Getting out & about on the trails
One of the best ways to see the South Burnett is from the saddle, of a bicycle that is. With hundreds of kilometres of rail trail and mountain bike tracks crossing some of the best forest and countryside scenery southeast Queensland has to offer, there’s a patch of bike path for every rider, no matter the skill level.
The Kingaroy railway was officially opened in 1904, followed by Nanango in 1911. The Theebine to Nanango line was one of the first branch lines in Queensland. It was used for passenger transport, agriculture and commercial freight, for transport by the Kingaroy Peanut Marketing Board as well as the Murgon abattoir. The Kingaroy to Nanango line closed in July 1964, while Theebine to Kingaroy wasn’t officially closed until 2010.Having served its purpose, the line was all but abandoned until it was converted into a rail trail. The south Burnett Rail Trail was originally coined the ‘Kingaroy to Theebine’ Rail Line and in 2017 was converted into a recreational trail, ideal for walking or cycling with short distances and gentle inclines between towns. The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail includes Queensland’s longest sealed rail trail with nearly 44km running from Kingaroy to Murgon.
Mountain Biking
McEuen State Forest - Set within a tranquil eucalypt forest and dry rocky creek beds, there are 20 thrilling kilometres of mountain bike trails in McEuen State Forest just a kilometre and a half outside of Wondai. These intermediate level trails are hand-built just 400 metres off the South Burnett Rail Trail and provide an excellent experience for beginner mountain bikers to the more experienced with the South Burnett Mountain Biking club hosting regular meets and race weekends here throughout the year. Map
Gordonbrook Dam - There are currently four kilometres of trail available to riders at the newly established Gordonbrook Dam site with four separate trails in total and more planned for completion in the near future. Exciting trail extensions, a skills park, pump track and dual slalom trail are all in the works with the goal to put the South Burnett on Australia’s map for top regional mountain biking destinations. The Gordonbrook Dam trails are just a short six-kilometre ride from the South Burnett Rail Trail with picnic and toilet facilities available as well as a lovely view over the dam itself. Map1 Map 2 Map 3
Bunya Mountains - Exciting new mountain bike trails will be installed at Russell Park on the Bunya Mountains thanks to a new initiative from the Western Downs Regional Council. There will be approximately 30 kilometres of single-track mountain bike trails due to officially open sometime in late 2021 to early 2022. This exciting development will encompass everything the Western Downs and South Burnett have to offer with beautiful rainforest and countryside views, plenty of elevation for riders, great accommodation and food options as well as a climate that allows riders to make the trek in comfort all year round.
The Rail Trails
The South Burnett is home to two rail trails, including Australia’s longest, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail which spans 161 kilometres from Wulkuraka, near Ipswich to Yarraman. Thanks to the introduction of the Link Trail from Yarraman to Kingaroy, the South Burnett Rail Trail joins up to the end of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, with riders now able to make the mighty pilgrimage all the way from Ipswich to Kilkivan, a distance of 315 kilometres and one of the longest continuous bike trails in east Australia.
South Burnett Rail Trail - The South Burnett Rail Trail is Queensland's first sealed rail trail, making up a total 43.5-kilometre recreation trail between Kingaroy and Murgon. The South Burnett Rail Trail leg contains a variety of cycling trails including a number of loops taking riders through quiet country back roads, with a wide array of food and drink stopovers including a cycling essential - a coffee location every 20 to 30 kilometres. Find out more
The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail - is an 89-kilometre recreation trail following the old Kingaroy Branch Railway Line. The first 45 kilometres from Kilkivan to Murgon has a natural surface making a mountain bike the best choice. The remaining section from Murgon to Kingaroy has a sealed bitumen surface suitable for a wide range of bicycles. Find out more
The Link Trail - Nanango is the gateway to both the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the South Burnett Rail Trail thanks to the Link Trail built between Yarraman and Nanango. The Link Trail is a 55-kilometre route connecting the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail trailhead at Yarraman to Kingaroy via Nanango. The trail utilises a stock route between Yarraman and Nanango along the old stock route once used by local pastoralists to herd cattle to the Yarraman railhead and quiet back roads between Nanango and Kingaroy. This is a very pretty ride, especially the section around West Coolabunia. Find out more
Loop and circuit ride
If you are out and about riding on the South Burnett Rail Trail, why not try one of the local loop rides? These rides start and finish on the South Burnett Rail Trail. They vary in distance and difficulty and are all on public roads, so take care to follow all road rules and simply follow the street signs around each route. These rides are designed to give riders an appreciation of the natural beauty that lies within the South Burnett region and include seven fully signposted and mapped Loop Rides off the South Burnett Rail Trail at Memerambi, Wooroolin and Tingoora.
Moffatdale Winery Route (MWR) - The Moffatdale Winery Route (or MWR for short), is the latest of 7 new rides that start and finish on the South Burnett Rail Trail. This ride route starts 6.5kms North of Murgon on the South Burnett Rail Trail.
The ride is just over 20km in length (one way) . It utilises quite country backroads that take riders through the beautiful Moffatdale valley on the way to the Moffatdale wine region. The route is an easy ride (90m of climbing only), with minimal traffic. Map
Nanango Circuit Rides - Another wonderful little detail from the rail trail for riders wanting to see more of the South Burnett includes the East Nanango Circuit Ride (NAN 1 - 32 kilometres) and Greenwood Creek Circuit Ride (NAN 2 - 22 kilometres). Both loop rides start in Nanango and showcase the beautiful South Burnett countryside. While NAN1 offers a couple of great climbs with impressive views to reward riders at the top, NAN2 delivers some lovely descents down Brights Road and Rural Road back into Nanango township, with both circuits making for a lovely leisurely weekend cycle. Map
Linville Nanango Circuit Ride - This is a two-day cycle route that starts in Nanango, goes to Linville and returns to Nanango via a combination of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the Link Route from Yarraman. This is for the more adventurous cyclist, as there are some large hills, travelling through some beautiful countryside as well as the upper reaches of the Brisbane River Valley. Map
All of the circuit and loop rides are clearly signposted and mapped out but for all the latest South Burnett mountain biking and Rail Trail information, maps, estimated route times and biking recommendations, head to the South Burnett Mountain Bike Club website.
South Burnett Rail Trail
South Burnett Rail Trail
South Burnett Mountain Bike Club
South Burnett Mountain Bike Club
South Burnett Mountain Bike Club was incorporated in September 2017. We promote mountain biking and off road riding throughout the South Burnett. We are a family club with a strong emphasis on Junior development. Our club is currently developing single trails in McEuen Forestry in Wondai as well as trails at Gordonbrook Dam near Kingaroy.