Rail Trails Australia

Australia's 194 converted-railway shared-use paths — gentle gradients, country towns, historic stations, no traffic. The friendliest way to ride a bike in Australia.

194

rail trails

3,374km

total trail length

states covered

What is a rail trail?

A rail trail is a former railway corridor — usually a regional branch line that lost its commercial viability — converted into a shared-use path for cycling, walking and (often) horse riding. Tracks and sleepers are pulled up, the corridor is resurfaced with compacted gravel or sealed bitumen, and the route opens to the public.

What makes rail trails special is their gradient. Steam and diesel locomotives couldn't climb steep grades, so railway engineers kept the maximum gradient under 2-3% for the entire length of the line. The result, today, is the gentlest long-distance cycling network in the country — accessible to families, beginner riders, retirees, and anyone with a hybrid or gravel bike.

Rail trails also follow a distinctive linear, point-to-point format through old country towns. Most pass through restored heritage stations, trestle bridges and tunnels, with country pubs, bakeries and B&Bs catering specifically to riders. Marquee trails like the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (161km), Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (137km), and Riesling Trail (35km, through Clare Valley wine country) have become bucket-list rides for cycle tourists.

Rail trails by state

Highest-rated rail trails

★ 5.0(8)

All rail trails

Trail	State	Distance	Surface	Rating
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail North	VIC	137km	sealed	★ 5.0
Gippsland Plains Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	62km	gravel	★ 5.0
O’Keefe Rail Trail North	VIC	49km	sealed	★ 5.0
North-East Tasmania Rail Trail North	TAS	26km	gravel	★ 5.0
North-West Tasmanian Coastal Cycleway North	TAS	20km	sealed	★ 5.0
Perth – Fremantle Principal Shared Path	WA	20km	sealed	★ 5.0
Wolgan Valley Rail Trail Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	11km	gravel	★ 5.0
Torbay to Elleker Rail Trail	WA	8km	gravel	★ 5.0
Fyansford Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	4.4km	sealed	★ 5.0
Manjimup Linear Path	WA	4km	sealed	★ 5.0
Bethania to Beaudesert Rail Trail South East	QLD	3.5km	sealed	★ 5.0
Tracker Riley Cycleway rail trail Country and ACT	NSW	3km	sealed	★ 5.0
Boolboonda Tunnel Heritage Trail Central	QLD	3km	gravel	★ 5.0
Parnkalla Rail Trail (Port Lincoln to Coffin Bay) Regional	SA	—	mixed	★ 5.0
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail South East	QLD	161km	sealed	★ 4.9
Encounter Bikeway railside trail Regional	SA	28km	sealed	★ 4.9
O-Bahn Bikeway trail Adelaide region	SA	16km	sealed	★ 4.9
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail West	VIC	57km	gravel	★ 4.8
Northern Rivers Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	54km	sealed	★ 4.8
Riesling and Rattler Trails Regional	SA	53km	gravel	★ 4.8
Barossa Rail Trail Regional	SA	43km	sealed	★ 4.8
Outer Harbor Greenway railside trail Adelaide region	SA	23km	sealed	★ 4.8
Bass Coast Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	23km	gravel	★ 4.8
Rokeby to Neerim Railside Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	17km	gravel	★ 4.8
Melba Flats to Zeehan Rail Trail West Coast	TAS	9km	gravel	★ 4.8
Erica to Thomson Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	7.3km	gravel	★ 4.8
Kapunda Rail Trail Regional	SA	1km	sealed	★ 4.8
Southern Flinders Rail Trail Regional	SA	80km	gravel	★ 4.7
Coast to Vines Rail Trail Adelaide region	SA	37km	sealed	★ 4.7
Mary to Bay Rail Trail Central	QLD	30km	sealed	★ 4.7
Copper Coast Rail Trail Regional	SA	25km	sealed	★ 4.7
Amy Gillett Bikeway Rail Trail Adelaide region	SA	23km	sealed	★ 4.7
Marino Rocks Greenway rail trail Adelaide region	SA	16km	sealed	★ 4.7
Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail Melbourne region	VIC	15km	sealed	★ 4.7
Gawler Greenway railside trail Adelaide region	SA	14km	sealed	★ 4.7
Moe – Yallourn Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	7.2km	gravel	★ 4.7
Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Central	QLD	7km	gravel	★ 4.7
Red Hill Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	6.3km	gravel	★ 4.7
Liffey Falls Rail Trail North	TAS	5km	gravel	★ 4.7
Stanhope to Girgarre Rail Trail North	VIC	5km	gravel	★ 4.7
Mornington Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	4km	sealed	★ 4.7
Hawthorn to Kew Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	1km	sealed	★ 4.7
Lavender Bay “High Line” Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.7
Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Trail West	VIC	37km	gravel	★ 4.6
Coast Park Path Rail Trail Adelaide region	SA	25km	sealed	★ 4.6
Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	23km	sealed	★ 4.6
Ringwood to Belgrave Trail Melbourne region	VIC	17km	sealed	★ 4.6
Railton to Sheffield Rail Trail North	TAS	12km	gravel	★ 4.6
Mike Turtur Bikeway railside trail Adelaide region	SA	9km	sealed	★ 4.6
Rosstown Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	9km	sealed	★ 4.6
Tyers Junction Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	7km	gravel	★ 4.6
Cooks to Cove Greenway Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	6km	sealed	★ 4.6
Pioneer Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	6km	sealed	★ 4.6
Stockade Rail Trail Adelaide region	SA	2.6km	gravel	★ 4.6
South Coast Rail Trail and Ernest Junction Tunnel South East	QLD	0.75km	sealed	★ 4.6
Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Central	QLD	67km	gravel	★ 4.5
Collie – Darkan Rail Trail	WA	63km	gravel	★ 4.5
Warburton Rail Trail/Yarra Valley Trail Melbourne region	VIC	48km	sealed	★ 4.5
Old Beechy Rail Trail West	VIC	40km	sealed	★ 4.5
Bellarine Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	35km	sealed	★ 4.5
Mary Valley Rail Trail South East	QLD	5km	gravel	★ 4.5
Tiger Rail Trail West	VIC	4.4km	gravel	★ 4.5
Sandridge Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	4km	sealed	★ 4.5
Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith (Riverina Highlands) Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	2km	sealed	★ 4.5
Buderim Heritage Tramway Trail South East	QLD	2km	sealed	★ 4.5
Bunny Trail West	VIC	1.2km	sealed	★ 4.5
Meadowbank Railway Bridge Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	0.5km	sealed	★ 4.5
Boorowa Galong Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.5
Goulburn Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.5
Kilkivan – Kingaroy Rail Trail South East	QLD	89km	sealed	★ 4.4
Powelltown Tramway Trails East (Gippsland)	VIC	39km	gravel	★ 4.4
Port Fairy Rail Trail West	VIC	38km	sealed	★ 4.4
Hobart Intercity Cycleway South East	TAS	15km	sealed	★ 4.4
Grand Ridge Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	13km	gravel	★ 4.4
Ferny Grove Rail Trail South East	QLD	11km	sealed	★ 4.4
Inner Circle Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	5km	sealed	★ 4.4
Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail Central	QLD	4.4km	sealed	★ 4.4
Box Vale Tk rail trail Country and ACT	NSW	4km	gravel	★ 4.4
Brassall Bikeway rail trail South East	QLD	3.5km	sealed	★ 4.4
Webb Dock railside trail Melbourne region	VIC	2.7km	sealed	★ 4.4
Como Bridge Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	2km	sealed	★ 4.4
Goods Line Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	1km	sealed	★ 4.4
Awaba – Wangi Wangi Rail Trail Newcastle region	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.4
Batlow – Tumut Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.4
Great Southern Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	136km	gravel	★ 4.3
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail	WA	59km	gravel	★ 4.3
Darwin to Adelaide River Rail Trail	NT	28km	sealed	★ 4.3
Don to Devonport Cycleway North	TAS	11km	sealed	★ 4.3
Mount Gambier Rail Trail Regional	SA	10.5km	sealed	★ 4.3
Penfield railside trail Adelaide region	SA	7km	sealed	★ 4.3
Woodend to Daylesford (incl Domino) Rail Trail West	VIC	6km	gravel	★ 4.3
Rosehill to Carlingford rail trail Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	5km	sealed	★ 4.3
Mount Barker Rail Trail Regional	SA	5km	sealed	★ 4.3
Semaphore Rail Trail Adelaide region	SA	4.2km	sealed	★ 4.3
Smithfield Magazine Rail Trail Adelaide region	SA	3.5km	sealed	★ 4.3
Dularcha National Park Rail Trail South East	QLD	3km	gravel	★ 4.3
Carnarvon Tramway	WA	3km	gravel	★ 4.3
Monaro Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.3
Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail North	QLD	38km	gravel	★ 4.2
Outer Circle Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	17km	sealed	★ 4.2
Fernleigh Track rail trail Newcastle region	NSW	16km	sealed	★ 4.2
Spray Tunnel and Comstock Tramways West Coast	TAS	6km	gravel	★ 4.2
Parafield railside trail Adelaide region	SA	3km	sealed	★ 4.2
Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail West	VIC	—	gravel	★ 4.2
East Gippsland Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	96km	sealed	★ 4.1
Hopetoun – Ravensthorpe Railway Heritage Walk	WA	41km	gravel	★ 4.1
Riverina Highlands (Tumbarumba) Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	21km	sealed	★ 4.1
Sandy Hollow to Merriwa Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.1
Great Victorian Rail Trail North	VIC	135km	gravel	★ 4.0
Mt Garnet to Lappa Junction Trail North	QLD	55km	gravel	★ 4.0
Irvinebank to Boonmoo Rail Trail North	QLD	43km	gravel	★ 4.0
North Mount Lyell Rail Trail West Coast	TAS	12km	gravel	★ 4.0
Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail Regional	SA	11km	gravel	★ 4.0
Dookie Rail Trail North	VIC	8km	sealed	★ 4.0
Mundaring Weir Rail Trail	WA	7km	gravel	★ 4.0
Katherine Rail Trail	NT	6km	sealed	★ 4.0
Manjimup to Deanmill Heritage Trail	WA	6km	sealed	★ 4.0
Eudunda Hampden Rail Trail Regional	SA	5km	gravel	★ 4.0
Strahan to Regatta Point Rail Trail West Coast	TAS	3km	sealed	★ 4.0
Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail East (Gippsland)	VIC	3km	gravel	★ 4.0
Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway rail trail Country and ACT	NSW	2km	sealed	★ 4.0
Lapstone Zig Zag rail trail Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	1.5km	sealed	★ 4.0
Molong to Dubbo Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.0
Molonglo (Bungendore to Captains Flat) Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.0
Murrumbidgee Valley Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 4.0
Derwent Valley Rail Trail South East	TAS	—	—	★ 4.0
High Country Rail Trail North	VIC	81km	sealed	★ 3.9
Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail Central	QLD	4.5km	sealed	★ 3.9
Wadandi Track	WA	53km	sealed	★ 3.8
Caboolture – Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail South East	QLD	10.5km	sealed	★ 3.8
Castlemaine to Maldon Trail West	VIC	18km	gravel	★ 3.7
Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail West	VIC	41km	gravel	★ 3.6
Coonawarra Rail Trail Regional	SA	19km	sealed	★ 3.6
Canungra Tramway Tunnel South East	QLD	1km	gravel	★ 3.6
Denmark – Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail	WA	61km	gravel	★ 3.5
Meadowlink Linear Park Melbourne region	VIC	1.2km	sealed	★ 3.5
Waranga (Rushworth) Rail Trail North	VIC	19km	sealed	★ 3.4
Grampians Rail Trail West	VIC	10km	gravel	★ 3.3
Dartmoor Rail Trail West	VIC	1.3km	sealed	★ 3.3
New England Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 3.3
Fassifern to Toronto Greenway rail trail Newcastle region	NSW	4km	sealed	★ 3.2
Culcairn – Corowa Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	2km	mixed	★ 3.2
Montezuma Falls Rail Trail West Coast	TAS	19km	gravel	★ 3.0
Parramatta to Liverpool rail trail Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	16km	sealed	★ 3.0
Wielangta Tramway Trail South East	TAS	6.5km	gravel	★ 3.0
Fassifern Valley Rail Trail South East	QLD	2.6km	gravel	★ 3.0
Pine Creek Rail Trail	NT	1km	sealed	★ 3.0
Greenethorpe to Grenfell Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	★ 3.0
Wallsend tramway rail trail Newcastle region	NSW	9km	sealed	★ 2.8
Richmond Vale Rail Trail Newcastle region	NSW	—	mixed	★ 2.8
Broken Hill to Silverton Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	10km	gravel	★ 2.5
Westside Bikeway rail trail Adelaide region	SA	9km	sealed	★ 2.3
Old Timberline Trail	WA	20km	gravel	★ 2.0
Nurragi Conservation Reserve rail trail Regional	SA	13km	gravel	★ 2.0
Copper Rail Trail Regional	SA	39km	gravel	★ 1.5
Kep Track	WA	75km	gravel	—
Strahan to Zeehan Road West Coast	TAS	41.8km	sealed	—
Perth – Armadale Principal Shared Path	WA	38km	sealed	—
Djerring Rail Trail Melbourne region	VIC	26km	sealed	—
Sidings Rail Trail	WA	26km	gravel	—
Perth – Midland Principal Shared Path	WA	17km	sealed	—
Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail	WA	16km	gravel	—
Jarrahdale Balmoral Rail Trail	WA	11km	gravel	—
Jarrahdale 1872 Timber Tramway	WA	10km	gravel	—
Tullis Bridge Walk Trail	WA	9km	mixed	—
Lake Dulverton Rail Trail South East	TAS	7km	gravel	—
Ten Mile Brook Trail	WA	7km	gravel	—
Kaoota Tramway Track South East	TAS	6km	gravel	—
Renmark – Paringa Rail Trail Regional	SA	4km	sealed	—
Thompson Pfitzner Rail Trail Regional	SA	4km	gravel	—
Rocherlea Rail Trail North	TAS	4km	sealed	—
Darch Trail	WA	3km	gravel	—
Wool Rail Trail Regional	SA	2.2km	gravel	—
Mystery Creek Cave Trail South East	TAS	2km	gravel	—
Ranford Pool Walk Trail	WA	2km	sealed	—
Wee Georgie Wood and the Tullah Tramway Trail West Coast	TAS	1.5km	gravel	—
Muntapa Tunnel South East	QLD	0.6km	gravel	—
Cowra to Eugowra Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	—
Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	—
Moree – Inverell Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	—
MetroWay Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	—	—	—
Pippita Rail Trail Sydney and Blue Mountains	NSW	—	mixed	—
Gulgong to Rylstone Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	mixed	—
Yass Rail Trail Country and ACT	NSW	—	—	—
Injune Gunnewin Rail Trail Central	QLD	—	—	—
Mount Morgan Rail Trail Central	QLD	—	—	—
Westbrook to Wyreema Rail Trail South East	QLD	—	—	—
Fingal Valley Rail Trail North	TAS	—	—	—
Branxholme to Casterton Rail Trail West	VIC	—	gravel	—
Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail North	VIC	—	mixed	—
Lockington to Kotta Rail Trail North	VIC	—	gravel	—
Narrogin – Williams Rail Trail	WA	—	—	—
Wheatbelt Way Rail Trail	WA	—	—	—
Irwin Track Rail Trail North	QLD	—	—	—

Frequently asked questions

What is a rail trail?

A rail trail is a converted railway corridor turned into a shared-use path for cycling, walking and (often) horse riding. Because trains can't climb steep hills, rail corridors were engineered to a maximum gradient of around 2-3%, which makes rail trails gentle, family-friendly and accessible to riders of all abilities.

How many rail trails are there in Australia?

Rail Trails Australia catalogues 194 rail trails across seven states and territories. Victoria has the most (49), followed by New South Wales (40), South Australia (31), Queensland (26), Western Australia (25), Tasmania (20) and Northern Territory (3).

What is the longest rail trail in Australia?

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in Queensland is Australia's longest at 161 kilometres, running from Wulkuraka (near Ipswich) to Yarraman through the towns of Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah, Moore, Linville and Blackbutt.

Are Australian rail trails sealed or gravel?

Most rail trails are compacted gravel or fine crushed rock — comfortable on hybrid, gravel, mountain or touring bikes but not road bikes. Some sections in metropolitan areas (parts of the Murray to Mountains, Lilydale-Warburton, and shorter urban trails) are fully sealed.

Can I take my dog on a rail trail?

Most rail trails allow dogs on leash, though rules vary by trail and section. Some heritage rail trails or sections that pass through national parks may have restrictions. Always check the specific rail trail's rules before bringing your dog.

Are rail trails free to use?

Yes — all Australian rail trails are free to use. They're funded by state and local governments and supported by volunteer trail associations. Some operators offer paid bike hire, shuttle services, accommodation and guided tours, but the trails themselves are free.

Are rail trails suitable for families?

Rail trails are widely considered the most family-friendly cycling option in Australia. Their flat gradient, lack of car traffic, frequent rest points (old stations, picnic areas, country pubs) and shorter ride distances make them ideal for kids and beginner riders.

What's the difference between a rail trail and a cycling path?

A rail trail is built on a former railway corridor — meaning it has a near-flat gradient, often passes through historic country towns, and follows a long linear route between two terminal stations. A general cycling path may be in any location and have steeper grades. Rail trails are the gold standard for long-distance, no-traffic, gentle-gradient riding.

Rail Trails Australia

What is a rail trail?

Rail trails by state

Highest-rated rail trails

North-West Tasmanian Coastal Cycleway

Perth – Fremantle Principal Shared Path

Tracker Riley Cycleway rail trail

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Encounter Bikeway railside trail

O-Bahn Bikeway trail

Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail

Northern Rivers Rail Trail

All rail trails

Frequently asked questions