If you live in South-East Queensland or Northern NSW there are a surprising number of rail trail rides on your doorstep.
Some are short’ish day and weekender trips. Some are longer, offering top multi-day riding holiday options, particularly if you link up with country roads and state forest trails.
Here is a list of some of our favourites. For inspiration :)
What are Rail Trails?
Rail trails are shared-use paths from abandoned railway corridors that are now being used for horse riding, running, walking, and, of course, cycling.
Free from cars and busy traffic they are excellent, easy-riding trails that help us explore some of our history and enjoy our beautiful countryside safely and peacefully.
Plus they are helping breathe new life into the small country towns and rural communities they link up by providing cyclists like us with safe and interesting riding destinations.
With a rail trail you can expect graded gravel and dirt surfaces most of the way, and some have paved sections too.
On occasion you might need to cross through creeks or embankments and take side roads. Just to add a bit of adventure to the day!
On the whole, these are great trails for everyone - from beginner to experienced riders, individuals, groups and families. They are also suitable for many types of bikes which means we can all go out and enjoy them.
Our list of rail trail rides close to us in South-East Queensland is grouped as follows:
- The classics – long sections of trail that have helped pave the way for the rail trail movement. Perfect for a multi-day tour or just choose sections for a day or weekend ride
- Day rides - Shorter rides to ease you into it, or that can be linked up with local roads and other trails for longer riding routes
Classic Rail Trail Rides near Brisbane
- Brisbane Valley Rail Trail "BVRT" (161km)
- Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail (89 km), can be linked to the BVRT
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail (132km once completed)
Read further below for an overview of each, and other ride suggestions if in the area.
Day Rides near Brisbane
- Ferny Grove Rail Trail (9km with link to Samford Village)
- Caboolture to Wamuran (11km)
- Fassifern Rail Trail (6km) - near Boonah
- Logan Village to Yarrabilba (3km, more to come with 42km planned to Beaudesert)
- Mary Valley Rail Trail (5km) - Imbil to Brooloo
- Mary to Bay (32km) - a bit further away! Maryborough to Hervey Bay
Rails Trails Australia provide an excellent resource for locating trails. See their website below.
Overview of the Classics
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Length km: 161km
Distance from Brisbane: Approx 1 hour drive
Start / End Locations: Wulkuraka (Ipswich) to Yarraman
Trail Type: Compacted Earth, Coarse Gravel, Fine Gravel, Sealed
The BVRT is currently the longest section of rail trail in Queensland. You can ride it end to end over a few days or there are some popular sections often done over a day ride or with an overnight stop.
The first 23km leg is from Ipswich to Fernvale, also often a popular out and back ride. It's a great way to get started with rail trail riding. Riding from Lowood to Esk passes through native bushlands and this leg also passes through the town of Coominya.
Esk to Toogoolawah then Moore takes bikers through farmland and undulating trails. Past Moore the surface shift to more gravel and narrower and you are treated to stunning views and scenery, particularly the last section from Blackbutt to Yarraman.
For more information on the trail and its support resources such as accommodation and shuttling, the BVRT has a website with excellent information.
It is just a 45-minute drive from this location to Kingaroy and the start of the South Burnett Rail Trail if you want to extend your adventure.
Alternatively, there is a fantastic 55km link road which you can ride to Kingaroy which rolls along quiet back roads and a rugged stock route to Kingaroy.
Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail
Length km: 89km
Distance from Brisbane: Approx 3 hour drive
Start / End Locations: Kilkivan to Kingaroy
Trail Type: Coarse Gravel, Fine Gravel, Sealed
This is another long trail that can be done over 1-2 days or in a day. The first half (Kingaroy – Murgon) is 44km and known as the South Burnett Rail Trail. This is mainly paved surface and suitable for just about all types of bikes.
The next section to Kilkivan is a bit rougher and better suits an all-terrain or mountain / trail bike.
Most of the towns the trail passes through have good facilities and interesting historical facts. Goomeri, Murgon, Wondai, and Kingaroy all have visitor information centres and BNB accommodation is readily available, with camping also available in Wooroolin, Tingora, Goomeri, and Wondai.
If you want some ideas, here is the South Burnett Rail Trail route that Bill and Lesley rode on a weekend away: Murgon to Kingaroy.
Another option if you are adventurous (and ok with country roads) is to continue riding through Kilkivan to Gympie, where you can pick up a train back to Brisbane. Or if you want to ride even further to the coast then keep to the country roads to Maryborough then finish your ride on the Mary To Bay Rail Trail to Hervey Bay
There is also a wonderful new cycle route called the Downs Burnett Cycle Trail that links into these trails. In total this offers a 450km loop (yes, really!!) and lots of ideas for shorter rides if that is what you prefer.
Visit their website for further information:
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Length km: 132km once completed
Distance from Brisbane: Approx 2 hour drive
Start / End Locations: Murwillumbah to Casino
Trail Type: Coarse Gravel, Fine Gravel, Sealed
There is currently a proposal to open the Northern Rivers Rail Trail "NRRT", which will connect Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lismore, and Casino. When completed, the trail will span for 132km, and will take bikers through some beautiful scenic northern New South Wales countryside.
Two sections have been completed so far, with other sections in varying stages of approval and development.
The Tweed Valley section of the Rail Trail opened in early 2023 and its workmanship and scenic location fast saw it become one of the most popular cycling routes in Australia. This is a 24km section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek suitable for all types of bikes.
The other end of the trail, the 13.4 km Richmond Valley section leading into Casino has recently opened and we can look forward to continuing development.
For further information and updates visit the NRRT website:
If you plan to visit the Tweed Valley then have a look at the article below with more ride suggestions provides by some of our customers:
- The Tweed Valley. EBike Ride Ideas
Electric Bikes for Rail Trail Riding
Depending on what trails you decide to ride most electric bikes will suit. However if you want extra comfort and traction, as well as the ability to carry luggage for touring, then take a look at our excellent selection of adventure and touring ebikes.
GO TO ADVENTURE & TOURING EBIKES >>
Further Resources for Ride Inspiration
See our article on Rail Trail and Cycling Trails in NSW.
Also see our article on Bike Rides and Rail Trails in Victoria and Andrew's account of his 8-day ride through the Victorian High Country.
Rails Trails Australia provide an excellent resource for locating trails. See their website below.
