Rail Trail
South Burnett Rail Trail
About the Rail Trail
The South Burnett Rail Trail is part of the larger (88km) Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail. The South Burnett Rail Trail has a 43 km sealed section from Kingaroy to Murgon, then a further 7.9km of unsealed rail trail to the Moondooner Road turn off to the Moffatdale Winery Route.
The sealed section of the rail trail wanders through farmland and the rich red soils that the South Burnett is famous for. With many small towns along its length, the South Burnett Rail Trail is ideal for families to explore. If you like good wine and great food then follow the unsealed section north from Murgon to the Moffatdale Winery Route turn off.
History of the South Burnett Rail trail
The Kingaroy branch railway line was opened on 19 December 1904. The rail line was extended to Nanango in November 1911. This Kingaroy line was the life blood of towns along its length for decades, transporting goods and services to the South Burnett that were previously unavailable. Passengers, commercial and agricultural freight flowed, and towns expanded and flourished. The Kingaroy to Nanango branch line eventually closed in July 1964.
Over time, most of the freight traffic moved to road transport and in 2006 the line was closed and mothballed. The Theebine to Kingaroy branch line officially closed in 2010. The railway line corridor then remained disused for around 7 years, until on the 23 June 2017 construction of the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail was completed. The Rail Trail was officially opened in Kilkivan in September 2017.
Since 2017 the South Burnett Rail Trail has gone from strength to strength. Cyclists, walkers and runners now come from all over Southeast Queensland and beyond to enjoy the fresh air and the country feel that the South Burnett Rail Trail offers.
Use of Rail Trail
The rail trail being a smooth surface, is popular with locals for walking, running and riding and so improves the liveability of the region and encourages exercise on the safe and mostly shady trail.
Each year many events are held for the enjoyment of locals and for bringing visitors to our region. The Wondai parkrun www.parkrun.com.au/wondai/ has been going for seven years with a weekly 5km walk/run. Each year a number of events are held centred on the rail trail including www.wondaicountryfestival.com.au, the Mothers Day Classic and the Rail Express Relay. For bike riders many events and developments in and around the Rail Trail has continued, with six signposted and mapped Loop Rides opened in 2019 and the Moffatdale Winery Route opened in November 2021. Two mountain bike parks have also since opened in Wondai (2018) and more recently at Gordonbrook Dam (2019), both taking advantage of the popularity of the Rail Trail.
“The Link Route” from Yarraman to Kingaroy via Nanango links the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to the South Burnett Rail Trail and is a must do. Nanango also has two wonderful Loop Rides named Nan 1 and Nan 2. These are fully mapped and signposted.
With the continued support of South Burnett Regional Council and the hard work of volunteers, the South Burnett Rail Trail will continue to grow and develop to become one of the important economic drivers for our region.
For more information please see www.sbrt.au which has all the latest information and upcoming events on the rail trail
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
History and Nature in the Great Outdoors
The top end of the trail is located on top of Australia's Great Dividing Range just two hours drive north-west of Brisbane and directly west of the Sunshine Coast. The Moore to Blackbutt (Nukku Road) section of the trail includes Linville and Benarkin and is located in the scenic upper reaches of the Brisbane River Valley and crosses the rugged and picturesque Blackbutt Range. The trail head at Moore is located opposite the Moore Memorial Hall in Stanley Gates Park and is approximately 51 kilometres north of Esk.
Moore is just under two hours drive from Brisbane (via the Bruce and D'Aguilar Highways or the Warrego, Brisbane Valley and D'Aguilar Highways). Benarkin and Blackbutt can be reached on the D'Aguilar Highway and the drive from Brisbane is approximately two hours.
So why not come and immerse yourself in the history and nature at this excellent recreational facility. Wander around the old Linville Station, tether your horse to the purpose built rails at Benarkin or perhaps spend a moment at the rather lonely place where two railway workers lost their lives building the line those many years ago. This site would have once overlooked the clang and clatter of men building the line by hand, in tough and remote conditions.
There are toilet facilities located in Benarkin and at the historical site where the Tent School at MacNamara's Camp once educated many children, while their fathers were building the line. The trail is very well signed, with a number of seats and sheltered picnic tables along the way. Visitors can walk, bike or horse ride the trail, which comprises 7 klm from Moore to Linville, 18 klm from Linville to Benarkin, and a further 4.6 klm to Blackbutt.
Mountain views, the song of the Bellbird and the native flora meld with history and heritage on the trail which meanders atop the Blackbutt range, affording a serene bush outlook with clear blue skies. This section is part of the 148 klm Brisbane Valley Trail.
Recently awarded the Queensland Outdoor recreation Federation's Government Achievement Award that acknowledges the outstanding partnership between the Queensland Government, Ipswich City, Somerset and South Burnett Regional Councils to deliver the 148 klm rail trail. Planning has commenced on the delivery of the trail from Toogoolawah to Moore. This will provide a continuous trail for hiking, biking and horse riding from Wulkuraka to Blackbutt. It has now been extended through Nukku to the original rail terminus at Yarraman.
Council receives many requests to use the trail for various group activities, including horse riding, bike riding and walking. Council welcomes this usage. For further information contact one of Council's Visitor Information Centres on (07) 4189 9100 or make direct contact with the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ambassadors Robyn Gray (07) 5424 8138 or Jeff Maudsley (07) 4163 0305.
Key Historic Dates
- 1910: The first train arrives in Linville
- 1989: The last train leaves Linville
- 1995: The removal of the line and bridges
- 2006: The rail trail between Linville and Blackbutt is opened for recreational use.
Trail Distance
- Moore to Blackbutt (Nukku Road): 33.5 klm
- Moore to Linville Station: 7 klm
- Linville Station to Benarkin: 18 klm
- Benarkin to Blackbutt: 4.6 klm
- Blackbutt to Nukku Overhead Bridge: 3.9 klm