The 21 Most Incredible Rail Trails Around Australia

Saddle up – it’s time for an off-road adventure on the rails.

These trails might have been built when the world was run on steam trains, but today they are all about pedal (and foot) power. Here are our favourite rail trails across Australia.

NSW | SA | Qld | Tas | Vic | NT | WA

NSW

1. Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail crisscrosses the Tweed and Richmond Valley regions. So far, the 24-kilometre Tweed and 13.4-kilometre Richmond Valley sections have been completed. Check out Wollumbin/Mount Warning, see glow worms (and microbats, if you’re lucky) in the Burringbar Range Tunnel, and over two dozen restored and bypassed bridges.

Two people cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail — Traverse the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Some sections have compact gravel and sealed surfaces, making these parts of the trail wheelchair and pram accessible, as well as accessible for scooters, bikes and walkers, and bridleways for horses.

Aerial shot of Two people cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail — The Northern Rivers Rail Trail crisscrosses the Tweed and Richmond Valley regions.

2. Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track is a sealed rail trail near Newcastle, which is popular with work commuters and families. There are plans to extend the 15-kilometre shared pathway further to Swansea.

an aerial view of the Fernleigh Track at sunrise — The Fernleigh Track is popular with families.

Cycle through green bushland, wetlands and past historical stations and heritage railway detritus, with connecting tracks to Lake Macquarie. There are plenty of access points and car parks on the route and it is considered to be an easy grade.

biking through a tunnel at Fernleigh Track — Cycle through heritage railway tunnels along the Fernleigh Track. (Image: City of Newcastle)

3. Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail

Cycle through the dramatic Snowy Mountains landscapes, past Mt Kosciusko, on the 21-kilometre Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail . As well as the awe-inspiring valley and farmland views and vineyard cellar doors, interpretive signage explains the historical sites on the trail – including the remains of railway tracks, restored rail bridges and Pioneer Women’s Hut Museum.

an aerial view of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail — The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail passes through a scenic sub-alpine countryside.

The track is sealed with gentle gradients, making it accessible to prams, mobility scooters and bicycles, as well as mountain bikes.

passing by a huge Tumbarumba sign on a bicycle — The track is accessible.

South Australia

4. Riesling Trail

The Riesling Trail is a 33-kilometre trail through the wine country of the Clare Valley. It is relatively easy with the length of it a fully graded and flat gravel track, although cycling is one of the more popular forms of taking in the cellar door vineyards and farmlands.

bikers passing by the wine country of the Clare Valley along The Riesling Trail — Wind your way through the wine country of the Clare Valley. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission / Adam Bruzzone)

5. Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Make your way down to the south of Adelaide for a day of cycling, strolling or horse riding on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The 38-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail takes in sea views to vineyards, passing the shiraz cellar doors of McLaren Vale and the granite boulders of Hallett Cove. The shared-use trail has bitumen, making it suitable for prams and wheelchairs, as well as bikes, walkers and horses in certain sections.

a couple alongside their bicycles stopping by a vineyard along the Coast to Vines Rail Trail — Stop by sprawling vineyards along the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.

6. Barossa Rail Trail

Continue the vineyard theme on the 40-kilometre sealed track between Gawler and Angaston. The highlight is of course the Barossa cellar doors, but other sites of interest include looking at the North Para River, and pines. The trail encompasses parts of varying difficulty, with some sections suited to prams.

biking along the vineyards on the Barossa Rail Trail — On the Barossa Rail Trail, you’ll pass by verdant vineyards.

Queensland

7. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Australia’s longest rail trail is an off-road path that follows the old Brisbane Valley railway line from Wulkuraka in Ipswich to Yarraman in the Queensland countryside.

biking along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail — Pass beneath one of the smaller wooden trestle bridges along the trail between Esk – Toogoolawah. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of its more famous attractions are the remnants of settler history – like the Lockyer Creek Bridge and Yimbun Tunnel – old train stations, farming and bushlands. Although much of the trail is considered gentle, it is best navigated by mountain bikes, horses or on foot.

an aerial view of bikers along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail — At 161 kilometres, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Australia’s longest rail trail. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail

Saddle up in Tropical North Queensland for the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail , a 20-kilometre trip that traverses between Atherton to Walkamin and is 88 kilometres from Cairns.

bikers passing by the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail — Wind your way along the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail on two wheels.

The trail takes in agricultural towns and farmers markets, the Second World War and Aboriginal history, and critically endangered Mabi Forest. The trail is coarse gravel and suited for mountain and touring bicycles, horse riding, prams and walking. It is best completed in the dry season between April and September.

the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail — It is best to complete this trail in the dry season.

9. Mary to Bay Rail Trail

Up by K’gari on the Fraser Coast, this relatively easy trail of 32 kilometres consists of two sections – the sealed area by Hervey Bay and the unsealed rural section through the bushlands. Areas are still partly under construction.

the Mary to Bay Rail Trail signage — The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is a relatively easy trail that spans 32 kilometres. (Image: Garry Long)

From the trail , cyclists can spot the Urangan Pier, beaches and cafes, and paperbark forests. Depending on the section, some pathways are suitable for prams, scooters and wheelchairs, while others are best tackled with mountain, hybrid and tour bikes, horses and walkers.

the wooden platform of Mary to Bay Rail Trail — Tackle the serene rural rail trail between Nikenbah and Maryborough.

Tasmania

10. North East Tasmania Rail Trail

The old rail corridor from Lilydale to Scottsdale in North East Tasmania has been recreated as a rail trail . Currently clocking in at 28 kilometres, there are plans to expand it to 40 kilometres.

A peaceful route, the highlight is the ambiance of its gorgeous forest vegetation and mountain views. It is best suited to mountain bikes and walkers, as well as touring or hybrid bikes.

the North East Tasmania Rail Trail — Take on the rail trail from Lilydale to Scottsdale in North East Tasmania.

11. Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail

The 24-kilometre trail between Railton to Sheffield in North West Tasmania follows an old rail corridor. It includes dairy farmlands, the bush and plantations of international vegetation and trees. This makes for the perfect summer hike or a fast-paced mountain bike trail, with on-road and rough gravel sections.

riding a bicycle through Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail — Ride through scenic forest vegetation along the Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail.

12. Launceston Heritage Forest Trail

The Launceston Heritage Forest Trail is an easy-to-medium five-kilometre loop track from the centre of town. Making its way through Heritage Park, pram walkers, dog walkers, wheelchair-users and joggers alike can check out over two dozen eucalyptus species and bushland flowers on the sealed walk.

Victoria

13. Great Victorian Rail Trail

The Great Victorian Rail Trail winds its way from Tallarook on the Goulburn River to the Mansfield High Country on a former railway line in north central Victoria. At 132 kilometres it is the state’s longest rail trail and the second longest in the country.

bikers passing by the beautiful curve along the Great Victorian Rail Trail — Take on the 132-kilometre Great Victorian Rail Trail.

There are five kilometres of bridges to traverse, the state’s only rail trail tunnel at Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon, and art trail scenic spots. The shared-use trail consists of compacted earth and fine gravel, with plenty of sections accessible to prams and wheelchairs. It is also popular for mountain biking, horse-riding and touring bikes.

two bikers exploring a historic structure along the Great Victorian Rail Trail — Explore the many historical landmarks along the Great Victorian Rail Trail.

14. Murray to Mountains Rail Trail

You can find another High Country rail trail in north east Victoria, the 116-kilometre Murray to Mountains Rail Trail , which stretches between Rutherglen and Bright. It takes in mountains, farmland and wine country, with the towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, and Myrtleford making popular stop-offs.

biking across the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail along the scenic greenery — The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail passes through charming rural towns. (Image: Tourism Australia)

It is recommended that you take this track during the autumn months, with its gorgeous hues of red and orange. Almost all of this trail is sealed, making it accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Mountain biking is a popular activity here.

biking along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in autumn — The track is most beautiful in autumn. (Image: Ride High Country)

15. Great Southern Rail Trail

The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches from Nyora to Yarram down in South Gippsland, close to the popular Wilsons Promontory National Park. Over 129 kilometres there is an enormous mix of landscapes, including river valleys, forests and fascinating historical towns.

an aerial view of the forested trail along the Great Southern Rail Trail — The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches over 129 kilometres through forests and river valleys.

This rail trail is a mix of easy to difficult terrain, constructed from hard-packed crushed granite and fine gravel, with sections for horse riding.

biking along the Great Southern Rail Trail — Explore scenic landscapes on two wheels across the Great Southern Rail Trail.

Northern Territory

16. Old Ghan Railway Heritage Trail

This epic 180-kilometre track starts at Alice Springs and covers the Old Ghan Railway all the way to Oodnadatta in Outback SA.

a train passing through the Old Ghan Railway Heritage Trail — The Old Ghan Railway Heritage Trail journeys over Australia’s hot, dry centre. (Image: Tourism Northern Territory/ Tourism Australia)

This old, red dirt trade route takes in the rich desert landscape and can be covered by hikers, as well as off-road drivers.

a historical site along the route of the Old Ghan Railway Heritage Trail — Hikers can also tackle this trail. (Image: Greg Snell)

17. East Point Science Trail

Start at Darwin’s East Point Reserve for this easy 7.3-kilometre loop trail that is full of things to do. Mangrove boardwalks, monsoon forests and sunset ocean views interweave with old military buildings from the Second World War and the Darwin Military Museum, playgrounds and the saltwater Lake Alexander. This partially paved walk is suitable for joggers, walkers and cyclists.

Cyclists on the East Point Science Trail in Darwin — The East Point Science Trail is suitable for joggers, walkers and cyclists.

18. Katherine Rail Trail

This sealed 23-kilometre loop track runs from Katherine Station, traversing the Katherine River and following the old North Australian Railway. You can also see remains of the heritage railway with helpful information on the old town of Emungalan. This rail trail is suitable for prams, wheelchairs and scooters, as well as mountain bikes and walkers.

Western Australia

19. Munda Biddi Trail

This long-distance adventure covers around 1000 kilometres between the Perth suburb of Mundaring and the town of Albany by the Great Southern Ocean. However, you certainly only need to do a section of this off-road cycling trail or can make your way bit by bit, camping out at the trail shelters.

coastal views from the Munda Biddi Trail — Follow the coastal route for picturesque views. (Image: Munda Biddi Trail Foundation / Miles Arbour)

It follows the Darling Range, crossing eucalyptus forests and coastal outlooks, with sections of varying accessibility.

biking along the forested area at Munda Biddi Trail — The Munda Biddi Trail meanders through eucalyptus forests. (Image: Munda Biddi Trail Foundation / Miles Arbour)

20. Kep Track

East of Perth, this 76-kilometre track covers all the way out to Northam in the Avon Valley. Perfect for cyclists, horse riders or walkers wanting to get in that long-distance step count, the route itself takes in Marri and Jarrah forests and the spring wildflowers of Beelu National Park.

biking in a forest at Kep Track — The Kep Track is perfect for cyclists, horse riders or walkers.

21. Railway Reserve Heritage Trail

This 41-kilometre bushwalk in the Perth Hills follows the route of the old Eastern Railway, taking in the Darling Range and John Forrest National Park and the railway settlements. This trail is suitable for walkers, cyclers, campers and horse riders.

Rail Trails Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on donations and memberships. You can donate to them here .

Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.

Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.

After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.

The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Setting sail from Mildura

Murray River birds — Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)

A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.

My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.

Stop one: Echuca

19th-century paddlesteamers — A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star , is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.

The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.

Stop two: Barmah National Park

Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.

The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.

Stop three: Cobram

Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.

The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.

Stop four: Albury-Wodonga

First Nations YindyamarraSculpture Walk — First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)

Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.

Playing there

BruceMunro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura — Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.

Eating there

Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.