The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) is a 161km adventure along Australia’s longest rail trail, suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding. It offers a diverse journey through rural landscapes, historic country towns, and heritage sites like old railway stations and bridges. The trail is mostly composed of compounded gravel, though some sections are rough, making a gravel or mountain bike suitable, but not a road bike. The experience can be a day trip or a multi-day adventure with accommodation and services available in various towns.
Key aspects of the BVRT experience
- Activities: Users can walk, cycle, or ride horses along the trail. Cycling is popular, with many visitors using gravel or mountain bikes.
- Terrain: The trail follows a disused railway line and features mostly compounded gravel surfaces. However, it includes some rocky and rougher sections, particularly on the steeper parts through the Blackbutt Range and between Yarraman and Nukku.
- Scenery and sights: Riders and walkers will encounter diverse rural scenery, including farmland, forests, and picturesque countryside. Along the way, there are historic railway stations, old bridges, and heritage-listed sites.
- Towns and services: The trail passes through trails towns like Fernvale, Lowood, Esk, Toogoolawah, and Yarraman, which offer accommodation, food, and other services.
- Duration and options: It can be done as a day trip or a multi-day adventure. Shuttle services and self-guided tours are available for those who want to do a one-way trip or have logistical support.
- Self-Sufficiency: Some sections between towns are quite remote – be prepared to be self sufficient and to self help if you get into trouble. Whilst not essential, carrying an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) can give peace of mind.
- Mobile phone coverage: Mobile phone coverage is mostly good, but there are some black spots. Telstra is the only mobile phone carrier with good coverage.
- Bike choice: A gravel or mountain bike is most suitable for the trail conditions.
- Preparation: Be prepared to be self-sufficient, especially between towns, and carry plenty of drinking water. Carry a first aid kit, including a snake bite bandage (and know how to use it). If cycling, carry a basic tool kit and puncture repair kit.
- Safety: Some sections have rough surfaces and creek crossings that can be steep. Check the status of the trail before you go, as sections may be closed following severe weather events.
- Swooping Magpies: Magpie swooping season occurs during spring, typically from August to December, when male magpies are defending their nests and young. Swooping is a defensive behaviour and usually lasts for about six weeks once the chicks hatch. To stay safe, wear a hat or helmet to protect your head and attach bird scarer tape. Additional protection such as a Da Brim helmet brim or a Pie Proof helmet can provide a good defence.
