The High Country Rail Trail, stretching 81 kilometres from Wodonga to Shelley along the former Wodonga–Cudgewa rail line, is a much‑loved recreational, tourism and heritage asset. The trail winds past Lake Hume, through productive high‑country farmland, pine plantations and areas of Australian bushland, offering cyclists and walkers a uniquely diverse and scenic experience.

During the 2026 Towong Shire bushfires, a significant section of the trail sustained serious damage, including the loss of several historic trestle bridges that formed an iconic part of the Trail’s railway heritage. As a result, the section of the High Country Rail Trail between Bullioh and Shelley is currently closed for safety reasons.
Importantly, the highly popular section of trail between Wodonga and Bullioh, via Tallangatta and Old Tallangatta, was not impacted by the fires and remains open and ready to be enjoyed. Visitors are warmly encouraged to experience this 51‑kilometre stretch of trail and to support businesses in the economically impacted lakeside town of Tallangatta.

Towong Shire Council, together with its communities, is committed to advocating for government funding to restore the High Country Rail Trail in a way that celebrates its rich railway history and respectfully honours the trestle bridges lost to the fires. The restoration project will focus on commemoration, interpretation and design elements that acknowledge the trail’s heritage, while strengthening its tourism appeal, supporting community recovery, and ensuring the future of this long term regional asset.

The communities of The Undiscovered are looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the open sections of the High Country Rail Trail and to sharing the journey as restoration works progress, with the aim of reopening the remaining 30 kilometres in the future.