Cycle – Caboolture-Wamuran Rail Trail
The railway line from Caboolture to Woodford opened in 1909 and was extended to Kilcoy 4 years later (1913). The railway made living and working in the area much easier bringing Brisbane within a few hours travel instead of a day or two by horse. It also made it easier to transport goods to the city and bring supplies back serving the communities for over 50 years. The Kilcoy-Wamuran section closed in 1961 while the Caboolture-Wamuran closed in September 1996. The Caboolture-Wamuran section reopened as a fully sealed rail-trail for walkers and cyclists in 2021.
The ride today is along the sealed section of the rail trail from Caboolture to Wamuran. A distance of 10km. The trail is easy-peasy, with gentle slopes rather than any hills. On arrival at Wamuran, we’ll enjoy coffee, snacks and a rest at one of the coffee shops in the township. Then back on the bike for the gentle 10km ride back to Caboolture in time for lunch.
(Optional) For those who would like an afternoon ride, I suggest we travel to Deception Bay for a ride along the foreshore to enjoy an entirely different environment. This 5km (10km return) ride is a little more undulating than the rail-trail but has no serious hills.
Please do not attend this activity if you are feeling unwell.
Please register for this activity via the NPAQ website completing all fields.
Activity Grading: Green (easy) 20km.
Meet: Trail Head, Beerburrum Road, Caboolture at 9am. There is a small parking area for the rail-trail at the junction of Margaret & Toohey Streets. If this is full, it will be necessary to park on one of the side streets in the area.
What to Bring: Bicycle, helmet, pump, spare tube/puncture repair kit, water, $5.00 NPAQ Fee, money for refreshments/lunch. Note: Please ensure you wear protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen as the spring day could be quite warm. Water is available at each end of the rail trail.
Directions: From Brisbane, travel north along the Bruce Highway turning left towards Caboolture just before the Bribie Island overpass. Travel along Lower King Street to the railway overpass bridge, turning right on Matthew Terrace immediately after crossing the railway line. As there are no toilets at the trail-head, it is suggested you make use of the public toilets in front of the railway station on your right. There is parking across the road from the station between Armstrong Way and James Street. Continue along Matthew Terrace and turn right onto Beerburrum Road. The trail-head is about 700m on your left just past Brisbane Motorcycles. It is shown on Google Maps.
Nominations: NPAQ Website
Leader: Frank Freeman – Phone Fax 07 3824 3954; Mobile: 0427 655 514 Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
Activity Report
Cycle – Caboolture Wamuran Rail Trail
Although not the easiest spot to find, the five cyclists soon got together at the Caboolture end of the Caboolture-Wamuran Rail Trail in almost ideal conditions. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the breeze light and the temperature moderate.
The sealed rail trail was fairly flat with long, gentle slopes rather than hills. After leaving suburbia, the outlook changed to rural with a variety of trees lining the trail on either side with glimpses of farming through the trees. The tall timbers also provided shade for much of the way, keeping temperatures moderate.
After reaching Wamuran, a further ride of half a kilometre brought the group to C J Pastries Bakery and Coffee shop. The refreshments were enjoyed by all.
Then it was back on the bikes for the ride back to Caboolture through the shady trees. Entering the suburbs, temperatures increased as the shade was replaced by full sunlight. Fortunately, the heat was short-lived as the riders soon reached their destination.
The ride review before departing for home indicated a most enjoyable activity for all.
