The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail in central Queensland, Australia is quietly transforming into a must-see destination. Winding for two hundred and seventy-one kilometres from Taragoola to Gayndah, it is on track to be Australia’s longest such route, promising a major lift for rural towns that have seen their futures dim in recent years.
Promising Future for Queensland’s Rail Trail
As sections of the trail are gradually restored, they’re attracting increasing numbers of cyclists, hikers, and tourists from across Australia. The long-awaited rail trail is transforming the once-forgotten towns of the Boyne Valley, offering a unique, immersive experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With the project aimed at bringing life back into small townships, the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail is set to become a cornerstone of the state’s eco-tourism appeal.
In its completed form, the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail will run for 271km, weaving through lush forests, valleys, and historical sites. The restored track offers visitors the chance to explore some of Queensland’s most scenic landscapes while promoting sustainable travel practices. Already, the trail has begun attracting tourists, drawing people to areas that were previously considered off the beaten path.
Reviving Dwindling Communities
The vision for the trail came from local farmers and residents, including retired farmer Mick Colyer. As one of the key figures behind the rail trail project, Colyer is dedicated to preserving the unique character of the Boyne Valley. He reflects on how the region’s decline after the closure of the railway lines led to economic struggles for the local population. Today, the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail is seen as a beacon of hope for revitalising the community.
The trail offers an important economic lifeline to towns like Builyan, Many Peaks, and Gayndah. These areas, once thriving railway towns, have witnessed a sharp decline in population and economic activity over the years. By drawing tourists to these towns, the rail trail is injecting much-needed investment into local businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Tourism Impact and Attractions
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail is not only a recreational activity for cyclists and hikers but is also becoming an attraction in its own right. Its scenic views, tunnels, and historic bridges are making it one of the most desirable destinations for cycling tourism in Queensland.
Notably, the trail passes through the picturesque Burnett River and past citrus groves, with towns like Gayndah and Mundubbera, both vying for the title of Queensland’s citrus capital, offering visitors a glimpse of the region’s agricultural heritage. As new sections of the trail open, more tourists are visiting these towns, supporting local businesses and contributing to the tourism-driven economy.
The revitalisation of the Grand Hotel Many Peaks further exemplifies the positive impact of the trail on the local economy. The hotel, which had been closed for several years, reopened its doors to the public in 2021 and quickly became a popular stop for cyclists on the trail. Its location along the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail has made it a key accommodation and dining spot for visitors.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the rail trail holds immense potential, significant challenges remain. The trail’s sheer length, the rugged terrain, and the vast distances between townships make it a complex and long-term project. Volunteers, who are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the trail, face the ongoing task of ensuring the track is accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all users.
Despite these hurdles, experts believe that the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail will follow in the footsteps of other successful rail trails in Australia, such as the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. These initiatives have demonstrated the transformative power of rail trails in revitalising remote communities by attracting tourists and creating new employment opportunities.
Griffith University tourism expert Professor Brent Moyle sees great promise in the trail’s potential to draw a niche market of cyclists, hikers, and caravanners seeking authentic rural experiences. He notes that, although the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail may not immediately match the popularity of trails like the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, it has the potential to build a loyal following.
The Future of Rail Trails in Queensland
Looking ahead, the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail has the opportunity to shape the future of tourism in central Queensland. Its growth will depend on continued community support, ongoing maintenance, and the development of infrastructure that caters to visitors. However, if successful, it could inspire the creation of more rail trails across the state, further boosting Queensland’s reputation as a premier cycling tourism destination.
In the meantime, the trail is generating a warm ripple across the local visitor economy. Sections keep opening, and Queensland’s rural communities, still off the main routes are gently yet purposefully opening their arms to travellers seeking Boyne Valley’s unspoiled landscapes, rich heritage, and the easy, unpretentious hospitality that’s a world apart from the bigger cities.
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via >EPR
