The Pioneer Rail Trail - Trail Description

The rail side trail near Hazelgrove. The undulating nature of this pioneer (i.e. cheaply constructed) railway can be clearly seen. - 2006 Aiden Clarke

Location: Western side of Blue Mountains, 191km from Sydney

Start/end: Oberon/Tarana

Region: Country NSW and ACT, New South Wales and ACT

Length open: 6km

Surface: Bitumen

Description

This trail currently meanders through the undulating farmlands of the Oberon tableland between Oberon and Hazelgrove. It begins at the Oberon Station (now a museum) and finishes at the site of the former Hazelgrove station.

This 6km section is part of a 24km branch line that climbs up from the main western railway at Tarana to Oberon, 1100m above sea level. It was opened in 1923 and ceased operation in 1979. Due to the steep grades and numerous curves it was reportedly infamous for being the slowest railway line in NSW but should make a great rail trail! Hazelgrove is at the top of the steep grade down to Tarana.

A rail heritage group is proposing to run trains once again from Oberon on the railway, hence a rail-side trail.

The Oberon Council established the Oberon Tarana Rail Corridor Committee to oversee the development of an overall plan for the railway and ensure all stakeholders are involved.

The council is also well advanced in the planning and construction of additional cycleways around the town including a 20km cycling\walking loop which connects to Hazelgrove Station and through the Blenham Forest and back to Oberon via Hazelgrove Road.