The previous Rail Trails Australia (RTA) conference held in Melbourne in October 2024 was a great success, attended by 110 people with many valuable presentations.

We’re excited to be back again on Friday 6 November 2026! 

This national event is to be held in Canberra (ACT). The objectives are to bring rail trail managers and proponents from around Australia together and inspire the prospective NSW rail trail groups to keep persevering with their efforts to develop and enhance rail trails. The theme is: “Exploring successes and opportunities of rail trails”.

You’ll hear about how rail trails around Australia have developed from concept to product; their different styles of management, and what’s being done to improve the rail trail experience for those who love to use them – from adding art, to linking nearby businesses. Given the large number of volunteer committees of management and Friends groups associated with rail trails, we also look forward to hearing their views.

The jam-packed program for Friday includes a keynote speaker, expert-laden panels and discussions. There’s time set aside for networking, and after RTA’s AGM join us for conference drinks and dinner at a nearby venue. Refer further down the page for the full program details.

On Saturday 7 November there is an opportunity for you to show your support for rail trail development in NSW and the Monaro Rail Trail in particular. The “Rally for the Rail Trail” ride will have cyclists coming in from different points around Queanbeyan and congregating in a park within the central area of Queanbeyan. At this park, 2 high profile stakeholders will address the gathered cyclists.

The conference welcomes anyone with an interest in rail trails to register and attend and provides an opportunity for rail trail enthusiasts to connect and learn from each other. RTA volunteers from around the country will be attending – and no doubt they’ll be keen to help you plan your next rail trail adventure!

Attend for your chance to win a one-day rail trail cycling experience for up to 12 cyclists from AV Cycling Tours, valued at up to $2700.

Register here with an early-bird price (until 31 August) and free gravel helmet for the first 55 registrants.

Where: Daly Room, Canberra Labor Club, 51 Chandler St, Belconnen ACT

Accommodation: Accommodation will be at the Mercure Hotel, 59 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen ACT, which is next door to the Labor Club.  A preferential rate of $150 per night has been arranged for delegates attending the conference. To access this rate, delegates can book directly via a link and enter the preferential code detailed in the registration page.

Getting there by car: The Canberra Labor Club and Mercure Canberra Belconnen are approximately 10 minutes from Canberra CBD and 15-20 minutes from Canberra Airport. They are easily accessed via Ginninderra Drive.

Car Parking: Secure undercover parking accessed from Edmondstone Place. The car park is operated by Wilson Parking and is shared by the Mercure Canberra Belconnen Hotel, Canberra Labor Club, and Wilson Parking. When entering the car park, you will see signage for all 3, however they all access the same undercover parking facility.

• Hotel guests: $15 per vehicle, per night with multiple entry and exit privileges.
• Conference attendees (not staying at the hotel): Flat rate of $9 per day.

Conference attendees can purchase or validate their $9 parking ticket at hotel reception before departing. See HERE for an image of the car park entrance.

Travelling by train: Canberra is not serviced by a metropolitan train network. If travelling by rail, guests should travel to Canberra Railway Station (Kingston). From the station, the hotel is approximately 20-25 minutes by taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, guests can catch public transport to the Belconnen Bus Interchange, which is only a 3-5 minute walk (approximately 300 m) from the hotel.

Download a brochure with all the details.