Visitors to the BVRT generally fall into one of two categories. Either they plan to travel the entire 161 km length of the rail trail or they want to spend a relaxing few days staying in one location whilst they explore different sections of the rail trail.
All the information you need to create your own cycle tour holiday itinerary, including a map, a distance chart, and recommended accommodation and catering options is available on this website (walking tour itinerary coming soon).
The preferred direction is from Yarraman to Wulkuraka (North to South) because the general trend is downhill and the sun is generally behind you). Leave your car at the Wulkuraka Trailhead and take the 7.00 am shuttle to Yarraman.
For airport shuttles up to 5 persons, Fernvale Shuttles Services: fernvaletransport@gmail.com.
For airport shuttles more than 5 persons, Out There Cycling info@outtherecycling.com.au.
For luggage transfers, accommodation owners in the north of the region will usually agree to transfer your luggage for a fee (usually around $100) and/or contact Fernvale Transport & Shuttle Services: fernvaletransport@gmail.com for luggage transport south of Esk.
Book your accommodation via our BookEasy one stop booking platform.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1 (42 or 49 km depending on whether you stay overnight in Linville or Moore)
Take the train to Wulkuraka Station or drive to new BVRT Wulkuraka trail head at Grace St in Wulkuraka where you can leave your car (163 Grace St, Wulkuraka, QLD). Catch the 7.00 am shuttle with Out There Cycling up to Yarraman (needs to be pre-booked). Arrive at about 9.30 am.
Cycle to Blackbutt and stop for a pie in Blackbutt Bakery.
Continue to spend the night in Linville or Moore (Accommodation Options). Lunch and/or dinner at the Linville Pub or Linville Store and Cafe in Linville .
Free camping in both Linville and Moore (you can safely ignore the ‘No tents’ signs – the rule is not enforced unless you overstay your welcome).
Day 2 (52 or 45 km depending on whether you stayed overnight in Linville or Moore.)
Next destination Esk. Start with breakfast at Linville Store and Cafe in Linville or Moore Cafe in Moore. Lunch at the Exchange Hotel in Toogoolawah or The Picnic Society café (only open at weekends). Then on to Esk where you’re spoilt for choice for accommodation options, but be sure to check out the unique Brisbane Valley Roasters, right beside the rail trail on north edge of town, for a coffee made from fresh beans roasted on site and breakfast or lunch if you fancy a bite.
Esk Caravan Park has two excellent motels and Grand Hotel Esk is good value. Supper at Esk Grand. Please note, only the Esk Thai takeaway is open to eat on a Sunday evening in Esk, but the Esk IGA has plenty of pre-prepared meals, so perhaps a picnic in Pipeliner Park would be a good option.
No free camping in Esk, but good camping facilities at Esk Caravan Park.
Day 3 (67 km)
Breakfast in Nash Café to set you up for the longest day. Lunch at the Club Hotel in Lowood or morning tea at Rudy and Ada’s Café if you’re early, followed by a pie at the Fernvale Bakery and Patisserie in the Fernvale Shopping Centre (best pies in Fernvale). Barbs Kitchen and Tree Change café are also good value. Continue on to the trailhead at Wulkuraka to complete your achievement.
Optional Day 4 If you want to take a more leisurely 4 days to enjoy the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Clarendon Cottage in Clarendon Station Road just 7 km south of Coominya is a good option.
For a two day tour, Yarraman to Toogoolawah (closest town to the halfway point @ 75 km) on Day 1, stay overnight at the Exchange Hotel which also does good pub food, and then continue on to Wulkuraka (86 km). Food options as in the 3-day tour above.
Free camping also available in Toogoolawah opposite the old station or camping with showers in the paid camping at the show grounds.
Whatever you decide for your itinerary, we hope you enjoy your BVRT experience.
Paul Heymans
