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Highlights
Cycle the highlights of the longest rail trail in Australia
Ride the best sections of the longest rail trail in Australia.
Enjoy the picturesque vistas of the elevated parts of this trail.
Taste the hidden culinary delights on your stops in small towns along the route.
Spot fascinating local wildlife, such as koalas, emus, and echidnas.
At 161 kms in length, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is the longest rail trail in Australia. This self guided cycling tour will have you riding the best sections of this fantastic Queensland getaway, whilst taking care of those pesky logistics for you.
There are some stunning bridges, some which you’ll cross and some which you’ll go under on this cycling route. Being elevated at the northern end there are terrific views on several sections of this tour.
Cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a wonderful adventure! It’s still on the easy side in terms of difficulty and the distances are achievable for most riders. Starting this tour at the northern end, the ride is largely downhill. Although small sections are paved, the majority of the trail is either hard packed gravel or dirt track. We recommend well-equipped mountain bikes for this ride (you can rent one during the booking process!).
It wouldn't be Queensland without some great pubs and iconic outback buildings to visit. It all makes for a wonderful getaway on this Brisbane Valley Rail Trail cycling tour.
At 161 kms in length, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is the longest rail trail in Australia. This self guided cycling tour will have you riding the best sections of this fantastic Queensland getaway, whilst taking care of those pesky logistics for you.
There are some stunning bridges, some which you’ll cross and some which you’ll go under on this cycling route. Being elevated at the northern end there are terrific views on several sections of this tour.
Cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a wonderful adventure! It’s still on the easy side in terms of difficulty and the distances are achievable for most riders. Starting this tour at the northern end, the ride is largely downhill. Although small sections are paved, the majority of the trail is either hard packed gravel or dirt track. We recommend well-equipped mountain bikes for this ride (you can rent one during the booking process!).
It wouldn't be Queensland without some great pubs and iconic outback buildings to visit. It all makes for a wonderful getaway on this Brisbane Valley Rail Trail cycling tour.
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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Esk
Today make your way to the quaint outback Queensland town of Esk, 64 km north of Ipswich on the Brisbane Valley Highway. Check in to your accommodation at the local inn. An evening meal booking is made for you and is included in your tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Esk
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Cycle Yarraman to Esk (cycling approx. 50kms downhill)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the start of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) at Yarraman. Starting here means you enjoy a downhill roll and expansive views to start the day. A stop for lunch at the gorgeous Old Church Gallery Café (included) which also houses a stunning art gallery,is a lovely surprise. Continue your ride enjoying highlights that include the Harlin Tunnel and crossing the restored heritage listed Lockyer Creek Bridge. Cycle into Esk and enjoy a post ride refreshing drink. Accommodation tonight is a second night in Esk, with your choice of dinner tonight – maybe a pub visit or local Thai is in order!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Esk
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Esk to Fernvale
Enjoy a cafe breakfast in Esk before riding from your accommodation straight onto the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Today’s cycling is heading toward Ipswitch in a southerly direction. Keep an eye out for wildlife including koalas, echidna, emu and more. The trail is pretty much flat today and provides a new outlook, with sections that feel like rainforest and the accompanying symphony of bird calls. The incredibly well restored rail stations on route make great photo opportunities.
You will be collected at the end of your cycling and transferred back to Esk, for you to collect your luggage (securely stored) and head off on your onward journey (showers available). Congratulations, you can now proudly declare you have ridden Australia’s longest rail trail!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour Price and Dates
Have a tour for your group only! Please note that the prices below might depend on your travelling dates, as well as your group size.- Self-guided group of 2: from AUD679 per person*
Accommodation on Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour
This tour is based in a 3-star hotel in Esk. The standard rooms are double occupancy (with private bathroom) and include most modern conveniences.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
Meals
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes two transfers required for the itinerary’s logistics: transfer to Yarraman on Day 1 and transfer from Fernvale back to Esk on Day 2.
Also Included
- On call support throughout
- Printed itinerary and maps for reference
- An environmentally friendly water bottle AND lightweight cycling t-shirt
Not included
- Getting to and from Esk
- Any flights
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
-
- Mountain Bike (Trek hard tail)
- E-Mountain Bike (Trek)
- Extra nights in Esk
- Single room upgrades
- How hard is the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
- Are meals included on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Esk to start this tour?
- Is the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour in English?
- Where does the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Australia?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Australia?
We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 2 / 5. The only element that might challenge a beginner rider is the occasional bumpy surface (and a sore touche!). You can also rent an e-bike to make this trail even easier.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your travel insurance.
The closest big city is Brisbane. Esk is approximately 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) from the center of Brisbane, and the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via car depending on traffic and road conditions. There are options to get to Esk from Brisbane by bus or train.
Yes, the tour material is in English.
The tour ends where it starts, in Esk.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. You can choose from Mountain Bike (Trek hard tail) or E-Mountain Bike (Trek).
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a mountain bike suitable for itinerary demands.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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