This proposed 29 km rail trail is located in a rural area, 35 minutes by car from Yass and about 90 minutes from Canberra. It features cuttings, curves and old timber bridges as it makes its way northeast from Galong toward Boorowa.

Boorowa, in the Hilltops tourism region, has many historic buildings. European settlement dates from the 1820s. Boorowa is known for its annual ‘running of the sheep’ festival. In the local indigenous language, boorowa means bird; the region has abundant bird life.

Galong township also features historic buildings and has the nearby St Clements Retreat, a historic monastery open to the public. The proposed rail trail passes within 500 m of St Clements, with easy access from the rail trail when built, or by road.

Latest update on this rail trail:

Boorowa Galong Rail Trail Project Deemed Feasible!

The Feasibility Study for the Boorowa Galong Rail Trail commissioned by the Boorowa Galong Rail Trail Inc committee was completed in November 2022 and concluded that the rail trail is a technically and economically viable project that would provide a major boost to the Hilltops region. The Feasibility Study concluded that the Boorowa Galong Rail Trail has the potential to increase the economic activity in the Hilltops region by $2.9 million/annum.

The success of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail that commenced operation in April 2020 is testimony to the demand for such facilities in NSW. A Transport NSW Evaluation Summary (June 2022) found that the economic activity in the Tumbarumba region during June to December periods 2019 and 2020 increased by 20% from $14 million to $16.9 million. It also led to the development of 9 new businesses in Tumbarumba and Rosewood. Similar benefits would be expected for the Hilltops area.

The Feasibility Study, carried out by two leading Australian rail trail consultants, was funded by the Galong Progress Association ($20,000) and Hilltops Council ($25,000. The next step is the preparation of the Rail Trail Development Plan – the project design – for which the committee has received a quote of $41,800. Currently the committee have $2,000 promised and two other regional businesses have indicated they will contribute but are yet to finalise an amount.

Once the Rail Trail Development Plan is complete the committee will be able to apply for State, Federal and private enterprise funding for the construction that is currently estimated to cost $10.8 million.

For a synopsis of the feasibility study visit: Boorowa Galong 2022-11 Rail Trail Feasibility Study Synopsis

Julie Poplin is the Boorowa committee treasurer and would welcome any correspondence regarding potential donations. Julie can be contacted at 0427 853 199 or by emailing juliepoplin@bigpond.com.