Five hikers set out to explore the historic hydroelectric infrastructure, tramways, trestle bridges and mountain forest of the Rubicon Valley on Sunday 17 December 2017.

The original plan was for a difficult 24km circuit with approximately 1,000m of ascent. By the time we returned, the Garmin had recorded 28.45km in 6 hours and 31 minutes, with 544m of total climbing.

Our route began near the junction of Rubicon Road and Royston Road. From there, we headed towards Rubicon Power Station and climbed the extremely steep hillside beside the pipeline before following the historic Rubicon Tramway to Rubicon Dam. The return journey followed Rubicon River Road, passing Rubicon Falls on the way back down the valley.

Hike at a glance

Although much of the tramway beside the aqueduct was comparatively level, the length of the day and the exceptionally steep opening climb made this a demanding hike requiring strong fitness.

A steep beginning beside the Rubicon pipeline

The most physically demanding climbing arrived almost immediately. From near Rubicon Power Station, the route rose sharply beside the pipeline, following the former haulage up the mountainside.

The original event description warned of an estimated 450m climb over only 1.5km. Historical information for the area describes the haulage as approximately 1.3km long, with an average gradient of about one in three. Looking back down the pipeline made the steepness of this opening section particularly apparent.

Hiking poles were valuable on this part of the route, both for maintaining balance and for taking some pressure off the legs during the sustained climb.

Reaching the top opened up views across the surrounding forested mountains before the route transitioned onto the much gentler tramway.

Following the historic Rubicon Tramway

The character of the hike changed considerably once we joined the Rubicon Tramway. Instead of another steep ascent, we followed a mostly level route beside the aqueduct as it wound through tall forest towards Rubicon Dam.

The narrow tramway, flowing water channel and scattered hydroelectric structures created an unusual walking environment. This was not simply a forest track: much of the route followed infrastructure built to carry water and provide access to the hydroelectric scheme.

Walking beside the tramway aqueduct, approaching one of the trestle bridges and passing surviving hydroelectric structures.

Tall gums, large ferns and the steep-sided valley surrounded the tramway. The aqueduct remained beside us through much of this section, occasionally disappearing into other infrastructure before reappearing farther along the route.

Timber trestle bridges through the forest

The tramway’s timber trestle bridges were among the most memorable features of the day. These structures carried the tramline and aqueduct across creeks and deeply cut sections of the valley.

Some bridges had been restored or were undergoing work, while others visibly showed their age. The hikers stopped at several of the structures to examine them and appreciate the scale of their construction.

Crossing and exploring the historic timber trestle bridges along the Rubicon Tramway.

The bridges were especially impressive when viewed from below, where their height and timber framework could be seen against the surrounding mountain ash forest.

Conditions and access arrangements around historic structures can change significantly. Present-day visitors should follow all barriers and signs and should not enter damaged, closed or restricted structures.

Reaching Rubicon Dam

We continued along the tramway until reaching Rubicon Dam. Here the water spilled over the dam wall and cascaded onto the rocks below, creating one of the most dramatic settings of the hike.

Several members of the group made their way down beside the river for lunch, surrounded by the damp forest, rocks and spray from the falling water.

Hikers below Rubicon Dam, water spilling over the wall and the group’s lunch stop beside the river.

Views from around the dam showed the water above the wall, the cascade below and the Rubicon River flowing away through the valley.

The Rubicon Dam wall, the river below and the water held above the dam.

Returning via Rubicon River Road and Rubicon Falls

Rather than returning along the tramway, we descended through the valley using Rubicon River Road. This created a longer circuit and took us past Rubicon Falls.

The road followed the river through tall forest, with views into the steep valley and across the surrounding ranges. After the narrow tramway, trestle bridges and aqueducts, this section provided a more open and direct return route.

Rubicon Falls appeared as a long cascade descending through the forested valley. Several viewpoints provided different perspectives of the falls and the river continuing below.

Rubicon Falls from Rubicon River Road and the river descending into the valley.

The group eventually returned to the pipeline and power-station area, completing a recorded 28.45km circuit—more than four kilometres longer than originally advertised.

Hydroelectric and timber history of the Rubicon Valley

The Rubicon Valley’s industrial remains reflect both timber harvesting and hydroelectric power generation.

Timber harvesting began in the district during the early twentieth century, and eight sawmills once operated in the surrounding forest. Tramways and large timber trestle bridges were constructed to move timber and equipment across the steep landscape.

The Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme was completed in 1929 and originally generated approximately one-fifth of Victoria’s electricity. Its four power stations, dams, aqueducts and pipelines continued operating long after its relative contribution to the state’s electricity supply became much smaller.

The steel tramway between Rubicon Power Station and Rubicon Dam was used to maintain the aqueduct until the mid-1990s. The broader scheme is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The route also passes through tall mountain ash forest and areas of cool temperate rainforest. The Rubicon Valley is on the Traditional Country of the Taungurung people.

Planning a walk in the Rubicon Valley

This report documents the route and conditions experienced by the group in December 2017. It should not be treated as a current navigation guide.

The current official Rubicon Heritage and Dam Walk provides a shorter heritage loop with an extension to Rubicon Dam. The official route follows the tramway and aqueduct through the forest and returns from the dam along the same track.

Trail Hiking Australia also describes the 17.3km Rubicon Aqueducts hike. This is a related Rubicon Valley route but is not identical to the 28.45km circuit completed during this Green Trails hike.

Before visiting:

• Check current forest access, road closures and track conditions.
• Follow all warning signs and barriers around dams, power stations and trestle bridges.
• Do not enter operational hydroelectric infrastructure or damaged structures.
• Be prepared for steep terrain and rapidly changing mountain weather.
• Carry sufficient drinking water, food, sun protection and suitable clothing.
• Keep clear of aqueduct edges, dam spillways and fast-moving water.
• Remember that Rubicon River Road and other roads may be subject to access restrictions or seasonal closures.

This hike was organised through Green Trails Australia’s Meetup group. View the original Rubicon Tramway and River event.