The Domino Rail Trail is an easy walk that is 6km long one-way and 12km return. The Domino Trail is a rail trail that follows the route of the original railway line that travelled between Daylesford and Carlsruhe. This walk will take approximately three hours to complete the return journey.
The Domino Rail Trail takes you through the beautiful Wombat State Forest that was formerly used by loggers. It is predominantly in a straight line that maybe a bit boring for some people. As the track it is almost entirely under tree cover it is a great walk to do on super sunny days. There are a few side tracks at the Lyonville end of the track to break the journey up a bit.
As it is a one-way walk you have different options depending on which end you want to start the walk. If you start your walk at Trentham Station it is perfect to end the first 6km leg by going to the Radio Springs Hotel for a drink or a bite to eat at the half-way stage.
Keep in mind that as at 30 January 2023 the Radio Springs Hotel opens at 12PM so don't arrive too early if you are planning to have your pit-stop there. If it's a holiday weekend then I'd suggest booking a table ahead of your arrival to avoid any disappointment. It can get quite busy. If planning ahead you can check if they are going to have some live music.
Conversely if you start at your journey at the Lyonville end (Radio Springs Hotel) you can enjoy your pit-stop in Trentham and enjoy the shops, Red Beard Bakery, cafes, wander the high street and more. Trentham is a beautiful little town and kind of goes under the radar. There's also a French restaurant if that takes your fancy but you definitely have to book ahead if you plan on going there.
As a predominantly straight line track and no major inclines or declines the walk is very easy but doesn't change in scenery all that much along the way. The Lyonville end of the walk definitely is a bit greener and lush and has slightly more variety in vegetation. If a tree-lined walk takes your fancy and it does look quite nice in photo's it's still quite an engaging walk.
Location
It will take to between 1:15 to 1:30 to get to Trentham Railway Station from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne CBD. The journey is about 100km's. If you drive via Blackwood the views and scenery get progressively more attractive until you get close to Trentham itself. The Greendale Pub is an attractive stop off point for a pub lunch and gets very busy if that is your kind of thing.
Map of trail
As outlined earlier this walk is basically a straight line. I wasn't lying!
Other Things To Do
While you are at the Domino Rail Trail why not consider:
- The Whipstick Loop Walk
- Garden of St Erth, plant nursery and cafe (Blackwood)
- Trentham Falls
- Lerderderg Heritage River Walk (Trentham)
- Lunch at the Greendale Pub
- Taking in the high street of Blackwood
- Lunch at the Radio Springs Hotel
