Yes, it's a Gem!
Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Do you love traversing scenic hiking trails that immerse your soul in the beauty of nature? If so, then the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) is a gem waiting to be explored. From lush forests and towering mountains to picturesque creeks and charming country towns, the BVRT showcases the diverse landscapes of Queensland in all their glory. Along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife, historical landmarks, and stunning panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
Choose between walking for only an hour or two, or anything up to a day or two. Do you prefer to ride? Don your helmet and set off on your gravel bike or saddle your horse and follow the line. This gem of a trail offers a captivating journey through the heart of the Brisbane Valley, Queensland. From Wulkuraka in Ipswich, the trail connects the towns of Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah, Harlin, Moore, Linville, and Blackbutt, ending in Yarraman. Of course, you can do it in the reverse direction too.
This blog post elaborates on what you can expect on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, gives a little of the history, and provides tips for planning your trail adventure. Finally, find a table showing the time it takes to walk between each of the towns between Ipswich and Yarraman. This will help you to plan your walk over as many days as you have available to spend on the trail.
What You Can Expect on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
A hiker's delight, the BVRT off-road trail promises a blend of history, nature, and adventure. Imagine forests, sun-kissed fields, birds chirping in the background, and the rustling of leaves overhead as you hike along the trail. Pass by paddocks dotted with horses and cows. Old farmsteads, cowsheds, and the relics of bridges across multiple rivers and creeks stand as evidence of a once flourishing industry that depended on this rail line. An observant person will notice the many pieces of rail memorabilia that remain in place – silent reminders, rusting away with time.
Stretching over 161 kilometres, it follows the path of the old Brisbane Valley rail line. The rail tracks were removed leaving a pathway for walkers, horse riders and cyclists to easily follow. Some parts of the trail are comfortable walks suitable for the elderly, while other parts require a person to be relatively fit and sure of footing. It is currently the longest trail in Australia. According to the website RV Daily, the route is easily done over 3 to 4 days on a bike. If you’re walking, the full trail may take up to 8 days, staying overnight in towns along the way. Remember to allow extra time on each walk for when you stop to take photos or rest.
Safety, Rules and Responsibilities
Most of the trail is either gravel or grassy pathway, with easy gradients. Sections of the trail are clearly marked for their difficulty factor/gradient. However, in a few spots where the bridge cannot be utilized across a creek or a dry riverbed, the trail leads down and up the other end. Some of these are paved pathways, whereas some are gravel. Cyclists may have to dismount depending on the type of bike they are using and/or their level of fitness. In the town of Esk, there is a bypass around the town for horse riders.
Along the route at periodic intervals there are safety markers, providing information on the distance to the next destination. These also provide a marker location ID to pass on in case of an emergency, for example, BVRT-065.
While traversing the trail, keep in mind that sections of it pass alongside private property – respect towards these neighbours is paramount. If everyone remains within the rules of the trail, it should be a pleasant experience for all.
Day Hikes
Whether you're an avid hiker or a newbie looking for an exciting outdoor experience, the BVRT has something for everyone. Horses can be exercised for a few hours. Cyclists can put their stamina to the test. History buffs can look at places of special interest and relics of bygone days. Tourists can enjoy the outdoor country life without going too far. Bird watchers be warned: you’re in danger of taking longer than planned in stretches of this trail. Go prepared, with extra water and sunscreen, along with your binoculars! As a dog walker, you can escape the hustle and bustle of town but remember to keep your four-legged friend on a leash – kangaroos and a host of smaller animals scurry through the forests and along the undergrowth. Close to towns you also have the occasional jogger passing by.
Various sections pass by farmyards or paddocks. On one occasion we were enthralled by a mother pig and her demanding piglets vying for a chance to feed. In another, we were observers of a dual between two goats crossing in opposite directions along a tree trunk and neither wanted to give way. And of course, cows and horses can be quite curious; they may come right up to the fence, expecting a treat or a pat. Don’t succumb – because you can never be sure that they won’t take a bite out of you. (It is obvious that not interfering with the animals is part of respecting neighbours’ property. If you have children with you, encourage them to keep the excitement levels down too, so that animals are not spooked.)
A History Lovers Delight
The original rail line was commissioned in 1884 and was completed by 1913. As a branch of the Brisbane-Toowoomba line, it was an invaluable addition to assist with transporting timber, coal, dairy products, and passengers along the upper Brisbane River Valley.
Seventy-six years later, in 1989, the line was decommissioned. A decision was made to remove the line, with deconstruction beginning in 1993. Station buildings along the route were sold or moved elsewhere. The only station buildings that remain on site are in Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah, Linville, and Yarraman. The Queensland State Government designated the trail for recreational use to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The BVRT offers historical delights in every town especially at local heritage museums and at each rail station. On the BVRT website, the unique story of each station is summarised. Along the trail are two heritage-listed landmarks, the Yimbun Tunnel and the Lockyer Creek Bridge. As mentioned before, the rail relics dotted along the route are also intriguing.
In 2003 the Esk Shire Council opened the first section of the trail to recreational use. After this, the Nanango Shire Council also opened a stretch of the trail in 2006 and 2007. A committee overseen by the SEQ Regional Recreation Trails Program planned and opened the remaining sections systematically until it reached completion in 2018. (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Adventures website, 2024.)
10 Tips to Keep in Mind
Plan, plan, plan: download a map, and carefully note the distances between towns if you are hiking on foot because camping in the wild is forbidden along the trail.
No fires: open fires are prohibited due to the risk of bushfires, especially in dry conditions. Always be aware and up to date on bushfire warnings in the area you are in.
Pack light: Ensure you have the gear you require. Plan to carry your water supply (there are top-up water points available). Take a map, a snake bite kit, sunscreen, and appropriate weather protection. Don’t forget snacks. Planning to cycle? Don’t forget your basic tool kit including a puncture repair kit.Â
Mobile phone reception: there are a few black spots along the trail. It’s wise to take an emergency personal locator beacon along, especially if you’re travelling alone. Also, pop a portable phone charger into your bag. Some sections are quite remote – in an emergency, you wouldn’t want a flat battery on your phone.
Capture the moments: Don't forget your camera to immortalize the breathtaking vistas and chance animal encounters.
Respect nature: Leave no trace and preserve the natural beauty of the trail for future generations.
Note the gates: be sure to leave any gates you encounter just as you found them.
Courtesy: walkers, give bikes the right of way, by stepping to the left. Cyclists, please ring your bike's bell to alert hikers in front of you of your approach. Remember, there may be those on the trail that are hearing impaired.
Accommodation along the way: camping spots are limited along the trail, but are available at Showgrounds, Caravan Parks, and Free Camps in some towns. Camping in roadside rest areas is not actually allowed; however, if you’re hiking the BVRT, there seems to be an unspoken agreement to allow hikers for a night. For regular accommodation options, there are Air BnB’s, Motels, Hotels, and Farm Stays along the route. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Adventures website for links to these options.
Shuttle and tour options: you may want to use the helpful service offered by Out There Cycling Shuttles and Tours.
Want to walk? Here's a planning tool
Send me a message if you would like an email with this Excel spreadsheet to use in your planning. Or click the file below to download.
Here is another planning tool ... an interactive map on Google Maps. Click on the orange hiker dots for town stops, and on the camera icon to see some attractions along the route.
Not just another trail
The BVRT is not just a hiking trail; it's a journey of discovery, rejuvenation, and adventure. So, lace up those trusty hiking boots, saddle that horse, or mount that bike – breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let the landscapes surrounding this trail refresh your soul. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or a curious traveller, look forward to an experience you will remember.
Adventure awaits! Start planning an encounter with the beauty of the Brisbane Valley for yourself.
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Until next time, thanks for stopping by. 🌼
Sandy🌼
All photos are mine. Copyright Reserved.
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