Historical Society. Both Cobden's Pioneer Park and Cobden & District Historical Society are run by volunteers.
  8. On Wednesday 5th July finish your family bike ride in Cobden with an afternoon of Lego, brought to you by The Rotary Club of Cobden. A special school holiday event from 1.30pm - 3.30pm at Cobden's Anglican Church Hall. Entry by gold coin donation. Free afternoon tea and lucky door prizes. 

Don't forget to enter promo code WINTER50 at checkout for 50% off children's bicycle rental.

​HOW TO GET THERE

Cobden is a small rural town 2 1/2 hour drive from Melbourne in South West Victoria and is the home of Western Star Butter.
To get to Cobden from Geelong, you can take the Princes Highway, and then turn south on Cobden-Stonyford Road. The journey takes about 1 hours and 30 minutes by car. 
  • Colac to Cobden 35 minutes
  • Warrnambool to Cobden 45 minutes
  • Geelong to Cobden 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Melbourne CBD to Cobden 2 hours 30 minutes
Alternatively, you can take a train from Warrnambool or Geelong to Camperdown, and then take a bus or taxi to Cobden. The train ride from Geelong takes about 1 3/4 hours and the bus or taxi ride takes about 15 minutes.

A public bus runs from Camperdown to Timboon via Cobden on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bus timetable: ​http://popes-timboon.com.au/services/public-transport/        
Timboon won silver in Victoria's Top Tourism Towns Awards in 2022 and is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Melbourne in South West Victoria.
To get to Timboon from Geelong, you can take the Princes Highway, and then turn south on Timboon-Colac Road. The journey takes about 1 hours and 50 minutes by car. 
  • Warrnambool to Timboon 45 minutes
  • Colac to Timboon 50 minutes
  • Geelong to Timboon 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Melbourne CBD to Timboon 2 hours 40 minutes
​
Or catch the Vline train to Camperdown and then a public bus runs from Camperdown to Timboon via Cobden on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bus timetable: ​http://popes-timboon.com.au/services/public-transport/        
Wait, have you got your discount code? Don't forget to enter promo code WINTER50 at checkout for 50% off children's bicycle rental.

STARTING YOUR RIDE IN CAMPERDOWN

If you are staying in Camperdown or arriving at the Camperdown train station from Warrnambool, Melbourne, Colac or Geelong by Vline train, we can pick you up and drop you and the bikes off at the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail in Naroghid for a small transport fee.

Don't forget to enter promo code WINTER50 at checkout for 50% off children's bicycle rental.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - BIKE HIRE

how long does it take to ride the full rail trail from camperdown to timboon?
April 2023 Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail Update. Bridge and Part Trail Closure: The trail and bridges 13 and 14 between Merrett's Road and the Timboon trestle bridge are currently closed for bridge works. Date of reopening to be confirmed. Please contact us to arrange bicycle transfers around closed sections of the trail. Bridges 13 and 14 will continue to remain closed as per track signage. Both bridges will be closed off for remedial works until further notice. The rail trail committee are sorry for the inconvenience, however the closure is required for works to be completed. Thank you for understanding.

The ride from Camperdown to Naroghid is along country roads so we recommend starting or ending your ride in Naroghid. Generally riding an ebike will be a quicker ride than a mountain bike. The time it takes will depend on your level of fitness, if you have a mountain or ebike and how often you stop along the way.

Allow a full day to ride from Naroghid to Timboon, one way (or ride in reverse) including lunch, toilet and rest breaks. If you're not in a rush or not up feeling too fit and up for a physically demanding one day ride, we recommend turning the ride into a two or three day ride to allow time to ride at your leisure, take in the scenery and enjoy rest stops along the way.

Ride from Cobden to Timboon for lunch and back, or Timboon to Cobden for lunch and back. Allow a full day which includes time to stop for lunch. Leave between 8am-9am to ensure you don't have to rush. 

The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail now connects with the 12 Apostles Trail which will take you all the way through to Port Campbell.

For shorter ride options:
Naroghid to Cobden and back: Approx. 1.5 hours
Cobden to Naroghid and back: Approx. 1.5 hours
​Timboon to the Timboon Trestle Bridge and back: Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
Cobden to Glenfyne and back: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
Glenfyne to Cobden and back: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
Ride one way from Cobden to Timboon: Approx. 3 hours
Ride one way from Timboon to Cobden: Approx. 3 hours

You will find more detailed trail information on the rail trails Australia website railtrails.org.au

Transport for bikes and bike riders is available from Ride With Us to and from your preferred destinations. Please contact us for transport pricing.
are there toilet stops along the way?
  • Camperdown: Public toilets available in Camperdown town centre and at Lake Bullen Merri.
  • Cobden: Public toilets are available in the Cobden town centre on the corner of Curdie Street and Victoria Street. Toilets are available at the Cobden Golf Club / Bistro on Neylon and the BP roadhouse on Neylon Street for customer use should you choose to stop in to enjoy a drink, meal or make a purchase.
  • Glenfyne: Glenfyne Hall has toilets available and is located on the rail trail. Please note, toilets may be locked.
  • Timboon: There are public toilets in Timboon town centre. There are also a variety of hospitality venues in Timboon which serve food and drinks and have toilets available for customers.
  • Port Campbell: Public toilets are available in the town centre and at the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club.

For more information on locations of public toilets toiletmap.gov.au
does the camperdown to timboon rail trail go through towns?
  • Camperdown: Camperdown is the official start of the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail however the trail from Camperdown to Naroghid involves riding along country roads. Should you wish to start or end your ride in Camperdown, you will find many shops, cafes, bakeries, clothes and gift shops as well as two supermarkets and public toilets.
  • Cobden: The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail goes through the town of Cobden. Your ride will take you through the middle of the Cobden Golf Club (you will see the clubhouse from the trail). The Cobden Golf Club lounge is open 7 days a week for drinks and snacks and Bistro on Neylon dining room at the golf club is for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday.  In the Cobden town centre (Curdie Street) you will find a bakery, sit down and take away, a pub, clothes and gifts as well as a supermarket and public toilets. You will need to make a small detour taking an extra few minutes ride into the town centre.
  • Glenfyne: The rail trail also goes through Glenfyne where there is a public hall, public toilets, barbeque and picnic area. There are no shops in Glenfyne.
  • Timboon: The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail ends in the centre of Timboon. Timboon has many shops and is renowned for the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Timboon Fine Ice Cream. You will also find a lolly shop, gifts, clothes, cafe, take away, op shop, pub, supermarket and public toilets.
  • Port Campbell: The 12 Apostles Trail is now open from Timboon to the Port Campbell town lookout. The final section of stage one of the trail from the Port Campbell town lookout into the town centre is currently under construction. Bike riders can ride along the road into the town centre. The trail connects with the lookout path into the town centre so walkers can make their way down the steps from the lookout directly into town.
Where can I park my car?
There are a few unsecured parking options along the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail:
  • Naroghid: A small dedicated rail trial car park can be found at Naroghid Road or parking is available at Lake Bullen Merri.
  • Cobden Golf Course / Bistro on Neylon (Neylon Street): If dining at the Cobden Golf Club or Bistro on Neylon as part of your bike ride, riders are welcome to park at the Cobden Golf Club Car Park on Neylon Street, Cobden.
  • Cobden: When you hire your bikes and arrange to pick up in Cobden, you can leave your car in Walker Street at the property you pick your bikes up from and ride a short distance from there to the rail trail entrance. Public roadside parking is available in Curdie Street, Victoria Street and at Lake Cobden.  
  • Glenfyne Hall: 1177 Cobden-Warrnambool Road, Glenfyne. 
  • Timboon Trestle Bridge: Limeworks Road, Curdie's River.
  • Timboon: At start of trail behind Timboon Railway Shed Distillery.
  • Port Campbell: Port Campbell Recreation Reserve.

Please note:
  • Car parks are not patrolled.
  • Hikers and riders leave their vehicles in these areas at their own risk.
  • Please remember to remove valuables and lock your vehicle.
  • ​Your car safety remains your responsibility. Be sure to advise local police if you intend to leave a vehicle for any length of time beyond one day in one of these car parks. ​
IS there somewhere to stop for lunch or coffee?
For your convenience we offer gourmet grazing platter hampers or a back pack of snacks to take on your ride or you are welcome to BYO food and drinks. Should you wish to stop along the way for food and drinks there are several options:

  • Camperdown: Camperdown is the official start of the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail however the trail from Camperdown to Naroghid involves riding along country roads. Should you wish to start or end your ride in Camperdown, you will find many shops, cafes, bakeries as well as two supermarkets.
 
  • Cobden: The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail goes through the town of Cobden. The rail trail runs right through the Cobden Golf Club and past Bistro on Neylon or you will need to make a small detour into the town centre or to the BP Roadhouse. 
    • Cobden Golf Club and Bistro on Neylon: You will see the clubhouse from the trail. Stop in at the Cobden Golf Club lounge, open 7 days a week for drinks and snacks or Bistro on Neylon dining room at the golf club is open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday cobdengolf.com.au Bistro menu also available in the Golf Club lounge from Tuesday to Sunday.
    • Cobden BP Roadhouse on the corner of Bond Street and Cobden-Camperdown Road has take away food and is open 7 days. 
    • In Cobden town centre in addition to a supermarket you will find the following food options:
      • The Cobden Bakery is open Monday to Saturday.
      • Thommo's Hotel is open Wednesday to Sunday thommoshotel.com.au
      • Cafe on Curdie is open Monday to Friday facebook.com
      • The Bluewren is open Monday to Friday and Saturday until 1pm facebook.com/thebluewrenshop
      • Cobden Seafoods is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch.
 
  • Glenfyne: The rail trail also goes through Glenfyne where there is a public hall, public toilets, barbeque and picnic area. There are no shops in Glenfyne.
  ​
For more dining options visit12apostles.com.au/restaurants
Is there anywhere to stay the night along the camperdown to timboon rail trail?
Camperdown
Cobden
Lake Elingamite
Lake Elingamite is approximately a ten minute bike ride from the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail.
Glenfyne
  • Walkers and bike riders can camp along the trail in Glenfyne. There is also a barbeque and picnic area a short distance from the campsite. Toilets available at the Glenfyne Hall.

Timboon
Port Campbell
For more accommodation options visit12apostles.com.au/accommodation/
HOW many kms is the camperdown to timboon rail trail?
Find detailed trail information here: railtrails.org.au/trails/camperdown-to-timboon
CAN I RIDE OR WALK ONE WAY?
Yes, you can ride one way. Ride With Us provides a bike and rider shuttle service which is available with or without hiring a bike from us. The cost of transport is dependent on your pick up and drop off locations. Walkers are also welcome. Transport times are flexible as we pick up and drop off on demand. Please book this service in advance to ensure availability. Maximum of people per trip. Larger groups can be transported by arrangement. Please feel free to contact us about bike, rider or walker shuttle service along the trail.
is bicycle transport available?
Yes bicycle transport is available. A shuttle service is available along all sections of the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail and the new 12 Apostles Trail and to or from your accommodation. Shuttle service is available with or without bike hire from Ride With Us and walkers are also welcome. Max. eight people and nine bikes per trip. Please book transfers in advance to ensure availability. Transport for larger groups is available by prior arrangement.
CAN I BRING MY DOG OR CAT?
Yes. Both the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail and the new 12 Apostles trail from Timboon to Port Campbell are pet friendly. Ride With Us has a pet bicycle trailer and a pet bicycle seat available for hire.
is the 12 apostles trail open?
Yes, the 12 Apostles Trail is now partially open from Timboon to Port Campbell. 
For trail updates visit ridewithus.com.au/12apostlestrail

Bike riders can ride along the road into the town centre. Some works are still continuing. The latest trail conditions and works information can be found here: corangamite.vic.gov.au/Council/Have-Your-Say/TwelveApostlesTrail​ 
how many kms is the 12 apostles trail?
The 12 Apostles bicycle trail will be approximately 20kms when the last section of the trail is completed from the Port Campbell town lookout into Port Campbell town centre.
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76 Walker Street, Cobden, Victoria 3266
Phone: 0438 407 777
[email protected]
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© Ride With Us Pty Ltd 2018  ABN: 85 622 480 719
We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of the country throughout Victoria and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.