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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Queensland - South East

3.9 based on 27 reviews
Location: Wulkuraka is 46km southwest of Brisbane
Length: 161 km
Surface: Coarse gravel, Compacted earth, Fine gravel, Sealed
Start / End: Wulkuraka (Ipswich) to Yarraman
Public Transport: Coach, Train
Suitable for:
  • Cycling – Mountain BikesCycling – Mountain Bikes
  • Horse RidingHorse Riding
  • WalkingWalking

  • Rail Trail
  • On Road
  • Potential RT
  • Other Trail
  • Former Railway
View Map
  • At 161km, this is Australia’s longest rail trail
  • Gently undulating through mostly farming land in the southern section, with steeper sections and bushland in the north
  • Heritage-listed attractions include Lockyer Creek Bridge and Yimbun Tunnel
  • Suitable for multi-day tours, with options for fully supported tours and shuttles
  • Car parking is available at the Wulkuraka Trailhead at the Ipswich end of the trail

The rail trail connects Ipswich, Wulkuraka, Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah, Harlin, Moore, Linville, Blackbutt and Yarraman.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Close to Brisbane
  • Scenic rural countryside
  • Good climate conditions most of the year
  • Railway history and heritage
  • Food and accommodation options at the many towns along the trail

Last updated: 13 February 2024

  • Access points at each town are the former station sites, which have plenty of parking space
  • Horses must be shod
  • No drinking water or toilets available outside the towns listed
  • There are many low level crossings, where bridges are missing or have been removed
  • Cattle may be grazing beside the trail

Section Guides

Wulkuraka (Ipswich) to Fernvale (23 km)

Note:  There is drinking water located directly along the Brassall Bikeway (between Wulkuraka & Fernvale), immediately south of Workshops St, and another in John Murphy Park, Brassall

  • The Wulkuraka trailhead address is at 163 Grace St
  • The new Wulkuraka trailhead has two public toilets, one being for disabled access. There is also a water bubbler for people to drink from, with an added doggy bowl, so owners can let their pets have a drink as well while walking along the Trail.
  • The trail begins on the northern side of Wulkuraka railway station. Follow the concrete bikeway along Grace St, pass Arnold Street on the right and cross to the other side of Grace Street.
  • The first section to Diamantina Boulevard at the Warrego Highway underpass has a high quality concrete surface. The remainder is gravel and dirt suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes.
  • Continue 100 m and turn right on to Brassall Bikeway. After 150 m, turn left at the picnic shelter and enter the BVRT connection path.
  • Station sites along this section include Muirlea (5 km), Pine Mountain (8.6 km), Borallon (11.5 km), Wanora (15 km), Fairney View (18.5 km) and Fernvale (22.6 km. All are clearly marked.
  • A carpark suitable for horse floats and with CCTV security is available at the old Borallon Station site (Borallon Station Road).  A horse watering trough (with a detection device that keeps it permanently topped up) connected to a large water tank is available, and large shade shelter for all Trail users has been installed.

Fernvale’s facilities include the Fernvale Futures Visitor Information Centre at the station site, bakery, café, ATM and accommodation. Filtered water, WiFi and outdoor power points are available 24 hours at the front of the Information Centre. There are toilets and free electric barbeques in the park opposite the bakery.

Fernvale to Lowood (8 km)

  • Mainly fine compacted gravel surface, with a substantial portion of the trail now concreted between Fairney View Fernvale Road & Clive Street, Fernvale. And again, along part of the Lowood section, from the township, through part of Pete Bevan’s native gardens.
  • Suitable for hybrid bikes, personal mobility vehicles or horse-drawn vehicles
  • Views of the Brisbane River in this section.
  • A fun run is held on the trail each July. For information about the fun run click HERE

Lowood is has basic facilities and still has its station, used by the local Lions Club, off Railway St and visible from Main St. Toilets and water are located in the park in the centre of town and the northern section of the trail has an extensive native garden display, planted and maintained by locals. Lowood Flood Boat Memorial, also in the park, commemorates rescues following devastating floods in the 1890s.

Lowood Showgrounds has horse accommodation facilities, overnight camping and caravan access.

Lowood to Esk (36 km)

  • Coarse gravel/dirt surface
  • Native bushland and farmland
  • Between Lowood and Coominya is the large 92m long Lockyer Creek Bridge, opened to rail trail users in 2019.
  • A significant feature of the area is Lake Wivenhoe, the major water source for southeast Queensland and twice the capacity of Sydney Harbour.

The intermediate town of Coominya has limited facilities. Drinking water can be bought from the supermarket, café or hotel.  There are toilets and a playground in the station park, with room for horse floats to park and offload. The trail from Coominya to Esk includes a number of derelict rail bridges requiring trail users to negotiate gully crossings under the old bridges. These gullies are steep and narrow and subject to flooding during high rainfall events. They do have narrow concrete paths down the slopes and large stepping blocks across the watercourses. Exercise caution.

Esk is the major regional centre and has most facilities. The station has been restored by the local Lions Club and the precinct is now a feature. There are many cafes and two pubs, a lovely main street and the trail passes through the middle of town. The trail through Esk has been significantly upgraded with a wide concrete boulevard, railway themed treatments and lighting over the trail itself. The former railway siding has been restored and there is a large picnic area with shelter beside the public amenities block just past the railway siding approaching the centre of Esk.

Esk to Toogoolawah (19 km)

  • Coarse gravel/dirt surface
  • Undulating farmland

Both Esk and Toogoolawah have cafes that open onto the rail trail. The new cafe at Esk, Brisbane Valley Roasters, provides eight external power points for free charging of ebikes at a bespoke bike rack within the grounds of the cafe.

The Toogoolawah station building is a small museum and regular markets are held in the former station yards. Accommodation options include the Toogoolawah Motel, Exchange Hotel and the Pedlars’ Rest.

Toogoolawah to Moore (27 km)

  • Smooth gravel surface so suitable for hybrid bikes
  • Some steep descents/ascents where railway bridges have been removed; the trail dips in and out of creek beds
  • Undulating terrain
  • Near Harlin is the 100m long Yimbun Tunnel, the only tunnel on the rail trail.
  • A large concrete and steel bridge at Harlin was destroyed in the 2013 floods, requiring a diversion through the very small town

Moore has several places to get meals, and a B&B.

Moore to Blackbutt (29 km)

This section consists of three sub-sections listed below. It includes some steep grades where railway bridges have been removed; the trail dips in and out of creek beds.

A downhill ride from Blackbutt is obviously easier going.

Moore to Linville (7 km ) 

  • At the old Moore station, cross Linville Road and follow the road for 100m; rejoin the BVRT on the right.

Linville is a small village with a general store and a pub that has accommodation. Camping is allowed at the former railway yards. There is a new toilet and shower block at the rest area on the site of the old railway station. A new purpose built trail users accommodation facility, Linville Rail Trail Refuge, has opened in 2023.

Linville to Benarkin (18 km) 

  • From Linville the trail climbs the rugged and picturesque Blackbutt Range around 300m to Benarkin, but grades on the railway alignment are relatively easy.
  • Front suspension and gloves are recommended for riders due to the rough surface.
  • Linville and Benarkin are small villages, each with a general store
  • Grass trees and many cuttings
  • Close to the small village of Benarkin the vegetation changes to eucalyptus and scrub. Benarkin sits at the top of the range about 500 m above sea level, as do Blackbutt and Yarraman.

Benarkin is an even smaller village with a general store. Camping is allowed at the former railway yards with free public toilets available (unfortunately the showers are closed).

Benarkin to Blackbutt (5 km) 

  • Smooth gravel surface: can be ridden comfortably on hybrid bikes
  • Steady climb to Blackbutt
  • The Nukku siding station has been restored and relocated in the Blackbutt rail yards. Toilets are nearby in Les Muller Park, Coulson Street, Blackbutt.

Blackbutt is a regional centre and offers bakeries, cafes, supermarkets and a visitor information centre. Accommodation is available at the Hotel Radnor or at B&Bs close to the trail.

Water is available in the park at Blackbutt (next to the toilets).

Blackbutt to Yarraman (19 km)

  • Steady climb to the top of the range, then descent to Yarraman
  • Coarse gravel/dirt surface
  • The old Pidna station site is at Harland Park at Cooyar Creek, beside the highway

Yarraman facilities include two hotels, one motel and a caravan park, a supermarket, bakery and the Yarraman Heritage Centre, which houses the old station building

 Kingaroy Rail Trail is a 45 km drive from Yarraman.

Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.

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28 reviews of “Brisbane Valley Rail Trail”

We thoroughly enjoyed cycling the BVRT recently. Being from Hobart we appreciated the companies that booked our accommodation, transported our bags each day and rented us the bikes of our choice. We found them through google and it was good to know help was always available from the friendly teams if we’d needed it. There’s also an excellent brochure filled with maps and useful information.

Our first day’s ride was from Yarraman to Linville which is 45 kms. There were many bridges missing so (being 70) we were careful and walked our bikes down the steep rocky gullies and up the other side. but I suspect younger bolder people may have enjoyed the challenge of riding them. Later the wider gullies were fun to ride.

There’s a great pub at Linville and our cottage accommodation was terrific.

Day 2 was 55 kms from Linville to Esk including the Yimbun Tunnel. We enjoyed a lunch break at Toogoolawa which had lots of shops including a pharmacy.
There are many signs along the BVRT
warning what to do when you’re passing through the magpie’s habitats. We heard and saw many magpies but most weren’t interested in us at all (14-16 August). However several people had been attacked between the tunnel and Toogoolawa so we were wary and dismounted at the worst spot. We stayed together and walked as recommended. We also sang! Only one flew over us but none attacked. The cows on the track were easily negotiated and we enjoyed the shaded rest sites along the way
Our final day was 67 kms from Esk to Wulkuraka train station.

We were glad to have good wide tyres and enjoyed the variety of surfaces along the way. We highly recommend the BVTR but I’d love to see the bridges rebuilt over the steeper gullies.

Hi
Completed a few more sections on the 28-30th of July, 2023.
Congratulations to the track maintenance teams who have been upgrading the surface of the trail from the trail head at Wulkuraka northbound until the road crossing at the Brisbane Valley Highway on the way to Fernvale.
Also recommend the Bakery at Blackbutt.

If you're up for a climb, go for the Linville to Benarkin Section. = Great.

Happy riding.

Grat trail to do over a few days, best to start at Yarraman. Not too difficult in dry weather, the river/creek crossings might be hard when rain around. We enjoyed it. Linville Pub a highlight

My husband and I travelled from the Blue Mountains to ride the BVRT, Yarraman to Wulkuraka, over three days. What an adventure and what a blast, such a fantastic experience. It is one of the best things we have ever done. We gave our e-bikes a great workout, and couldn't have managed without them, especially for the 'down and up' bits where the rail bridges used to be. Out There Cycling were outstanding with information and helped with advice as we researched our itinerary. Leaving our car at Wulkuraka, we caught the shuttle bus to Yarraman, and off we went. First night at Moore, second night at Esk, with Out There Cycling also providing luggage transfers. What a way to travel! Everyone we met along the way was so friendly, and it was such a great vibe along the trail. We loved the whole experiencel

Thank you Heather for your 5 star review of Out There Cycling, as we only recently took over this business we are ecstatic to be doing a great job. The OTC Team are so happy yourself and your husband enjoyed your BVRT adventure.

Yarraman to Toogoolawah. Very enjoyable ride completed in 1 (very tiring) day with my 12yo daughter. Trail is well signed and predominantly rough gravel. I'd recommend investing in some gloves to take the edge of the vibration and make sure you have puncture repair kit and/or spare tubes on hand. If using standard (non-E) bike, traveling north to south will allow you to take advantage of the gradient, however once past Moore the trail is generally flat / undulating with the exception a few heartbreak hills heading into Harlin.
Trail condition was excellent with creek crossing clear and traversed via concrete paths. We particularly enjoyed the Benarkin to Linville section which was all easy downhill, through the valley and provided for some excellent photos, historic information and a couple of encounters with some friendly moo-cows.
I think I enjoyed this half of the BVRT more than the lower half (Wulkuraka – Toogoolawah). The upper half has more varied scenery and conditions however the services and amenities available in the towns south of Toogoolawah are better.

Esk to Toogoolawah. Resurfacing works appear to be complete. The former rough, stony and grassy section of the trail between Toogoolawah and the highway underpass towards Esk has now all be upgraded to a much smoother and wider hard packed unsealed surface. This makes for a much more pleasant cycling experience.
Also, there is a new cafe, Brisbane Valley Roasters, in Esk right on the trail as the trail exits Esk towards Toogoolawah. It provides a bike rack with power outlets for charging ebikes.

Fernvale to Wulkuraka: this section of the trail has a variety of track surfaces, some easy, some challenging. Coming out of Fernvale the track is generally hard packed gravel allowing easy two way passage for trail users. At the old rail bridge diversion, caution is required as there is a narrow concrete path that can be submerged after rain. The track then becomes rougher to ride for cyclists with, in places, a narrow furrowed single track and pebbly rock and grass verges. Near the highway crossing there is some loose gravel in which cyclists can lose traction. After the highway crossing there is a long section of grassy trail with a prominent single track furrow. Nearing Borallon there are the occasional sandy patches that can catch cyclists unawares. And then, approaching the highway underpass the trail becomes smooth, wide concrete.
At the date of writing the new trailhead has no sign on the rail trail to indicate its presence. The entrance is on a left hand right angle bend in the trail. There is a sign indicating Wulkuraka a further distance on. That is to the suburb, not the rail trailhead. It is easy to sail past this junction. The new trailhead really is the terminus of the rail trail and has toilets, water and shelter sheds. Continuing past this junction takes you into North Ipswich and the Brassal Cycleway.

G'day everyone. FYI the Wulkuraka Trail Head is open! 30 + car parks + toilets + shelters + filtered water bubbler. Security camera. Open for business. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. GET ON IT !

Did a 3 day mountain bike ride. Yarraman to Wulkuraka.
Used out there cycles to drop us north. Stayed a night at the Royal Hotel. Rode to Harlin day 1. Stayed at the pub. Rode onto Coominya Bellevade Homestead. Had dinner at the pub (Fri/Sat Nights). The trail was cleaned up post wet weather event in the south east. Well done to everyone who puts into the community activity that everyone can enjoy. The townships and the countryside are beautiful

Recently completed 3 day self supported tour on this trail. Lots of improved surfaces since our last visit, and fantastic to see new bridge in place over Coal Creek out from Esk. Always enjoyable to ride this trail despite some harsh creek crossings where there are no bridges yet.

We just finished riding the BVRT on a 3 day self supported tour. Starting at Yarraman, we enjoyed the long downhill to Moore. We booked into the Montrose Manor B & B, which was really nice. Day 2 saw us ride on to Esk whete we stayed at the Rail Trail Motel, again very nice accomm. Day 3 was from Esk to Wulkuraka and on to Ipswich, where we stayed for the night. We had booked Out There Cycling shuttle service to take us back to Yarraman on day 4.
This is a great service, and we thought it was reasonably priced.
The trail has many improvements since we rode it last, with a beautiful new bridge across Coal Creek, and new surface treatments around Esk.
We had a lot of difficulty negotiating some of the deep creek crossings with missing bridges, as we had loaded panniers. The design of some crossings, means you have to get off and push your heavy bike up a steep slope

Trail surface upgrades at Coominya have transformed the previously unpleasantly rough-to-ride approaches to Coominya into a delightful smooth, wide, hard-packed trail surface. Previously I would choose to ride on the bitumen roads that run parallel to the trail. That is no longer necessary. The new surface is almost as good as smooth asphalt. And a concrete path has been installed through Coominya and in the diversion beside the low level bridge just out of Coominya.

In addition, the removal of the step-over barriers on the trail between Coominya and Esk, near the junction with the Esk-Gatton Highway, is most welcome. Riders no longer have to lift their bikes over barriers. Two of the barriers have been completely removed and a third is still in place but the stock gate across the trail beside it has been locked open.

Great to have on-going improvements for trail users.

We rode the BVRT in June 2021 on an organised supported tour. We were based in Esk and shuttled out to Yarraman for the start of the ride to Moore. Lunch was provided and we were shuttled back to Esk. The following day we were shuttled back to Moore for the ride to Esk. Again lunch was provided at Toogoolawah. The last day we were shuttled to Wulkuraka for the ride back to Esk. Lunch was provided at Coominya. Great organisation, and well worth the experience.
The trail has loads of improvements since we rode on it a couple of years ago. However there are still a lot of missing bridges and dangerous steep crossings to negotiate. The volunteers kept a watchful eye on everyone, and there was only a couple of minor incidents by some inexperienced riders.

Looking for a challenge that is both attainable and enjoyable? Look no further than the section of rail trail from Esk to Moore along the magnificent Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Having done the section south from Esk to Coominya a few months earlier, I wanted to head north this time.
Making an early Sunday morning start, I drove from Brisbane to the Esk Caravan Park where two trail bikes had been reserved for us by the very friendly motel and park owners. We left the caravan park around 8:15am in perfect cycling conditions and headed immediately out on the BVRT towards our morning tea stop at Toogoolawah, some 19-20km away.
This section of the trail was a bit rugged and climbed gently, affording us great views across the farmlands in the area. We were required to stop several times to pass through chained gates and there were a few “bridge bypasses”. However, excellent concrete surfaced approaches and exits on either side of the bridges had recently been constructed to ensure a continuous ride along the trail.
We stopped at the delightful café at Toogoolawah for a coffee before continuing towards Moore. The trail surface improved considerably to an easier gravel surface which made cycling a lot easier. The highlight of this section was passing through the tunnel at Yimbun that was built in 1910.
After a few more steep (but not insurmountable) “bridge bypasses” we finally reached our lunch time destination at the Old Church Gallery in Moore, a distance of almost 50km from Esk. This is a beautiful old restored church building exhibiting a range of art and crafts. Adjacent to it is a restaurant with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating areas where we had lunch provided by the hospitable owner and staff.
The return trip to Esk was slightly easier in that the overall elevation was downhill. We stopped for refreshments at the Toogoolawah hotel and returned to Esk soon after 4pm.

Been going out regularly recently between Wulkuraka and Lowood (31 Km one way). Trail is now very accessable from the railway station at Wulkuraka. The station lifts make getting from the arrival side (towards Walloon) and onto the trail very easy. In general the trail is in pretty good shape and well maintained through these sections.

I recommend “Big Bens” bakery at Lowood for some refreshments before the ride back. They are just off the main street. Lowood is a very nice little town, it is not too busy and its much less chaotic than Fernvale on the weekend. The park in the area of the old railway station is well set out with seating and tables for a picnic or to eat your takeaways. Toilets are also very clean and well serviced.

For those wishing to make a weekend of it and stay in Lowood, and perhaps go further on the BVRT, there are camp sites available at the Lowood Showgrounds.

A friend and I chose to ride the Esk to Coominya section of the BVRT. We hired very good mountain bikes from the friendly and helpful people of the Esk Caravan Park – these bikes were ideal for the terrain. The ride was very pleasant and scenic, with a very good riding surface. There were 4 bridges that were boarded up to prevent cyclists travelling on them, but excellent detours had been constructed, including concrete on the steep and possibly slippery sections. There was also an abundance of bird and animal life along the way. Although there was good signage along the way showing you were on the BVRT, there were no distance markers along the way – this would enhance the experience knowing what distance you had traveled or still had to go. We stopped in Coominya for a welcome coffee and to fill our water bottles before returning to Esk on the same route. The entire trip took us 3.5 hours including the various photo opportunity stops and refreshment break.

My wife and I travelled from NSW to ride the BVRT from Yarraman to Wulkuraka recently.

The trail is progressing and has the potential to be a great trail. Dave and Josie from ‘Out There Cycling’ provide excellent transport services at reasonable prices and are happy to provide local knowledge and advice.

The trail is a real mixed bag. Having cycled trails in other states and overseas it suffers from the same issue as many rail trails- funding ! It has the key ingredients to be a great trail. There are friendly, welcoming towns evenly spaced combined with iconic Australian scenery, fauna & flora.

The need for more funding is evident with the trail surface in need of significant improvement. We had touring bikes with panniers. Most touring bikes have hybrid tyres and need to be highly inflated. Even though the trail is promoted as an ‘adventure trail’ suitable for mountain bikes, for bike tourers it is a challenge. This is mainly due to the sections that have large loose chunks of blue metal ballast exposed.

Other issues are the lack of bridges . Even though the creeks were dry at the time of our visit and most have a strip of concrete to assist traversing the quite frequent creek beds, they have potential to be unsafe. I heard from one cyclist who told us that he and his cycling partner had bad falls when they came across ice at the bottom of the dip. Beware -they can be quite steep and slippery! Many of the trestle bridges are still present and fenced off. The most difficult crossing was near Fernvale but it was made bearable to see the old bridge being rebuilt and will be great once completed!

It would be a terrific trail if the surface was consistently surfaced like the new Moore to Toogoolawah section and the bridges were able to be utilised. The final suggested improvement which would allow the trail to flow is to keep adding livestock grids to eradicate the need to open gates.

Good on Queensland for developing rail trails of significant distances. Certainly a long way ahead of my home state!

Rode my hybrid bike from Fernvale to Lockyer River and back in July. Very dry with plenty of cattle on the trail. It is tedious stopping for all the gates, but I understand the reason for them. Rough little sections over the water courses.
Would have gone further but didn’t want to get my feet wet. Looking forward to a repaired bridge
Very impressed with the Native plant garden planted outside Lowood, lots of loverly flowering plants. Thanks Pete’s Hobby Nursery made the ride.
Hope Somerset Council can secure funding to make improvements to the trail. Toilets, lunch stops, distance markers and water supply can make this a great rail trail. Looking foward to coming back to do more.

We rode from Fernvale to Esk (46kms) on Saturday, overnighted and returned the next day. It had rained during the week before but found the trail well drained. Good mountain bike cycling on coarse gravel trail. I rang Peter Kleis (Rail Trail Ranger) for advice on the trail a couple of days before our ride and he was very helpful.

Completed Benarkin to Yarraman and return last weekend. Trail is in reasonable condition.

1 “Taranaki” style gate/fence across the trail very close to another gateway, just prior to Harland park. This was really quite annoying and it was difficult to close, not sure what purpose it actually serves. Some trail users would really struggle with this is my guess.

Some sandy patches the on the run in to Yarraman, but it was quite manageable.

Trail signage at Nukku road was confusing 1 sign indicating a turn to the right (not passing under the road bridge above trail) and then heading away up some unknown side road. I pressed straight on though following the rail trail (in spite of the sign saying advanced it was not too bad in my humble opinion, except for the aforementioned gate) and was rewarded by a couple of startled deer a little further on, and lots of surprised rabbits. All in all it was a nice quiet peaceful ride.

Crystal Café at Yarraman served up a good feed and the staff were very friendly, and keen to see rail trailers!

The Ipswich City Council are undertaking an Outdoor Recreation Plan for the City and would like your input!!

Cycling, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding and Walking are popular outdoor recreation pursuits and we want to know where you recreate, where you’d like to recreate and what can be done to improve outdoor recreation opportunities within the City of Ipswich.

There are three ways to provide your input:

Fill in a short online survey at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au or https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PW5QG2V

Attend a user group workshop on Monday 2nd December 5.30pm, Queens Park Environmental Education Centre – Conference Room, Queens Park, Merle Finimore Avenue, Ipswich.

Or email us at info@rossplanning.com.au

By providing your input Council will have a better understanding of the demand for outdoor recreation, as well as plan for future opportunities.

We rode the Toogoolawah to Cominya section over two days on our horses and while stony in parts the horses all handled it ok. My horse wore boots on the front feet but not the back and handled it all fine. The creek crossings were easy, as were all the gates and step overs. This section is all flat and we even managed to have a canter in some parts where there were no stones. The Showgrounds at Esk are a pleasure to stay at ( just don’t try to ride anywhere near the golf course, as the golfers are an anti horse bunch, and you will get hit by a well aimed ball) Our only gripe is that the Summerset Council don’t make it easy to ride and hire the showgrounds. Plan on looking at doing this at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bond for the grounds and getting it to them is an issue, and then you have to get it back. Check what you get as the showgrounds are controlled by 3 separate groups. All in all the Rail Trail do a really good job on the tracks and the water tanks and troughs for the horses are first class and it’s just the council that needs to come to the party with making it easer to camp overnight with horses. .Lastly we would like to thank Peter Kleis (Rail Trail Ranger) for making sure we knew where we were going and that all was ok with us.

We rode the Linville to Blackbutt and return last weekend. The trail is very good – there are 4 or so low level creek crossings but these are easily crossed, maybe walking down and up the slopes. One of our group rode a hybred bike but as it had narrow tires, he had two punctures with rocks pinching the tubes.
The track is in very good condition and the local councils should be congratulated and thanked in the way they have maintained the track.
We have been informed that the section from Blackbutt to Yarraman is open and in fairly good condition.

The BV rail trail is open in sections. I have ridden from Esk to Toogoolawah some months ago, and yesterday I rode from Linville to Blackbutt. Both have numerous gates and creek crossings, and the trail is pretty rough in places. Best ridden on a full mountain bike, but a hybrid will also be ok (just).
Parts of the trail are incredible, well worth the effort. Linville to Blackbutt has been the best bit so far.

Has anybody ridden parts or all of this lately? Difficult to know accurately what stage it is at and what parts are open/closed currently. Photos on the web would seem to indicate not yet open parts have been ridden?

Background Information

Traditional Owners

We acknowledge the Wakka Wakka and Yuggera people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is situated.

Development and future of the rail trail 

The first section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was constructed by the then Esk Shire between Fernvale and Lowood in 2002. Nanango Shire followed with the Linville to Blackbutt section in 2006. The Queensland Government has gradually completed other sections in conjunction with regional councils, culminating in construction of the last 30 km between Toogoolawah and Moore in 2018 by TMR.

Railway history

The rail trail follows the former Brisbane Valley railway line, which ran north from Wulkuraka (Ipswich) 161 km to Yarraman. The railway was built in stages, reaching Esk in 1886 and Yarraman in 1913.

The bridge that crosses Lockyer Creek at Clarendon is heritage listed. It has a half-through double x 2 lattice girder spans, and is one of the oldest existing metal truss bridges, with the longest span of its type in Queensland.

At one time, Linville station was the largest loading point for cattle in southeast Queensland. Passenger services operated until 1967 and freight services were reduced from 1988, with the last section closing in 1993.

News from the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 13/02/24

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland, trail managers for the Brisbane Valley ...

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New section of Brisbane Valley Rail Trail opened

Posted: 05/10/23

A new section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) has recently opened from Moore ...

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Queensland Action Cycling Plan 2023-2025 released

Posted: 22/09/23

The Queensland Government has just released its third action plan under the 10-year Queensland Cycling ...

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Cycling 160km on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 23/08/23

We thoroughly enjoyed cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail recently. Being from Hobart, we appreciated ...

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Trail Towns – The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail episode premiers on SBS

Posted: 15/08/23

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has partnered with Trail Towns to create ...

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Key section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the Brassall Bikeway, reopens

Posted: 26/05/20

A key section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the Brassall Bikeway, has reopened. Many ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to be Upgraded

Posted: 16/12/19

The Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council have jointly invested in the construction of the ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Upgrade survey

Posted: 19/08/19

Somerset Regional Council is conducting a survey into the future of the section Ipswich to ...

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Join the opening celebrations of “THE LINK cycle Path” opening Nanango (QLD)

Posted: 15/08/19

The LINK CYCLE PATH connects the South Burnett/Killkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail to the ...

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Lockyer Creek Railway Bridge Open

Posted: 11/06/19

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail users should check out the heritage-listed Lockyer Creek Railway Bridge between ...

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Come and celebrate the completion of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 161km

Posted: 28/08/18

It’s taken 11 years to complete the project all the way from Wulkuraka in Ipswich ...

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16th Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Fun Run and Bike Ride

Posted: 04/07/18

The 16th annual Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run will be held on Sunday, 8 July 2018. This ...

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Clean up Australia Day along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 28/02/18

Come and enjoy the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail during Clean Up Australia Day 4th March 2018 ...

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Australia Longest Rail Trail is on its way. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 04/08/17

SOMERSET will soon be home to Australia’s longest rail trail with the Federal Government ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – All the below sections are now open

Posted: 01/04/17

Wulkuraka to Toogoolawah and Moore to Yarraman section of the BVRT has re opened after ...

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Join the 2017 R&R Rail Trail Duathlon & Fun Run along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 21/03/17

Come and enjoy " The R&R Rail Trail Experience" which is provied by Gonya ...

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Lowood to Lockyer Creek upgrade complete (BVRT)

Posted: 17/01/17

SEQ Water has completed the repairs to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail after the 2011 floods. ...

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Wulkuraka to Wanora opens along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Posted: 24/11/16

The Queensland Government has opened the section from Brassal to Wanora in November 2016, making the ...

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Wulkuraka to Brassall opens ( Brisbane Valley Rail Trail)

Posted: 06/09/16

The next stage of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail opened on August 20 2016 in Ipswich This ...

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Enjoy the Opening of Stage 4 of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail August 20

Posted: 17/08/16

Join Ipswich City Council on Saturday August 20th for the Official opening of stage 4 of ...

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Work is progressing well on the Wulkuraka to Brassall section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 10/06/16

Contruction on the Link from the Brassall Rail Trail to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (...

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Bicycle Queensland “Bike Week 2016” along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 15/04/16

Bicycle Queensland, supported by Somerset Regional Council and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail upcoming events

Posted: 15/04/16

The R&R Rail Trail Duathlon & Fun Run Come and enjoy the  Annnual ...

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Queensland Government approves funding for the next stage of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 13/01/16

The Honourable Jackie Trad MP, Deputy Premier has advised that funding has been granted for ...

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Fallen Trees along the Blakbutt to Benarkin Section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 23/11/15

There are several fallen Trees along the Blakbutt to Benarkin Section of the Brisbane Valley ...

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Join the Ipswich Bushwalkers club on the Brisbane Valley Rail trail

Posted: 23/11/15

Don't own a horse, Dont ridea bike, Well here is your chance to walk a ...

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Caution needed on the Lower Brisbane Valley Rail Trail due to storm damage

Posted: 27/10/15

Users of the Fernvale to Lowood section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail are asked ...

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R and R Rail Trail Duathlon (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) Sunday 4th October

Posted: 26/09/15

There are differenrt courses avaiable , The 30/30 km long course (Run/Cycle) Minimum age 18 years The 30/30 ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Sunset and Moonlight Ride and Dine 26 Sept. 2015

Posted: 07/09/15

Experience the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail like never before, by Moonlight. Cycle from Esk to ...

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Bloomin Beautiful Blackbutt Festival and Rail Trail Ride (BVRT)

Posted: 25/08/15

Spring has sprung at Blackbutt, so come and enjoy a weekend of Flowers, Bands, Quilts ...

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The Womens End to End Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ride

Posted: 06/07/15

Stage one of the 2015  Womens End to End ride will be happining from Yarraman to ...

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Ladies day out on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 23/05/15

"Brisbane Chicks who rides bikes" cycle group are having a social ride along the BVRT ...

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Stage Two End 2 End ride Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (S.E.Qld)

Posted: 23/05/15

Saturday May 30 is stage two of the great end to end Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ...

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Great News for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 23/05/15

The Queensland Government has provided funds to construct the next section of the Brisbane Valley ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Petition

Posted: 19/05/15

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) once complete, will run from Ipswich (50km west of ...

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April ride on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 01/04/15

Join fellow enthusiasts for a loop ride along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail on Saturday 11 ...

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Coominya to Wanora Social Ride (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail)

Posted: 28/10/14

Cycling Somerset are holding a ride along the lower section of the BVRT on November 1 ...

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Toogoolawah to Coominya social ride (Brisbane Valley R.T.)

Posted: 13/10/14

Come and enjoy a cycle  along  the Toogoolawah to Coominya  section on the Brisbane Valley ...

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Inaugural Rail Trail Duathlon (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ) QLD.

Posted: 05/09/14

Come and enjoy the inaugural Rail Trail Duathlon  on the BVRT  just 2 hours north west ...

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Yarraman to Moore Ride ( Brisabane Valley Rail Trail ) Sat 30 August 2014

Posted: 18/08/14

Ride the Scenic Yarraman to Moore section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail on Saturday ...

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Yarraman to Moore Ride ( Brisabane Valley Rail Trail ) Sat 16 August 2014 POSTPONED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER # NEW DATE# See news Item 18/08/2014

Posted: 03/08/14

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE EXTREME WEATHER FORECAST FOR SATURDAY!                  Enjoy a ...

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Walk the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (QLD)

Posted: 27/07/14

A walk along the Benarkin to Linville section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Ride Esk to Toogoolawah 26 July 2014

Posted: 22/07/14

A ride along the Esk to Toogoolawah is being held Saturday 26 July 2014 The Ride will ...

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Come and enjoy a Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ride on July 19th (QLD)

Posted: 17/07/14

Enjoy a  ride from Coominya to Esk on July 19. The total distance of the ride ...

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Join the Fun Run on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 04/07/14

The 12th Annual fun run will be held on Sunday July 13, 2014 on the Fernvale to ...

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Support the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 21/06/14

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail once complete will run from Ipswich (50km west of Brisbane) ...

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Flood repair for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 15/06/13

A new replacement bridge on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail at Esk was opened on ...

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100 Years Since First Train to Yarraman (QLD)

Posted: 27/04/13

A day of activities has been arranged to celebrate the centenary of the Yarraman railway ...

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Bloomin Beautiful Blackbutt Festival (QLD)

Posted: 08/09/12

7th September 2012 (Apologies for the late notice) The Festival is Queensland’s only festival focussing ...

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QLD Government Drops Support for Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 06/09/12

Unfortunately the recently elected Queensland state government has withdrawn funding for the programs that supported ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Grants (QLD)

Posted: 23/02/12

Community Grants are open again this year for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail as well ...

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Yarraman to Harland Park Section of BVRT (QLD) Official Opening.

Posted: 07/09/11

You are invited to the official opening of the Yarraman to Harland Park section of ...

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Parts of Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Reopened (QLD)

Posted: 13/08/11

Esk - Toogoolawah section was re-opened on Saturday 30 th July! 100km of the BVRT was ...

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Bloomin’ Beautiful Blackbutt Festival 2011 (QLD)

Posted: 10/08/11

You and your friends are invited to Blackbutt and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail during ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Working Bee #2 (QLD)

Posted: 28/02/11

Toowoomba Regional Council will be providing support for the volunteer efforts on the day with ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Grants Available (QLD)

Posted: 08/02/11

Community partnerships program – Does your organisation need more information or advice on your project? 4th ...

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Working Bee – Brisbane Valley Rail trail – 18 Feb (QLD)

Posted: 06/02/11

An invitation from the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail committee: ...

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Linville Station Turns 100! (QLD)

Posted: 23/10/10

Linville Station Building. Photo credit: Alexander McCooke The ...

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Rain Delays Work on Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Posted: 19/08/10

Media release: South Burnett Regional Council Manager of Council Facilities, Kerry Mercer, said that 75ml ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to open 100th Kilometre

Posted: 02/07/10

You are invited to celebrate the completion of 100km of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. ...

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Opening of the Toogoolawah section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (QLD)

Posted: 23/11/09

There will be an official opening of the Toogoolawah section of the Brisbane Valley Rail ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (QLD) – Community Information Session

Posted: 30/09/09

Toowoomba Regional Council will be providing support for the volunteer efforts on the day with ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Fun Run

Posted: 27/06/09

There are two options to this run, the 8.3km run or the shorter 3km run ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Grants Available

Posted: 20/04/09

The Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning has provided the follwoing information which should be ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Coominya Section Opened

Posted: 15/12/08

Coominya Section Opening On Saturday 15 November, Coominya celebrated its Christmas Carnival and became the next ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Qld) Openings

Posted: 17/05/08

Some good news from the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. After flood damage caused the closure ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Qld) Draft Plan Open for Comment

Posted: 21/01/08

The first state-government funded section of the 148km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was opened on ...

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Qld) Official Opening and Public Plan Release

Posted: 05/11/07

A further 7km of section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail between Moore and Linville ...

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