Saddle up – it’s time for an off-road adventure on the rails.
These trails might have been built when the world was run on steam trains, but today they are all about pedal (and foot) power. Here are our favourite rail trails across Australia.
NSW | SA | Qld | Tas | Vic | NT | WA
NSW
1. Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail crisscrosses the Tweed and Richmond Valley regions. So far, the 24-kilometre Tweed and 13.4-kilometre Richmond Valley sections have been completed. Check out Wollumbin/Mount Warning, see glow worms (and microbats, if you’re lucky) in the Burringbar Range Tunnel, and over two dozen restored and bypassed bridges.
Traverse the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Some sections have compact gravel and sealed surfaces, making these parts of the trail wheelchair and pram accessible, as well as accessible for scooters, bikes and walkers, and bridleways for horses.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail crisscrosses the Tweed and Richmond Valley regions.
2. Fernleigh Track
The Fernleigh Track is a sealed rail trail near Newcastle, which is popular with work commuters and families. There are plans to extend the 15-kilometre shared pathway further to Swansea.
The Fernleigh Track is popular with families.
Cycle through green bushland, wetlands and past historical stations and heritage railway detritus, with connecting tracks to Lake Macquarie. There are plenty of access points and car parks on the route and it is considered to be an easy grade.
Cycle through heritage railway tunnels along the Fernleigh Track. (Image: City of Newcastle)
3. Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail
Cycle through the dramatic Snowy Mountains landscapes, past Mt Kosciusko, on the 21-kilometre Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail. As well as the awe-inspiring valley and farmland views and vineyard cellar doors, interpretive signage explains the historical sites on the trail – including the remains of railway tracks, restored rail bridges and Pioneer Women’s Hut Museum.
The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail passes through a scenic sub-alpine countryside.
The track is sealed with gentle gradients, making it accessible to prams, mobility scooters and bicycles, as well as mountain bikes.
The track is accessible.
South Australia
4. Riesling Trail
The Riesling Trail is a 33-kilometre trail through the wine country of the Clare Valley. It is relatively easy with the length of it a fully graded and flat gravel track, although cycling is one of the more popular forms of taking in the cellar door vineyards and farmlands.
Wind your way through the wine country of the Clare Valley. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission / Adam Bruzzone)
5. Coast to Vines Rail Trail
Make your way down to the south of Adelaide for a day of cycling, strolling or horse riding on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The 38-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail takes in sea views to vineyards, passing the shiraz cellar doors of McLaren Vale and the granite boulders of Hallett Cove. The shared-use trail has bitumen, making it suitable for prams and wheelchairs, as well as bikes, walkers and horses in certain sections.
Stop by sprawling vineyards along the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.
6. Barossa Rail Trail
Continue the vineyard theme on the 40-kilometre sealed track between Gawler and Angaston. The highlight is of course the Barossa cellar doors, but other sites of interest include looking at the North Para River, and pines. The trail encompasses parts of varying difficulty, with some sections suited to prams.
On the Barossa Rail Trail, you’ll pass by verdant vineyards.
Queensland
7. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Australia’s longest rail trail is an off-road path that follows the old Brisbane Valley railway line from Wulkuraka in Ipswich to Yarraman in the Queensland countryside.
Pass beneath the heritage-listed Lockyer Creek Bridge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
One of its more famous attractions are the remnants of settler history – like the Lockyer Creek Bridge and Yimbun Tunnel – old train stations, farming and bushlands. Although much of the trail is considered gentle, it is best navigated by mountain bikes, horses or on foot.
At 161 kilometres, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Australia’s longest rail trail. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
8. Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail
Saddle up in Tropical North Queensland for the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail, a 20-kilometre trip that traverses between Atherton to Walkamin and is 88 kilometres from Cairns.
Wind your way along the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail on two wheels.
The trail takes in agricultural towns and farmers markets, the Second World War and Aboriginal history, and critically endangered Mabi Forest. The trail is coarse gravel and suited for mountain and touring bicycles, horse riding, prams and walking. It is best completed in the dry season between April and September.
It is best to complete this trail in the dry season.
9. Mary to Bay Rail Trail
Up by K’gari on the Fraser Coast, this relatively easy trail of 32 kilometres consists of two sections – the sealed area by Hervey Bay and the unsealed rural section through the bushlands. Areas are still partly under construction.
The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is a relatively easy trail that spans 32 kilometres. (Image: Garry Long)
From the trail, cyclists can spot the Urangan Pier, beaches and cafes, and paperbark forests. Depending on the section, some pathways are suitable for prams, scooters and wheelchairs, while others are best tackled with mountain, hybrid and tour bikes, horses and walkers.
Tackle the serene rural rail trail between Nikenbah and Maryborough.
Tasmania
10. North East Tasmania Rail Trail
The old rail corridor from Lilydale to Scottsdale in North East Tasmania has been recreated as a rail trail. Currently clocking in at 28 kilometres, there are plans to expand it to 40 kilometres.
A peaceful route, the highlight is the ambiance of its gorgeous forest vegetation and mountain views. It is best suited to mountain bikes and walkers, as well as touring or hybrid bikes.
Take on the rail trail from Lilydale to Scottsdale in North East Tasmania.
11. Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail
The 24-kilometre trail between Railton to Sheffield in North West Tasmania follows an old rail corridor. It includes dairy farmlands, the bush and plantations of international vegetation and trees. This makes for the perfect summer hike or a fast-paced mountain bike trail, with on-road and rough gravel sections.
Ride through scenic forest vegetation along the Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail.
12. Launceston Heritage Forest Trail
The Launceston Heritage Forest Trail is an easy-to-medium five-kilometre loop track from the centre of town. Making its way through Heritage Park, pram walkers, dog walkers, wheelchair-users and joggers alike can check out over two dozen eucalyptus species and bushland flowers on the sealed walk.
Victoria
13. Great Victorian Rail Trail
The Great Victorian Rail Trail winds its way from Tallarook on the Goulburn River to the Mansfield High Country on a former railway line in north central Victoria. At 132 kilometres it is the state’s longest rail trail and the second longest in the country.
Take on the 132-kilometre Great Victorian Rail Trail.
There are five kilometres of bridges to traverse, the state’s only rail trail tunnel at Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon, and art trail scenic spots. The shared-use trail consists of compacted earth and fine gravel, with plenty of sections accessible to prams and wheelchairs. It is also popular for mountain biking, horse-riding and touring bikes.
Explore the many historical landmarks along the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
14. Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
You can find another High Country rail trail in north east Victoria, the 116-kilometre Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which stretches between Rutherglen and Bright. It takes in mountains, farmland and wine country, with the towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, and Myrtleford making popular stop-offs.
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail passes through charming rural towns. (Image: Tourism Australia)
It is recommended that you take this track during the autumn months, with its gorgeous hues of red and orange. Almost all of this trail is sealed, making it accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Mountain biking is a popular activity here.
The track is most beautiful in autumn. (Image: Ride High Country)
15. Great Southern Rail Trail
The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches from Nyora to Yarram down in South Gippsland, close to the popular Wilsons Promontory National Park. Over 129 kilometres there is an enormous mix of landscapes, including river valleys, forests and fascinating historical towns.
The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches over 129 kilometres through forests and river valleys.
This rail trail is a mix of easy to difficult terrain, constructed from hard-packed crushed granite and fine gravel, with sections for horse riding.
Explore scenic landscapes on two wheels across the Great Southern Rail Trail.
Northern Territory
16. Old Ghan Railway Heritage Trail
This epic 180-kilometre track starts at Alice Springs and covers the Old Ghan Railway all the way to Oodnadatta in Outback SA.
The Old Ghan Railway Heritage Trail journeys over Australia’s hot, dry centre. (Image: Tourism Northern Territory/ Tourism Australia)
This old, red dirt trade route takes in the rich desert landscape and can be covered by hikers, as well as off-road drivers.
Hikers can also tackle this trail. (Image: Greg Snell)
17. East Point Science Trail
Start at Darwin’s East Point Reserve for this easy 7.3-kilometre loop trail that is full of things to do. Mangrove boardwalks, monsoon forests and sunset ocean views interweave with old military buildings from the Second World War and the Darwin Military Museum, playgrounds and the saltwater Lake Alexander. This partially paved walk is suitable for joggers, walkers and cyclists.
18. Katherine Rail Trail
This sealed 23-kilometre loop track runs from Katherine Station, traversing the Katherine River and following the old North Australian Railway. You can also see remains of the heritage railway with helpful information on the old town of Emungalan. This rail trail is suitable for prams, wheelchairs and scooters, as well as mountain bikes and walkers.
Western Australia
19. Munda Biddi Trail
This long-distance adventure covers around 1000 kilometres between the Perth suburb of Mundaring and the town of Albany by the Great Southern Ocean. However, you certainly only need to do a section of this off-road cycling trail or can make your way bit by bit, camping out at the trail shelters.
Follow the coastal route for picturesque views. (Image: Munda Biddi Trail Foundation / Miles Arbour)
It follows the Darling Range, crossing eucalyptus forests and coastal outlooks, with sections of varying accessibility.
The Munda Biddi Trail meanders through eucalyptus forests. (Image: Munda Biddi Trail Foundation / Miles Arbour)
20. Kep Track
East of Perth, this 76-kilometre track covers all the way out to Northam in the Avon Valley. Perfect for cyclists, horse riders or walkers wanting to get in that long-distance step count, the route itself takes in Marri and Jarrah forests and the spring wildflowers of Beelu National Park.
The Kep Track is perfect for cyclists, horse riders or walkers.
21. Railway Reserve Heritage Trail
This 41-kilometre bushwalk in the Perth Hills follows the route of the old Eastern Railway, taking in the Darling Range and John Forrest National Park and the railway settlements. This trail is suitable for walkers, cyclers, campers and horse riders.
Rail Trails Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on donations and memberships. You can donate to them here.
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