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The proposed 32 km Batlow to Tumut rail trail will be a major tourism drawcard in this picturesque part of southern NSW. The rail trail runs through the Gilmore Valley, linking the orchard area of Batlow with the subalpine town of Tumut.
The intention is to construct a rail trail that will be family-friendly, with a surface and facilities suitable for all types of bicycles and scooters. The trail will also be suitable for walkers, creating additional walking options in the region. It will transform local tourism, and give a significant boost to economies and businesses of the region.
Stage 1 of the trail, from Batlow to Wybalena, has come a step closer to being built – please refer to the latest Batlow rail trail news item.
Nearby Attractions
- Batlow is NSW’s premium apple-growing area, with an annual Ciderfest; all types of fruit and nuts are grown in the Batlow area
- Tumut offers a range of tourism attractions and facilities
- The Batlow-Tumut rail trail will form part of a southern NSW network of rail trails and mountain bike trails, including proposed Gundagai region trails to the north of Tumut, and the now-open Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail to the south
- Snowy Mountains attractions are close to Tumut
Batlow is 40km by road north of Tumbarumba, which has a 21 km fully-sealed rail trail to Rosewood.
Last updated: 7 May 2024
This Trail is not developed – It is one of 17 potential rail trails in NSW
The abandoned Batlow line branches from the Cootamundra to Tumut line at Gilmore and roughly follows the picturesque and meandering route of Gilmore Creek.
Batlow is at an altitude of 775 m, and the proposed rail trail will decline 470 m to Tumut with constant views of the Gilmore Valley.
Tumut is 400 km southwest of Sydney, in the Snowy Mountains foothills.
Important note: This rail trail is not yet open. The alignment is owned and managed by Transport NSW and much of it passes through private property. Trespassing on the alignment is prohibited.
Section Guides
This trail is not yet open.
Gilmore Valley
A further view of Gilmore Valley (2005)
Gilmore Valley (2005)
Tumut station (2016)
Gilmore Valley, 2005
Batlow station site, January 2024.
Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.
Information and Links
This Trail is a proposed Rail Trail only at this stage. It is not yet constructed or open.
The railway corridor is owned by the NSW State Government, and trespassing is prohibited.
To contact us about this trail, Email or click here
ns*@ra********.au
For further information:
- about the local Batlow-Tumut rail trail group: https://www.batlowtumutrailtrail.org/
- about tourism in the Batlow region: https://www.visitbatlow.com.au/
Contact Rail Trails Australia
To contact us about this rail trail, email nsw@railtrails.org.au
Background Information
Traditional owners
We acknowledge the Wiradjuri people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail will be built.
Development and future of the rail trail
A local rail trail advocacy group, at work for many years, is promoting this rail trail to boost local businesses and residents. The Batlow area suffered disastrous bushfires in 2020, and the rail trail proposal has been renewed as part of the Do It for Batlow campaign.
The proposed trail is 40 km from Tumbarumba, which would provide a dual-trail experience in addition to Batlow’s scenic location in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
Rail line history
The abandoned line between Tumut and Batlow was originally part of the longer Cootamundra to Tumut (104 km) and Kunama (an additional 35 km from Gilmore Junction) branch lines.
Train services began to Batlow in 1922 and ended in 1983. The line was used mainly for fruit haulage. The whole branch line between Cootamundra and Tumut was closed in 1984 after major flood damage.
The only station building remaining is at Tumut. It is near the visitor information centre and is well maintained.
Support the Batlow Rail Trail at Ciderfest
Posted: 06/05/24
Come along to Ciderfest 2024 in Batlow on 18 May 2024, and register your support for the Batlow ...
More...Batlow rail trail gains council support
Posted: 26/01/24
In an important step forward for the Batlow rail trail, Snowy Valleys Council voted at ...
More...Batlow rail trail a step closer
Posted: 24/08/23
The Batlow Tumut Rail Trail Association has announced that funding has been secured for a ...
More...Progress on Goulburn and Batlow Rail Trails
Posted: 12/02/23
Two proposed significant New South Wales rail trails have recently received funding for updated feasibility ...
More...Batlow – Tumut Rail Trail group seeks funding for a feasibility study
Posted: 18/05/21
The Batlow to Tumut Rail Trail Association in NSW has launched a gofundme campaign to ...
More...Batlow-Tumut Rail Trail needs your support
Posted: 27/04/21
The Batlow-Tumut Rail Trail (BTRT) Association is fundraising for a detailed Development Plan for the ...
More...Batlow businesses rally in support of the Batlow to Tumut rail trail – fresh impetus for trail development
Posted: 11/07/20
With the success of the nearby Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail in attracting tourists now ...
More...The proposed Tumut to Batlow Rail Trail
Posted: 23/02/16
Rail Trails for NSW hosted the official launch of the proposed Tumut to Batlow on ...
More...Nearby Trails
Murrumbidgee Valley Rail Trail
380 km southwest of Sydney
Tumbarumba to Rosewood (Riverina Highlands) Rail Trail
470km south of Sydney, 460km north of Melbourne
21 km
Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith (Riverina Highlands) Rail Trail
460 km south-west of Sydney
Yass Rail Trail
280 km southwest of Sydney, in the southern NSW tablelands
Boorowa Galong Rail Trail
330 km southwest of Sydney
High Country Rail Trail
300 km northeast of Melbourne
80 km
Molonglo (Bungendore to Captains Flat) Rail Trail
270 km South of Sydney
Nearby Trails
Murrumbidgee Valley Rail Trail
380 km southwest of Sydney
Tumbarumba to Rosewood (Riverina Highlands) Rail Trail
470km south of Sydney, 460km north of Melbourne
21 km
Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith (Riverina Highlands) Rail Trail
460 km south-west of Sydney
Yass Rail Trail
280 km southwest of Sydney, in the southern NSW tablelands
Boorowa Galong Rail Trail
330 km southwest of Sydney
High Country Rail Trail
300 km northeast of Melbourne
80 km
Molonglo (Bungendore to Captains Flat) Rail Trail
270 km South of Sydney
2 reviews of “Batlow – Tumut Rail Trail”
Totally agree with other reviewer. It is finally dawning on NSW local and state politicians on how many push bike enthusiasts live in NSW yet spend their leisure time and money riding rail trails in other states as my family and friends have. Such a shame that so many of our NSW rail assets have been allowed to deteriorate and are next to useless now without enormous investment. Mudgee to Kandos as an example
Would make an excellent rail trail in a very scenic part of New South Wales, and would put Batlow firmly on the map.