Cycle – Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Lowood Coominya Fernvale
Description: The Brisbane Valley Rail Line was built from Wulkuraka to Yarraman between 1884 and 1913 to service this productive area of Queensland. The last train ran in 1991. With the removal of the lines, sleepers and bridges, the rail trail was created and made available to recreational users with the final section opening for this purpose in 2018.
For a change of pace, dust off your bike and cycle the section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Lowood to Coominya and return a total distance of 25km. This section passes through grazing land with beautiful rural scenery. A highlight is crossing Lockyer Creek over the original (refurbished) rail bridge, one of the few original bridges still in use on the trail. Also of interest is the revegetation project between Lowood and Claredon Road where hundreds of native trees and shrubs have been planted. Hopefully some of the plants will be in flower.
While the trail is quite flat with gentle slopes, most of the surface is unsealed. To better roll over the loose gravelly or sand surfaces, a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended. There’ll be a stop for refreshments at the coffee shop or hotel in Coominya before the return journey.
After a debrief at Lowood, if you feel like another ride, we’ll pedal in the opposite direction to Fernvale (9km each way – 18km return) for lunch at the famous Old Fernvale Bakery before returning to Lowood. This section is flatter and smoother with a good gravel surface and great views of the Brisbane River; an easy ride. Electric bikes are welcome.
Limit – 15
Easy to Moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is required to complete the return trip as riding on the rail trail takes more effort than on sealed roads. As well as the varying surface, the track has several long, steady climbs, even though the gradient is generally about 1 in 50 (2%).
Meet: Clock Park (Corner of Peace & Main Streets), Lowood at 8.30am. Parking is available off Railway Street or other nearby streets.
Directions: Ipswich Motorway to Warrego Highway towards Toowoomba to Minden. Turn right toward Lowood. Follow the signs to the town centre. Alternatively, turn off the Warrego at Blacksoil to Fernvale then turn left as you leave Fernvale to Lowood.
Bring Bike, helmet, sunscreen, rain gear, pump, puncture repair kit/spare tube, 1-2 litres water (Refill at Coominya), snacks. $5.00 NPAQ fee. Money for coffee/lunch
Nominations NPAQ Website
Leader: For further information, please contact the leader, Frank Freeman ((07) 3824 3954; Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au