The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) traces the route of the former Brisbane Valley railway line, a 161‑kilometre branch line built between 1884 and 1913 to open up Queensland’s upper Brisbane River valley for timber, dairy, agriculture, and later wartime logistics. Today, the BVRT stands as Australia’s longest rail trail, stretching from Wulkuraka (Ipswich) to Yarraman.

Origins of the Railway Line (1884–1913)

The Brisbane Valley railway line was constructed in stages over nearly 30 years:

• 1884 — First section opened from Brisbane Valley Junction (now Wulkuraka) to Lowood.
• 1886 — Extension to Esk.
• 1904 — Line reached Moorabool/Yimbun.
• 1910 — Harlin, Moore and Linville sections opened.
• 1911 — Line climbed the Blackbutt Range to Blackbutt and Benarkin for major timber haulage.
• 1913 — Final section to Yarraman completed.

The line became known for its winding, hilly terrain, requiring numerous bridges, cuttings, and the heritage‑listed Yimbun Tunnel. It also played a role in World War II, transporting troops and supplies to the Lowood airfield.

Rail operations declined from the 1960s as road transport grew more efficient, and the line officially closed in 1989. Track removal began in 1993, with only a handful of station buildings remaining today (Yarraman, Linville, Toogoolawah, Esk, Coominya, Lowood).

The Rail Trail Idea (1996)

In 1996, former Nanango Shire Mayor Reg McCallum and Councillor Kevin Allery proposed converting the disused railway into a recreational rail trail—an idea that would take more than two decades to fully realise.

Early Development (2003–2006)

Local councils led the first construction efforts:

• 2003 — Esk Shire Council opened the Fernvale–Lowood section.
• 2006 — Nanango Shire Council opened Linville–Blackbutt.

These early sections demonstrated the trail’s tourism potential and set the foundation for future expansion.

State-Led Expansion (2007–2010)

In 2007, the Queensland Government committed to developing the full rail trail. New sections opened progressively:

• 2007 — Linville–Moore
• 2009 — Esk–Fernvale and Esk–Toogoolawah
• 2010 — Blackbutt–Nukku and Nukku–Yarraman

By 2010, most of the northern and central sections were complete.

Flood Setback (2011–2012)

The 2011 Queensland floods caused severe damage to multiple sections. Development paused in 2012, leaving two major gaps:

• Moore–Toogoolawah
• Wanora–Wulkuraka

Community-Led Revival (2016–2018)

A grassroots campaign led by the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association (BVRTUA) successfully pushed for renewed government investment.

Key milestones:

• 2016 — Queensland Government announced funding to complete remaining sections.
• 2017 — Construction began on the final missing link (Moore–Toogoolawah) under Somerset Regional Council.
• 2018 —
  • Wanora–Wulkuraka section opened.
  • 7 August 2018 — Official opening of the Moore–Toogoolawah section by Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Federal Minister Dr John McVeigh, Assistant Minister Julianne Gilbert, and State MP Deb Frecklington.
  • A further $4.5 million was announced to renovate and deck the heritage‑listed Lockyer Creek Bridge.

With this final link complete, the entire 161 km BVRT was officially open to the public—11 years after the project was first announced.

Lockyer Creek Bridge Upgrade (2018)

The renovated Lockyer Creek Bridge reopened just before Christmas 2018, providing a spectacular heritage feature along the trail.

Ongoing Investment and Improvements (2019–2025)

Government at all levels has continued to invest in trail upgrades, flood resilience, and safety improvements. Approximately $46 million has been invested in the BVRT to date.

Recent major works include:

• 2024 — Reconstruction of Logan Creek Bridge at Cooragook (Coominya–Mt Hallen), approx. $2.5 million.
• 2025 — Completion of Black Snake Creek and Sandy Creek bridges (Mt Hallen–Esk).

These upgrades improve safety, accessibility, and long-term durability for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

A Living Heritage Corridor

Today, the BVRT offers:

• Historic railway stations and bridges
• The heritage‑listed Yimbun Tunnel and Harlin Rail Bridge
• Scenic rural landscapes and small country towns
• A thriving tourism economy supported by cafés, pubs, accommodation, shuttle services, and cycling businesses

The trail is jointly managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and local councils, with strong support from the BVRT Users Association.

Stay Connected

For the latest updates, events, and trail information, follow the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association on Facebook.