BRISBANE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL
The feeling of excitement and anticipation was the only thing keeping me awake on my long and pothole ridden journey from Trail Towns HQ in Melbourne to Brisbane. We began filming Monday lunchtime on the Brisbane River, capturing the intro to the first episode of Season 3, an adventure that would take us 170 kms from Yarraman, high in the mountains near the source of the Brisbane River, to Ipswich, just outside of Brisbane. The mighty and relatively new Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, once a timber rail line that transported the blackbutt gum used to construct those iconic Queensland homes, was the feature of our third season’s debut episode.
But first I had to get there. Nissan, one of our partners, supplies us with two Navara Pro-4Xs to use on the show. The only thing was, one was in Brisbane and one was in Melbourne. And the one in Melbourne had to get to Brisbane. So, I selflessly volunteered…
I’ve driven to Brisbane only once before, and never after the wettest Spring on record. The result? Bruce Highway absolutely obliterated. Never fear though, the Pro-4X was like if a tank and a limo had had a love child - utterly unstoppable and so comfortable. And where there were countless Euro SUV’s on the side of the road, all with bent rims and punctures galore, I just ploughed through everything. It’s a seriously tough car. And with that, I was in Brisbane on Monday, where it was straight off to work - Vandy and I had an episode to film!
Researching the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, I had the sense it was a nice rail trail with some lovely towns, and having ridden some absolutely beautiful rail trails, especially in NZ, I wasn’t sure the scenery would have the same impact. Looking at everything available online, it looked like Australia. You know, bush, fields, towns and some creeks with bridges. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong, and that’s exactly the reason we make Trail Towns, to bring places like the Brisbane Valley, and the rail trail to life, and to show all the amazing moments that this type of adventure brings.
The BVRT is stunning. It is also mostly downhill. It starts in dense bushland, with a gorgeous and historic rail line, now rail trail, meandering and weaving its way through, on and around its gorges and gullies as it gently descends from town to town. Lots of the old railway infrastructure still remains. Old trestle bridges with railway track, rusted and twisted, still in place, railway stations that have been lovingly restored and genuinely welcoming locals. That’s actually the thing that struck Vandy and I the most. Just how much all the towns along this beautiful slice of Australia have embraced cycle tourism and the riders who ride on the rail trail.
Each town has its own unique vibe. Each one felt different, yet similar. They reeked of old time Australia, but in the best way possible. Real Australia. With fantastic pubs, cafes, and everything a bike rider needs - hire bike companies doing pick ups and drop offs, bike shops in every town, amazing pie shops (Vandy loved that), particularly in Blackbutt where Vandy learned how to make one himself pie! It tasted amazing too.
It’s hard to say it’s my favourite rail trail, because every one has its own unique offering, but it is one that will stay in my heart forever. I hope you enjoyed the episode. And if you can, go ride it. Take your time. It’ll give you beautiful thoughts anytime you are having a rubbish day.
