Developed in 2016, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project, which includes the development and installation of public art, landscaping, improved amenity options and new commercial opportunities along the trail, looks to effectively establish the region’s rail trail network as an authentic, iconic tourism product, central to delivering strong outcomes for the local visitor economy including increased visitation and yield.
The M2M Rail Trail Enhancements Project will see the introduction of a series of world-class installations, experiences and infrastructure improvements designed to increase visitation by offering one of a kind, “must-see” moments that are engaging, shareable and repeatable.
Through a curatorial lens, the Trail will be transformed into a seamless journey that celebrates local stories and provides meaningful creative opportunities for Victorian artists and First Nations peoples to share their work on a world stage.
The project aims to:
- Make the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail the pre-eminent rail trail in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Drive repeat visitation and advocacy for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail through enhancing the visitor experience.
- Inspire, delight, encourage talkability and social shareability to position the Murray to Mountains Trail as a ‘must do’ accessible cycling experience to domestic and international audiences.
New visitation from the initiative is expected to generate 17,500+ additional visitors and $12.3 Million in output per annum. The project is also expected to support the creation of 65 ongoing jobs.
In 2022, the Victorian State Government announced $8.5 million in funding to support the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements project. To support the delivery of the project, Tourism North East is the lead agency, working closely with the Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo and Alpine Shires.
For LGA-specific updates, please use the links below.
Project Update | June 2025
Yackandandah Roundabout and Underpass
Enhancing the popular Beechworth to Yackandandah section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Agency of Sculpture together with Drez Studios will create a feast for the eyes and practical rest stop between the two towns.
The rest stop will feature a small pavilion complemented by handmade furniture and landscaping, and the underpass will be transformed into a captivating kaleidoscope.
Artist, Drez, has created a bold, site-specific mural that transforms the Yackandandah Rail Trail tunnel into an immersive passage of rhythm, colour, and perceptual play. Reflecting the theme MIND FULL, the work captures the spirit of a creative community radiating energy, sparking curiosity, and offering an unexpected visual experience.
The works are due to commence shortly and will be completed by early August 2025.
King Valley, Oxley Sign
Tourism North East have commissioned artist Alexander Knox to develop a new gateway sign to the King Valley that will be positioned in the roundabout, at the Oxley end of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trial.
The sign is aimed at giving visitors both a sense of arrival and place as they enjoy the trail experience between Wangaratta and Milawa.
The unique circular design ensures strong visibility from all directions and will complement Alexander Knox’s previous work, Bubbles in the Landscape, located on the trail side of the intersection.
The works are due to commence shortly and will be completed by early August 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the funding come from?
A. The Victorian State Government announced $8.5 million in funding for the Murray to Mountains Enhancement project in the 2022 State budget.
Q. Why is this money being spent on a rail trail, rather than on critical infrastructure or repairs?
A. Tourism is a critical industry across North East Victoria. Funds spent investing into tourism infrastructure supports a $2.3 Billion industry by providing better experiences for visitors, meaning more reasons to visit and stay longer.
Q. What will the actual outcomes of the project be?
A. New visitation from the initiative is expected to generate 17,500+ additional visitors and $12.3 Million in output per annum. The project is also expected to support the creation of 65 ongoing jobs. Physical outcomes include the development and installation of public art, landscaping, improved amenity options and new commercial opportunities along the trail, establishing the region’s rail trail network as an authentic, iconic tourism product, central to delivering strong outcomes for the local visitor economy including increased visitation and yield.
Q. When will it be completed?
A. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements will roll out in phases beginning in the second half of 2024 with anticipated completion by mid-2025.
Q. Where will the enhancements be exactly?
A. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements will be placed along the trail at sites in the Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire and the Rural City of Wangaratta. A full precinct map and details of each site will be released with Artist Briefs in early 2024.
Q. Who is responsible for the project?
A. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements managed by Tourism North East (TNE) in consultation with the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire and the Rural City of Wangaratta. The project is curated by DAE Global, producers of White Night Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong from 2017-2019.
Key dates
- Artists Expressions of Interest platform closes: 1 March 2024
- Creative briefs issued to selected artists: Mid-February 2024
- Art installation to commence: July 2024-onwards
* Subject to change.