Cycling Australia’s Brisbane Valley Rail Trail: Long, Quiet Miles Through Rural Queensland

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Distance: 100 miles

Route Map

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail runs around 100 miles from Yarraman to Wulkuraka, making it Australia’s longest continuous rail trail and one of its best long-distance gravel routes. Following the old Brisbane Valley railway line, the trail moves through small towns, open farmland, gentle ridges, and long stretches of Australian bush. Much of the surface is compacted gravel or dirt, giving the ride an off-pavement feel while staying friendly to steady, all-day pedaling.

Across Farmland, Forest, and Old Rail Towns

Starting at Yarraman, the northern end rolls through farmland and open grassland with wide views that stretch across the Darling Downs. Old cuttings and embankments hint at the corridor’s railway past, and the gentle grade makes the early miles comfortable. As you move southward toward towns like Blackbutt, Linville, and Moore, the scenery becomes more wooded, with gum trees lining the path and small creeks passing under restored rail bridges. Each town has a few services — a café, pub, or bakery — which makes planning breaks simple without feeling overly developed.

The midsection between Linville and Toogoolawah is one of the most scenic. Long, quiet stretches of gravel carry you through cattle country and pockets of tall forest. The old Harlin Rail Bridge and the restored station buildings in Toogoolawah are reminders of the region’s railway history. Even without major climbs, the constant rise and fall of the terrain keeps the ride engaging, and the gravel surface provides enough variation to break the monotony of a perfectly smooth path.

Further south, the landscape opens up again as you approach Esk and Fernvale. These towns offer reliable food stops and shaded places to rest — helpful on hot days when the sun sits high and shade can be limited between forests. The final stretch toward Wulkuraka brings the trail back toward suburban edges, where the surface becomes more uniform and wayfinding remains straightforward.

Trail conditions depend on the weather

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is well maintained, but it’s important to be ready for changing conditions. Long sections of gravel can develop washboard texture, and some areas may feel loose after dry spells. In wet weather, low spots can get muddy, and creek crossings may be softer than usual. Shade varies considerably; riders starting late in the morning will feel the heat quickly, especially in the northern farmland sections. Water is available in the towns but scarce between them, so topping up whenever you pass through a populated area is the safest approach.

Mobile coverage can be weak in a few remote areas, though the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. Because it’s a point-to-point route, many riders arrange a shuttle or plan an overnight stop. Despite its length, the gentle grades make the trail approachable and rewarding, offering days of steady riding through a landscape that shifts from open plains to wooded corridors and back again.

A cycling trail in Australia that offers quiet, scenic miles.

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