Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail opening

More than 50 years after the last train to Kilcoy set out from Caboolture, the rail corridor came to life again just in time for Christmas 2020.

The Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail  in Queensland is a 10.5 km shared pathway from Beerburrum Road, Caboolture west to Wamuran.  Passing from an urban centre to farmland, the 3 to 3.5 metre wide asphalt and concrete path showcases the history of the railway while providing connections to local primary and high schools.

The project features information maps, signage, shelters, drinking fountains, seating, lighting and landscaping at the trailheads in Caboolture and Wamuran, bridge and culvert crossings and specially designed road crossings.

The trail has been extensively landscaped with tree and shrub plantings and well planned drainage that makes this an aesthetically pleasing as well as highly functional all-weather trail. Wayfinding signage provides navigation to local schools and information panels detail the history of the farming and timber industries around Wamuran.

At the Wamuran Trailhead the attention to detail extends to preserving a section of the old rail track beside the shared pathway, with the original rail lines terminating but stencilled lines in the concrete apron of the trailhead continuing right into the trailhead shelter – a very clever design element!

The project is part of a $7 million investment by Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Queensland Government to deliver cycle and pedestrian facilities between Caboolture and Wamuran making sustainable travel easier.

Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan officially opened the trail with Moreton Bay’s Mayor Peter Flannery, and Councillors Adam Hain and Tony Latter.

Mark Ryan said it was an exciting day for the region. “This is already an enormously popular piece of infrastructure for runners, cyclists and people who use mobility scooters to get outdoors and active,” he said.

Councillor Adam Hain said trail users can start the day with breakfast in Wamuran or Woodford and finish with lunch in Caboolture. “The trail has already taken out the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects’ 2020 QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Infrastructure, so we can’t wait for our community to come and enjoy it.”

Councillor Latter said the trail’s signage and finishing touches will preserve and promote the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor, with the next stage being an extension to Woodford, 15 km from Wamuran.

For more information, visit RTA Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail description and the Morton Bay Regional Council website.