Accessible Rail Trails in NSW and Queensland for Adaptive Cycling
Rail trails are some of the best places in Australia for adaptive cycling. They follow old railway lines, so they're flat, wide and away from traffic. Here are five in NSW and Queensland that suit riders towing an adaptive bike trailer, from fully sealed paths to longer gravel adventures.
At a glance
| Trail | State | Best section for trailers | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rivers Rail Trail | NSW | Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24 km) or Casino to Lismore (29.7 km) | Compacted gravel with sealed town sections |
| Fernleigh Track | NSW | Adamstown to Belmont (15.5 km) | Shared path with easy grades, used by wheelchair users |
| Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail | NSW | The full 21 km | Fully sealed |
| Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail | QLD | Murgon to Kingaroy (44 km) | Sealed |
| Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | QLD | Fernvale to Lowood (8 km) | Fine compacted gravel |
1. Northern Rivers Rail Trail, NSW
Our home trail. Two sections are open: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek in the Tweed (24 km) and Casino to Lismore (29.7 km). The trail is officially suitable for wheelchairs and prams, most gradients are under 4.5%, and there are toilets and water stops along the way. The tunnels are dark to protect glow-worms, so bring a light.
Read our full guide to riding the Northern Rivers Rail Trail with an adaptive trailer.
2. Fernleigh Track, NSW
The Fernleigh Track runs about 15.5 km from Adamstown in Newcastle to Belmont on Lake Macquarie, and has since been extended towards Murrays Beach. It's used by cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users, and the 180-metre brick tunnel near Adamstown is lit. There are car parks at Adamstown station, Kahibah, Whitebridge, Redhead, Jewells and Belmont, so it's easy to ride a shorter section.
3. Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, NSW
This 21 km trail in the Snowy Valleys is fully sealed and suitable for prams and wheelchairs. The gradient is gentle for most of the way but climbs sharply near Tumbarumba, so starting at Rosewood and turning around before that final climb is the easiest option with a loaded trailer. There are toilets and picnic areas at both ends and at the old Glenroy station site. Watch for bumps at bridges and cattle grids.
4. Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail, QLD
The full trail is 88 km, but the 44 km between Murgon and Kingaroy is sealed, making it Queensland's longest sealed rail trail section. It passes through small South Burnett towns, so you can ride a short stretch between them. Stick to the sealed section with a trailer: north of Murgon the surface changes to gravel and grass.
5. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, QLD
At 161 km, this is Australia's longest rail trail. Much of it is coarse gravel, but the 8 km between Fernvale and Lowood has a fine compacted surface and is a good choice for a family ride with a trailer. Avoid the northern sections with a trailer: they're rougher, steeper and have creek crossings where bridges are missing.
Before you go
- Check conditions. Trails can close after heavy rain or for maintenance. Check the trail's official website on the day.
- Know the width. Adaptive trailers are wide, so take bridges and gates slowly.
- Plan an out-and-back. Turn around before anyone gets tired.
- Bring the stroller wheel. Wike adaptive trailers convert to a stroller for café stops and short walks.
- Consider an e-bike. Pedal assist makes towing a heavier passenger much easier. See our guide to towing an adaptive trailer with an e-bike.
Find the right trailer
The Wike Special Needs Large suits passengers up to 162 cm and 57 kg, and the Extra Large takes passengers up to 178 cm and 90.7 kg. Browse the full adaptive range.
Trail details are from official trail and Rail Trails Australia information and were correct at the time of writing. Conditions change, so check before you ride.