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.
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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!