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Pioneer Valley Rail Trail

Queensland - Central

3.2 based on 5 reviews
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Location: Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay
Length: 7 km
Surface: Coarse gravel, Crushed granite
Start / End: Gargett to Benholme
Public Transport: None
Suitable for:
  • Cycling – Mountain BikesCycling – Mountain Bikes
  • WalkingWalking
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  • Rail Trail
  • On Road
  • Temporarily Closed
  • Potential Trail
  • Other Trail
  • Former Railway

Queensland's newest rail trail with stage 1 connecting Finch Hatton, Gargett and Mirani in the upper Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay.

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  • The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail showcases lush cane farming country in tropical northern Queensland with views of the surrounding mountains. The trail in places shares space with working cane trains that crisscross the landscape. The corridor is well vegetated with trees for shelter and natural habitat, in sections. In time volunteers and the community will plant out the entire trail.
  • Trailheads are currently at (from Mackay end) Mirani railway station, Gargett at the Pioneer Valley Sporting Association, and the Finch Hatton MTB to provide info and maps.
  • Stage 1 is 7km in length and is now open (July 2025) starting in Gargett. The trail surface has been upgraded to gravel and crusher dust, and is now suitable for cyclists regardless of their experience.  Anyone riding the trail should enjoy the entire length.
  • A 22km back roads segment from Gargett to Finch Hatton has been signed and mapped.  It is recommended for cyclists who enjoy quiet country roads. This section is mostly sealed but has some gravel.
  • Gargett to Mirani is 18kms of the exiting 7km rail trail and some quiet country roads.
  • The long term plan is for a combination of on-formation rail trail sections and interconnecting on-road sections between Mackay Harbour to Finch Hatton and on to Netherdale, approx 80km in length. Refer to “Further Information” below for more details.

During the wet season check the volunteer committee’s social media page Friends of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail for trail condition before visiting.

Nearby Attractions

Mackay region has plenty of attractions.

  • Get up close with wildlife: Wallabies and kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough; Eungella National Park is famous for platypus
  • Walking and hiking in the gorges, national parks, rainforest and mountains
  • Cycling paths throughout Mackay township and region
  • Mountain bike the world class Finch Hatton MTB Park
  • Stroll or swim at the beaches north and south of Mackay, rivers and creeks in the Pioneer Valley and Eungella
  • Zip-line through the rainforest
  • Enjoy local hospitality in the CBD and regional restaurants, including small towns in the Pioneer Valley and on Eungella Range
  • Boating and fishing is available on the coast, as well as creeks and dams in the Pioneer Valley and Eungella
  • Learn about the sugar cane industry and enjoy a tour and tasting at the Sugar Shed in Sarina

Last updated: 17 August 2026

Access points

  • Finch Hatton
  • Gargett
  • Mirani Railway Station

Section Guides

Finch Hatton to Gargett (22.0 kms)

It is possible to ride from Finch Hatton to Gargett on the quiet country roads that have some nice scenery. The 2km into Finch Hatton is on the highway so recommended for experienced cyclists only.

Gargett to Mirani (7.0 kms old rail trail, 11kms quiet country roads)

The trail surface has been upgraded to gravel and crusher dust, and is now suitable for cyclists regardless of their experience.

Parking is at the Pioneer Valley Sporting Association. From there, Ride/Walk/Run towards Mackay and you will see the entry sign to the 0.7km Rail Trail on the left when you cross the railway line.

At Gargett, this entry is near the working train line which crosses the Mackay-Eungella Road before Gargett. The road at the Gargett entry to the rail trail is used by farmers with trucks and farm machinery. Please do not park in this area. There is safe parking at the Pioneer Valley Sporting Club in Gargett, just up the road. At Nicholsons Rd the trail follows quiet back roads to Mirani.

At Mirani the trail follows clearly signed quiet back roads 11kms to Nicholsons Rd where it becomes an off road rail trail to Gargett.

Bike Hire and possible transfers: https://www.corrycyclesfinchhatton.com.au/collections/all

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.

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6 reviews of “Pioneer Valley Rail Trail”

HI
Rode the Gargett and Benholme section yesterday (12May26)
Thanks to the Volunteers and the slasher guy who was out yesterday
Much appreciated
Trail surface from Gargett to "Gargett Dump Rd" is gravel and crusher dust
From the Dump Rd to Benholme was a mix of surfaces and soft in a couple of places (Gravel & Mountain bikes are better on this section)
Multiple gates on the route as it is shared with cattle in some places (leave the gates as you found them)
There is one new bridge and a mesh grate to tackle another creek crossing – thank you
There are little "PVRT" signs along the trail to you don't loose your way
Runs along some Cane Train tracks in places with views of all the cane fields
NO descent signs at the Niicholsons Rd end (apart from the street sign and the little PVRT bike sign on the post
All the main signage is at the Gargett end
A good ride though

I didn’t expect perfect, it is not in a city. It’s a great ride Gargett east to Benholme is 9 km and for a new trail, the surface is fabulous. Boggy areas are fixed. Return makes 18 km. Then off west from Gargett to Finch Hatton, this is 22 km one way. This section is just beautiful, and we had two swims on our way in the Pioneer River. No cars pasted us. We decided to camp at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds ( run by the local community), and were not disappointed . More swims at the local town water hole and a morning on the Finch Hatton Mountain bike track. We went home happy

I rode the Benholme to Gargett section yesterday; perhaps I’ve been spoilt by other more developed (and higher funded) trails (South Burnett, Brisbane Valley + Boyne Valley), but I was sadly disappointed riding the PVRT.
Despite the website stating gravel + crusher dust surface with boggy parts fixed, I was almost shaken off my seat several times. It was not pleasant at all; ok, maybe one or two sections.
I had to concentrate so much on where I was riding, any magical scenery was lost to me.

In fact l, I enjoyed it so little, I put my faith in God and returned via the main road (Mackay-Eungella).

I can see this trail has the potential for great things and I understand it is only new. Absolutely great work has been done so far by volunteers; however, I must say the website information is misleading.

I rode from Finch Hatton to Mirani return on 16th August (70km) The rail trail section was rough but has huge potential should further funding be received. The loop road between Finch Hatton and Gargett was fantastic with the creeks, canefields and mountain backdrop. The burgers at the Three Little Birds cafe at Mirani hit the spot, as did coffees at the Gargett store. The highway link sections were a bit scary.

I rode the trail yesterday 28th July, much improved from earlier this year, I started from Benholme end and cycled to Gargett where i had smoko at local store/servo, there was plenty of parking for horses and bikes, toilets etc available. Return trip slightly downhill. I recommend locals to give it a try to enjoy this type of cycling.

I cycled this trail on the day of the official opening. Full kudos to the local community members who have persevered to open this first stage. The trail traverses working cane fields and cane was being harvested right beside the trail, permeating the air with the sweet smell of raw cane. Extensive regrowth of native vegetation has occurred since the rail was closed, providing shade and natural habitat along the length of the corridor. This trail is, as to be expected, in a rudimentary state of development and suited only for competent riders on mountain bikes. Cyclists can expect muddy sections after rain (which is regular here), sandy sections, tufted grass sections and one tricky gully crossing which is best walked. The loop ride on back country roads to Finch Hatton provides an easier cycling experience. This trail holds enormous potential as more sections open and trail surface upgrades happen. It will become a drawcard destination rail trail.

Information and Links

The rail trail is developed and managed by the volunteer Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Group Inc. committee, contact ad***@*********il.com.

Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082301657158.

Please contact the committee for all issues on the rail trail proper.

Contact Rail Trails Australia

To contact us about this rail trail, email qld@railtrails.org.au

Background Information

Traditional owners

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

Development and future of the rail trail

The first 7km section of rail trail between Gargett and Benholme opened in July 2025.

The vision for the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is to develop a “coast-to-mountains” multi-user trail within the Pioneer Valley rail corridor, ultimately stretching 80km from Mackay Harbour to trailheads at all communities in the Pioneer Valley. Currently trailheads exist at Mirani, Gargett and Finch Hatton mountain bike park. This will be accomplished by re-purposing sections of disused and existing rail corridor and using existing or constructed shared pathways. It will be complemented in the early years by a supportive network of quiet roads and tracks. It is also to be part of a broader invigoration of environmental, cultural and recreational tourism attractions within the Pioneer Valley itself.

Rail line history

The first section opened from Mackay to Eton, the only other town in the region at the time, together with a branch from Newbury Junction to Mirani, 36 km in total, in 1885. The line was later extended 16 km west to Pinnacle between 1897 and 1902.  . The QLD Government built two sugar mills as part of the development, and in due course most mills became cooperatively owned.

The Pioneer Shire Council funded the construction of a 9 km extension to Finch Hatton opened in 1904. It also funded a 12 km branch from Benholme to Kirkup, opened 1903.

The line was later deviated between Gargett and Nicholson Road, allowing a corridor that could now be used as a rail trail.

Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Volunteers Recognised with Excellence Award

Posted: 25/01/26

Pioneer Valley Rail Trail volunteers Mike and Margie Browne have won an Excellence in Community ...

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QLD Invests $3.5 Million to Upgrade 4 Rail Trails

Posted: 27/09/25

The Queensland Government announced in September 2025 that it will spend $3.5 million on 4 regional rail trails. ...

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Stage One of Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Opens

Posted: 30/07/25

Mike Browne (PVRT President) and Carl Morton (Mackay Sugar) ...

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