Rail Trail News: Byron Approves NRRT Link & NE Rail Trail Green Light

Disused rail line

Melbourne, Victoria A key sticking point in the development of a full Northern Rivers Rail Trail, from Murwillumbah to Casino, has moved a step closer to resolution, with Byron Shire Council last month voting to proceed with the planning, approval process and preparation of an application for funding for its section of the trail. Rail…

Rail Trail News: Northern Rivers & Boorowa Galong Rail Trails

Old Rail trail bridge

Casino & Boorowa, NSW Work as begun on the most south-western end of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW, coinciding with news that initial patronage at the other end of the NRRT has far surpassed expectations. Richmond Valley Council started construction of the Casino to Bentley section earlier this month, including the entry to…

Survey Assesses Sentiment on Castlemaine Rail Trail

The former Carisbrook railway station

Castlemaine, Victoria Community feedback is invited to help prepare a feasibility study for a proposed rail trail between Castlemaine and Maryborough, in central Victoria. Mt Alexander Shire Council is conducting a survey until 23rd June, partnering with Central Goldfields Shire Council, as part of investigations into the 55km Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail. The council says…

New Trail Poised to Pioneer Financial Prosperity for Other Regions

Group of people bike riding on rail trails path

Murwillumbah, NSW A new “jewel” in Australia’s rail trail network will be launched by its community on 25th and 26th March, when two days of celebration are held to officially welcome the first stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT). The trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, in the hinterland of the NSW Far…

Rail Trails National Forum Riding Tandem with NRRT Launch

Group of people with Biren Cultural Group participating in opening ceremony

Murwillumbah, NSW A 2023 Rail Trails Australia Forum will be held in Murwillumbah on Friday 24th March, to coincide with a community celebration to officially launch stage one of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT). Registrations are still open for the forum, where Rail Trails Australia representatives will be joined by local government delegates. NRRT…

Tasmanian Rail Trail Extension Gets Launceston Council Green Light

Lilydale, Tasmania A proposed 41km extension of northern Tasmania’s North East Rail Trail has cleared a major milestone, with Launceston Council last week giving approval for the section within its boundaries. City of Launceston’s decision to approve its 14km section, from Wyena to Lilydale Falls Reserve, comes a year after the neighbouring Dorset Council endorsed…

Master Plan to Make Snowy Valleys a World Class Trail Destination

Family cycling on rail trail

Tumut, NSW Snowy Valleys Council is looking to significantly expand its already extensive network of cycling and hiking trails, as it aims to make the south-eastern NSW region a world-class trail destination. The council recently concluded community consultation for its draft Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan, which will serve as its 10-year blueprint for…

New Cycling Strategy for Northern Victorian Region

Two people cycling across a bridge in bushland setting

Kerang, Victoria Walking and cycling infrastructure in north-western Victoria is set to be boosted by a Walking and Cycling Strategy adopted by Gannawarra Shire Council recently. The 21 actions in the strategy include a proposed 22km Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail, along a former tramways route from Kerang from the Koondrook Wharf. The Victorian government…

Community Comment Invited on Snowy Valley Trail Plan

Family riding bicycles on path in rural setting

Tumbarumba, NSW Public comment is being sought on a tracks and trails network masterplan to link towns and villages throughout the Snowy Valleys Region, in southern NSW. The Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan, developed by Snowy Valleys Council in collaboration with consultants Tredwell, is open for public comment until 10 January. Five priority new…

NSW Rail Trails on Track Following Legislation Change

Rail Trails Australia exhibit stand

Sydney, NSW NSW is poised to gain a rapid succession of new rail trails over the next few years, in the wake of recent legislative changes to remove a major obstacle to converting disused rail corridors into cycling and walking trails, according to Australia’s peak rail trails advocacy group. “Hopefully within five years we could…