Before becoming Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley railway line was built to access timber resources from the Brisbane Valley. It was an extension to the Brisbane and Toowoomba railway line.
The first section of the railway line opened in 1884 connecting Wulkuraka (previously known as Brisbane Valley Junction) to Fernvale and Lowood. The second section from Lowood to Esk was opened in 1886 while the next section to Linville only opened in 1910.
The railway line was subject to land slips and floods throughout its operation and was known for its meandering route. The Brisbane Valley line was one of only a few branch lines to accommodate passenger trains and in 1928 a rail motor service was introduced to ensure repeated passenger use.
The railway line was eventually closed in 1989 with the removal of the railway tracks in 1993. Some of the old railway stations at Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah and Linville are now tourist attractions. The old station at Toogoolawah is now home to a history museum.
Today, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, spanning 161km. The trail is open to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
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VISIT BRISBANE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL
Pop into one of our visitor information centres to find out more about the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Esk Visitor Information Centre
82 Ipswich Street, Esk
07 5424 2923
Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale
07 5427 0200
Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre
41 Hope Street, Kilcoy
07 5422 0440
Toogoolawah Visitor Information Centre
29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah
07 5423 1036
References:
Queensland Government, 2017 ‘Brisbane Valley Rail Trail’
Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails
Brisbane Valley railway line
