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Register for news updatesRail Trail Cycling Worth $862 million in 2024
A new report into cycling in Australia has revealed that trips that included rail trail cycling accounted for 1.1 million trips and $862 million in spending in 2024. The report, Cycle tourism in Australia, published October 2025 by the Australian Government’s Australian Trade and Investment Commission, found that most (48%) of these rail trail trips were in Victoria.
The highest trips expenditure (on trips that included rail trail cycling) was $699 million domestic overnight total trip spend, with an additional $111 million coming from international tourists. The research pointed out that 77% of rail trail trips went to regional Australia, and, unlike road riding or mountain bike riding, which have peak months, “trips involving rail trail cycling maintains consistent participation throughout the year.”
This research concludes with the statement: “Engagement with cycle tourism in 2024 highlights the potential of trips involving a cycling activity to drive future growth, diversify tourism offerings, and support local communities across Australia. Cycle tourism plays a key role in Australia’s economy, with each trip contributing to local businesses and communities.”
Read the report here.
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2 comments on “Rail Trail Cycling Worth $862 million in 2024”
It's no surprise that Victoria has generated the most economic value from Rail Trail rides – we have by far the most trails to be ridden!! We just need some better weather to encourage us to get out there – this year has not been kind in Victoria – and as at the 1st December, we are still waiting for a glimpse of summer. We did ride the Murwillumbah section of the NRRT back in July – it is very good indeed, but the extensions to come will make it one of the best and most scenic in Australia I'm sure.
Recently completed the Brisbane Valley, Kingaroy to Kilkivan and all that was rideable on the Boyne/Burnett rail trails. We are totally hooked on these routes ,taking in the history that built the lines and there communities.
Locals where very supportive with information on our travels as well as the use of publications from yourselves.
Prior to this we travelled Tasmania connecting with as many rail trails as we could . It was fantastic.
This has given us inspiration to ride the rail trails in Victoria and your publication is invaluable in the planning of this. Visiting these towns has been an added bonus and learning about the past of these areas.
Look forward to more areas opening up and keep up the good work.