Day Walk – Harlin to Yimbin Tunnel

A fairly easy walk to get the legs moving after the Covid-19 lockdown.
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.
As well as providing great rural scenery, the Harlin to Yimbin section highlights rural and secondary industries in the area as well as the opportunity to walk through Yimbin Tunnel, the only tunnel on the line. An optional walk about a kilometre further along the trail is the site of the Milk Train Disaster where an information board provides details of the event. We return to Harlin the way we came for a total distance of about 13km.
Apart from one hill where the trail departs from the original rail-bed, the trail is quite flat with gentle slopes and a good walking surface.

This activity will be conducted in keeping with current Covid-19 health department guidelines regarding social distancing and good hygiene practices. Be aware that, if you are over 70 (over 50 for people of indigenous background), and/or have co-morbidities, you are at greater risk of Covid-19.
If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend this activity.

Walk Grading: Green (Easy)to Moderate with a total distance of 13-14km.

Meeting Time & Place: Tom Street, Harlin between the service station and the hotel at 8.30am.

What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, light jacket, rain gear (just in case), torch, whistle, 2+ litres of water, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, positive outlook, $5.00 NPAQ Fee

Directions: From Brisbane South –Ipswich Motorway to Warrego Highway to Blacksoil. Turn onto the Brisbane Valley Highway towards Fernvale/Esk/Toogoolawah as you leave Blacksoil. Harlin as about 15 km past Toogoolawah along the highway.
From Brisbane North – Bruce Highway north, turning onto the Daguilar Highway at Coolboolture towards Woodford. Travel through Woodford and Kilcoy turning left about 22km west from Kilcoy (just after crossing the Brisbane River) onto the Brisbane Valley Highway. Harlin is about 4km along the BV Highway.
Allow about 2 hours for journey either way.

Nominations: NPAQ Website.

Leader: Frank Freeman  or Fax 07 3824 3954; Mobile: 0427 655 514 Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au

NPAQ Activity Report
Harlin to Yimbin Day Walk
The weather was perfect with a chilly start under clear blue skies warming to the early 20s as the day progressed. A pause at the top of the top of the hill to regain breath allowed walkers to enjoy the great rural views. Rejoining the original railway track, it was easy walking to Yimbin Tunnel, pausing to view the wildlife and animals in the fields as well s the workings at Karreman’s Quarry.
After inspecting the century-old tunnel, and admiring is symmetry, morning tea in order before moving on the bridge where carriages of a milk train were derailed by a following goods train when the engine of the milk train broke down. While the bridge is still there, it is badly rotted and closed to the public.
Back through the tunnel, lunch was enjoyed by the track overlooking an idyllic rural scene. From there, it was back over the hill to Harlin before driving to Toogoolawah for coffee and snacks. A fitting ending to a most enjoyable day.