Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Moving Forward
The committee for Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Inc has made a significant leap towards realization of the Boorowa Galong Rail Trail with funding now secured to complete the Development Plan for the 27km proposed route.
The committee was formed after Jim Ryan attended the Rail Trail forum held at Tumbarumba in April 2021. The committee comprises Jim Ryan, Chair; Paul Parker, Secretary; Julie Poplin, Treasurer, David & Julie Henderson, Alan Mostyn, Paul Young, Will & Marg Kelly, and Gail Flanery. They quickly raised the funds from local supporters for a Feasibility Study which was completed by Mike Halliburton and Mike Maher in November 2022.
The small village of Galong is on the main Sydney to Melbourne Railway line. The line to Boorowa was branch line only as far as Boorowa. The last train ran in 1977. Galong currently has no services or accommodation, but has an active Progress Association supporting the Rail Trail proposal. St Clement’s monastery and retreat centre is just outside the town. Adjacent to St Clements and on the proposed Rail Trail route is a significant and well maintained historic cemetery with many impressive monuments. The old railway timber trestle bridge over the Boorowa River is in a state of serious disrepair but, if restored, would be a highlight of the Trail.
Boorowa is a bustling town of some 2000 residents with cafes, accommodation, hotels, a museum and golf course. The region is known for its agricultural excellence, especially fine merino wool production. Boorowa has significant Irish heritage with an annual woolfest and “running of the sheep”. The old railway station has disappeared but there is an impressive locomotive turntable near the end of the rail line. The trail head in Boorowa would be in an existing recreation park near the old station and only a short distance from the centre of town. Boorowa is an hour and half’s drive from Canberran and about 3 hours from Sydney.
The Rail Trail is located within the Hilltops Shire boundaries, with a generally supportive council. The Rotary club of Boorowa has supported the project with significant funding, as have local businesses and landowners. The Trail has some similarities to the very successful Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail.
The Development Plan is being completed by Mike Halliburton and Mike Maher and is expected to be completed by March 2024. The committee is now exploring funding opportunities for the Trail’s construction.
More News
Campaspe Shire Council have recently provided an update on the Rushworth Rail Trail project which is on track for comple...
A celebration on 25 November on the trail at Mossiface will mark the completion of a series of major upgrades to the ico...
Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Many of these events take place ...
Running a marathon is a big enough challenge, but running three marathons in a day is a massive feat of endurance. That...
The committee for Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Inc has made a significant leap towards realization of the Boorowa Galo...
The unstoppable Yarra Ranges Council have been at it again, with pedestrian-activated traffic lights installed at the in...
November UPDATE: Unfortunately the soft opening in December has been postponed due to bridge program being delayed. It w...
What is the situation with numerous rail trail proposals in the southern highlands of NSW? In October, Rail Trails Austr...
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson officially opened The Bunny Trail on Tuesday 24 October. The “Bunny Trail” prov...
Some of our more mature rail trails are looking at ways to enhance visitor experience to increase visitations. This incl...
Join the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society’s slow paced bicycle ride from Warburton to Yarra Junction along th...
A few small changes to the Amy Gillett Rail Trail in South Australia have occurred in recent months that will make ridin...
The District Council of Mt Remarkable has completed the final stage of the Southern Flinders Rail Trail, the 28km Booler...
Construction of Australia’s soon to be longest rail trail has recently gained momentum, with the Palaszczuk Government...
A very interesting and environmentally important project has commenced at the Waranga Basin. The Campaspe Shire Counci...
A new section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) has recently opened from Moore to the historic Moore Linville Cem...
News Archives
Receive Our Free Email News
Stay up to date with the latest news about Rail Trails with our free email news.
Register for news updatesFeatured Articles
More News
Campaspe Shire Council have recently provided an update on the Rushworth Rail Trail project which is on track for comple...
A celebration on 25 November on the trail at Mossiface will mark the completion of a series of major upgrades to the ico...
Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Many of these events take place ...
Running a marathon is a big enough challenge, but running three marathons in a day is a massive feat of endurance. That...
The committee for Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Inc has made a significant leap towards realization of the Boorowa Galo...
The unstoppable Yarra Ranges Council have been at it again, with pedestrian-activated traffic lights installed at the in...
November UPDATE: Unfortunately the soft opening in December has been postponed due to bridge program being delayed. It w...
What is the situation with numerous rail trail proposals in the southern highlands of NSW? In October, Rail Trails Austr...
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson officially opened The Bunny Trail on Tuesday 24 October. The “Bunny Trail” prov...
Some of our more mature rail trails are looking at ways to enhance visitor experience to increase visitations. This incl...
Join the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society’s slow paced bicycle ride from Warburton to Yarra Junction along th...
A few small changes to the Amy Gillett Rail Trail in South Australia have occurred in recent months that will make ridin...
The District Council of Mt Remarkable has completed the final stage of the Southern Flinders Rail Trail, the 28km Booler...
Construction of Australia’s soon to be longest rail trail has recently gained momentum, with the Palaszczuk Government...
A very interesting and environmentally important project has commenced at the Waranga Basin. The Campaspe Shire Counci...
A new section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) has recently opened from Moore to the historic Moore Linville Cem...
One comment on “Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Moving Forward”
Never having been to Boorowa until about 10 years ago I've now spent time there on half a dozen occasions since. A great little town. An early recommendation would be an early start to planting trees. Another would be to ask council to start lobbying the state government to start considering reinstating Galong station. The hardest ask would then be to organise NSW Rail to allow bicycles to be carried unboxed on regional NSW trains. All this will take perseverance and patience. Eventually the successes of Tumbarumba and Northern Rivers, let alone Victoria, will sink in. Galong will be revived. A 2 day ride from Galong to Boorowa and back, then jumping back on the train for a ride to Wangaratta. What a hoot!