Big Win For Tasmanian Rail Trail

Posted on 24/05/26

A multi-use path along a disused rail corridor (Derwent Valley Rail Trail) has been identified as the priority project in the Derwent Valley Council’s Upper Derwent Valley Precinct Plan.

This is excellent news for Tasmania as currently it only has one major rail trail. RTA President Damian McCrohan said: “It’s wonderful news, especially after no signs of progress for many years. This gives Tasmania a chance to see the benefits that other states have witnessed from thriving rail trails.”

Alison Hetherington, Bicycle Network’s Public Affairs Manager in Tasmania agrees. “We’re very happy to see the council come onboard with this idea, which locals and rail trail entities have been talking about for more than a decade. This is a really picturesque part of Tasmania, and only a short distance for Hobart,” she said. “We know cycle tourism is popular with visitors, but there are not many safe places to ride in Tasmania; this will provide safer places to ride in a beautiful location. This will really open up the area for locals, as well.”

The plan was finalised in April 2026 following 2 rounds of community engagement and endorsement by Derwent Valley Council. It identified that a multi-use trail along the disused rail corridor would address several challenges facing communities in the region, particularly limited transport choice, unsafe rural roads and a lack of local walking and cycling options.

Once fully realised, the path would span 49 km, connecting the regional centre New Norfolk with the towns of Hayes, Bushy Park, Glenora, Westerway, National Park and Maydena. Maydena has become a major mountain bike park centre in recent years, while National Park is the gateway to Mt Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s most popular national parks.

A consultant has been appointed to deliver feasibility and design work for the trail.

View the final Upper Derwent Valley Precinct Plan here.

Congratulations to Derwent Valley Council for taking this initiative for their community, and thanks to all the RTA supporters who wrote in to show their support!

The current Derwent Valley rail corridor

Westerway Station on the Derwent Valley rail corridor

4 comments on “Big Win For Tasmanian Rail Trail”

This report is excellent, based on thorough research and extended community consultation. To have as the top priority next step for this region being a rail trail along the long disused rail reservation is a great outcome. As they say, the urgent first step is to sort out governance and land ownership along the old rail line. I hope that the Council can back this with an active stakeholder group to push this forward.

Great news, looking forward to riding it one day

I am asking you to look at a Youtube channel called driver667 and watch his work filming on the front if a train along the Melba line, West Coast Tasmania. The old Emu Bay Railway. This hidden railway is magnificent. One day the ore will run out and what can we do. Rail trail?? It is a very long term project but people need to gettogether niw and ask what are the alternatived. Could it become a easy grade walk!? We have had this fustrating argument for 12 years over the N.E.line. Having explored this line since 1987 and knowing Victoria RT progress since 1992. It should begin in Launceston and finish in Derby.
Keep the goid work up
Regards Rohan
Mbl 0413572159

Hello
Good news regarding Derwent Valley proposed Rail trail. The first attempts were about 2014.
I will say that the North East RT after 12 years has not developed. It should begin from York Park. If you look up my Youtube channel, Tulendeena Gandy Dancer and watch my very rough video of the route. Developing a Cafe Station and returning Denison Gorge to a recreational park with camping, overnight huts. For 2% of the Hobart footy stadium and have far more communtity benifits.
I was a volunteer and committee member of the Derwent Valley Railway 1993 to 1996. I assessed the railway track to National Park and condition of locomotives and carriages. I tried to say that the railwsy was impossible and look at a managable operation. Originally to Hayes, however I put a business plan the only run summer trsins 6km between National Park to WesterwY. Take the train run shuttles between two bistro cafes. This will never happen either. So a full length RT is the solution. Cheers Rohan