Traditional owners

We acknowledge the Ngunawal and Ngarigo people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail will be built.

Development and future of the rail trail

Local groups are hoping to develop this former branch line, part of which follows the Molonglo River.

Interest has been renewed since 2014 after Rail Trails for NSW began lobbying the State Government to allow development of rail trails on abandoned government rail lines.

A feasibility study was completed in November 2019, with an appendix including letters of support.

The study demonstrates that the trail is not only feasible, but would also provide significant economic, health, educational, environmental and social benefits to local communities and boost active tourism, generating a significant increase in visitor numbers.

Rail line history 

The line only operated from 1940 to 1968, though it was used briefly during the making of the 1970 Ned Kelly movie starring Mick Jagger.

The Captains Flat station had a 63 m curved island platform between the arrival and departure roads. There was also an engine run-around line and turntable, water tank and ash pit. Beyond the station area was a yard where nearby mines would load lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold ore. An elevated loading ramp sat over the main line, with a goods shed on the adjacent siding.