Somerset’s Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) is one of Australia’s greatest outdoor adventures – a 161km journey through country towns, rolling farmland, forests, historic tunnels and wide-open landscapes.
Built along a former railway corridor, the BVRT is Australia’s longest recreational rail trail and one of the country’s most accessible long-distance rides. The trail follows the old Brisbane Valley railway line through Somerset and the South Burnett, connecting charming rural towns and heritage sites along the way.
Who can ride the trail?
People of all ages and fitness levels can explore the trail with sections between 5 to 24 kilometres. Terrain ranges from low and moderate difficulty to advanced or challenging, so you can customise your journey to suit your experience and endurance levels.
Beginners can safely explore shorter and smoother sections of the trail, while experienced adventurers can challenge themselves on the trail’s tougher terrain and gradients.
The trail is mostly gravel and compact dirt, making it ideal for:
- Gravel bikes
- Mountain bikes
- E-bikes
- Hybrid
- Walkers and runners
- Horse riders
- Dog friendly (on leash)
Trail difficulty levels
1: Easy grade, easy surface
- Toogoolawah to Harlin (14km)
- Harlin to Moore (13km)
2: Low to moderate, easy grade and surface
- Fernvale to Lowood (8km)
3: Moderate grade, surface may be rough
- Wulkuraka to Fernvale (23km)
- Lowood to Coominya (12km)
- Moore to Linville (7km)
4: Moderate to high fitness level required
- Coominya to Esk (24km)
- Esk to Toogoolawah (19km)
When is the best time to go?
The trail is open year-round, but the most comfortable months to ride are April to October, particularly during autumn, winter and early spring.
Summer can be extremely hot, especially through exposed sections, while winter mornings are cool and crisp, ideal for longer rides.
If you’re planning a full end-to-end adventure, avoid riding during or immediately after heavy rain as some sections can become muddy or rough.
Highlights not to miss
The Yimbun Tunnel
One of the most iconic sections of the trail, the heritage-listed Yimbun Tunnel near Toogoolawah offers a cool, atmospheric ride through Queensland rail history.
Country Town Cafés & Pubs
One of the biggest surprises of the BVRT is how many small-town cafés and pubs sit right beside the trail. Towns like Esk, Linville, Toogoolawah, Fernvale and Lowood are favourites for coffee stops and pub lunches. Highlights include Brisbane Valley Roasters (right on the trail), Toogoolawah’s pubs and cafes and The Linville Hotel.
Wide Open Somerset Landscapes
Expect rolling farmland, cattle country, mountain backdrops and forest sections that feel a world away from Brisbane — despite being just over an hour from the city.
Historic Bridges and River Crossings
The trail crosses dozens of old rail bridges and creek crossings, many of which have been beautifully restored like the Lowood Creek Bridge (pictured). You’ll also pass over Somerset’s waterways and rivers as part of the trail.
Easy Section Riding
You don’t need to tackle the entire 161km. Many visitors simply choose one scenic section and use shuttle services to make the day easier.
E-bike charging stations along the trail
The BVRT has become incredibly e-bike friendly in recent years, with charging stations and rider facilities expanding across the route.
Charging locations and rider-friendly stops include:
- Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
- Brisbane Valley Roasters (Esk)
- Esk Grand Hotel
- Exchange Hotel (Toogoolawah)
- The Linville Hotel
- Linville Store and Café
Water stations
Water station locations available at:
- Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
- Lowood
- Esk Visitor Information Centre
- Pipeliner Park x2 (Esk)
- The Condensery (Toogoolawah)
There are no toilets or water stations in between towns, so plan ahead and carry extra water.
Horses
Horse troughs available at:
- Lowood Showground
- Bellevue Hotel Coominya
- Logan Creek (Cooragook Creek)
- Sandy Creek (Esk)
- Esk Showground
- Coral Creek Bridge
- Morden Road (south of Toogoolawah)
- Yimbun Station
- Harlin
- Toogoolawah Showground
- South of Emu Creek
- Moore
- Linville
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from pubs and motels to cottages and purpose-built cycling stays.
Great accommodation options include:
- Rail Trail Refuge: Purpose built for cyclists exploring the BVRT, this accommodation offers bike storage, charging access for e-bikes, a plunge pool, comfy beds and a fully equipped communal kitchen.
- Montrose on Moore: A beautiful Queenslander turned B&B with secure bike storage, charging access and bike tools, a pool and continental breakfast.
- Peddlars Rest: Boutique accommodation located in Toogoolawah.
- Linville Hotel: A classic country pub experience with hearty meals and traditional-style pub accommodation.
- Esk Caravan Park: A relaxed and convenient base close to the trail also with charging facilities for guests.
- Toogoolawah Motel: Comfortable night’s sleep close to the trail.
Transfers, shuttle bus services and BVRT logistics
One of the best things about the BVRT is that you don’t need to organise complicated logistics yourself. A range of local operators now offer shuttles, bike transport, bike hire, luggage transfers and guided tours.
Popular services include:
- Out There Cycling: Specialised, daily shuttle transfer services and self-guided tours with airport and luggage transfers, accommodation bookings, bike hire and detailed itineraries.
- Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles in Esk: Bike hire, accessories, servicing, repairs and spares.
- The Bike Hire Company: Bike hire (mountain bikes and e-bikes) and charter shuttles
- The Gravel Cartel: BVRT guided and self-guided tours.
Many visitors park at one end of the trail and use a shuttle to return after their ride, making one-way adventures simple and stress-free.
How long does it take?
Day Trip
A day trip is perfect for families, casual riders and beginners wanting to explore one scenic section of the trail.
Popular day trip sections include:
- Wulkuraka to Fernvale (23km)
- Fernvale to Lowood (8km)
- Lowood to Coominya (12km)
- Toogoolawah to Harlin (14km)
- Harlin to Moore (13km)
- Moore to Linville (7km)
Weekend Adventure
Allow 2-3 days to explore multiple sections, country towns and overnight stays along the trail.
The Whole Trail
For experienced riders, the trail often takes 3-4 days. For the best experience, venture North to South, starting in Yarraman and ending in Wulkuraka to take advantage of the downhill run from Benarkin to Linville.
Tips before you go
- Carry extra water, especially during warmer months
- Download offline maps before setting off
- Start early during summer
- Pack basic bike repair gear
- Book accommodation ahead during school holidays
- Check trail conditions after heavy rain
- Check mobile phone coverage with your service provider
Why the BVRT is so special
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail isn’t just about cycling – it’s about slowing down and experiencing the landscapes, villages and communities that are connected by the trail.
You’ll roll through tiny country towns, chat with locals at bakeries and pubs, spot wildlife, discover forgotten railway history and enjoy landscapes most travellers never see from the highway.
For many riders, the BVRT becomes less about the kilometres and more about the atmosphere – relaxed country hospitality, incredible scenery and the simple joy of a trail adventure at your own pace.
