The Colac Otway Shire advises that Old Beechy Trail is closed to public access between Beech Forest and Banool I started my ride at Beech Forest and noted many of the small community businesses had closed, perhaps due in part to the lack of cycling tourists. The trail was mostly downhill to Gellibrand tracking through some old forest areas and deep moist gullies of mostly native vegetation. Disturbed areas were heavily impacted by blackberries and ragwort (introduced weeds). Lyrebirds were audible in the dense forested areas and, king parrots and crimson rosellas were plentiful. The first 2kms of trail out of Beech Forest did not follow old rail alignment as local farming practises have become established since the line was closed. This has seen the trail rerouted through steep terrain and unsatisfactory as a rail trail. I would suggest that the trail be realigned along the old Colac Road to Dinmont avoiding steep grades and poor trail surface. Colac Otway Shire Council have temporary signage about current access restrictions. Some farmers have also added their restrictions for trail user entry. I understand that one farmer was abused by a trail user and has since closed access through his farm. A very disappointing and inaccurate reflection of typical trail users. Logging operations appear to have finished in the vicinity; however, operators still have recovery responsibilities along some sections of the trail. The interpretative signage is high quality and in good condition, however in need of cleaning of forest residue. The trail surface is generally in very good condition during summer, although wet winter conditions would be very different for cyclists. The Old Beechy is a fantastic rail corridor for trail enthusiasts. It has unique heritage to explore, tranquil bushland and informative signage which deserves to be enjoyed by the local and trail user communities. For further information – The Friends of Old Beechy Rail Trail (2) Facebook Old Beechy Rail Trail - Colac Otway Shire Old Beechy Rail Trail – Rail Trails Australia You Tube – Beechy Line 1956 - 1962 From RTA website Development and future of the rail trail After eight years of planning by local progress associations, volunteers and Colac Otway Shire, the concept of a rail trail became reality when it opened to the public in 2005. Large sections have since been closed while the shire resolves issues relating to trail safety, alignment and landholder access. Rail Trails Australia wrote to the Colac Otway Shire in 2020 to express concern about delays in reopening sections of the trail. Rail trail users may wish to write to Colac Otway Shire to: • Encourage the shire to reopen the closed sections of the trail. • Tell council how you would use the rail trail if it was fully open.