BVRT 3 Day – Self Guided Cycle Tour

About The Experience

Take a leap into your next adventure with the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT). 

Experience the most popular stretch of disused rail line from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. Discover 161 kilometres of an adventure riders’ dreams, packed with picturesque winding descents, fast gravel sections and numerous river crossings. Travel through historical country towns packed with character, history, local attractions, tasty bakeries and great pubs. On your journey stop and take some photos with the old train stations, bridges, tunnel, carriages and heritage sites.

Your BVRT Self-Guided Cycle Tour starts in Yarraman and slopes mostly downhill for the trip all the way back to Wulkuraka. The trail is Easy to Moderate and is great fun for anyone and everyone.

If you think some of the hills or gullies may challenge you a bit too much, an upgrade to an e-bike could do wonders and help you get through the trail with ease. 

Our self-guided cycle tour packages along these Rail Trails offer a variety of accommodation options depending on your preferences. These accommodation choices are all highly rated, comfortable and offer great service and cleanliness. If you prefer more luxury or solitude, please enquire about many of the upgrades including a host of cosy Airbnb cabins and houses. A local bakery or eatery is always just a short walk or ride away.

Enjoy the freedom of our STRESS FREE self-guided cycle tour packages and let us take care of all the logistics – shuttle transfers, accommodation bookings, luggage transfers, premium bike, itinerary, maps and route advice and of course Rail Trail support if required. All you do is jump on a bike and enjoy the ride!

We provide you with a full customised itinerary, outlining where you will be staying, places of interest to see, things to do, places to eat and don’t forget to take as many memorable photos of your Rail Trail Experience.

Brief Itinerary – Driving to Wulkaraka Trail Head – starting at $750 per person based on twin share

Day 1 - Yarraman to Linville (42kms)

The ‘Out There Cycling’ Shuttle bus will pick you up from the Wulkaraka Trail Head (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Head), along with your bike & luggage. The shuttle leaves at promptly at 7am, make sure to be 10-15 mins early to load your bikes & luggage. The shuttle to Yarraman is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours’ drive, and along the way you will pass through most of the towns you will be riding between, so keep a lookout for anything that piques your interest. The views you get from the shuttle are an experience on its own, the journey starts with plains for growing abundances of fruit and vegetables and towards the end of the trip it is very apparent that the main resource here is timber. The main reason for the creation of the rail trail was to transport all the milled timber from these lands along the rail trail. The timber from this region was used widely in the iconic ‘Queenslander’ style homes. On arrival at Yarraman, you are dropped right on the trail where an old carriage named “The Bomb” sits. Explore the old carriage and have a read of all the historical information at the drop off point, then follow the signs and start your adventure along the rail trail. Follow the trail to the small town of Blackbutt and head straight for the famous Blackbutt Bakery and try one of their amazing gourmet pies or dessert slices. Continue cycling through Benarkin State Forest and admire the great views all while hardly putting a foot on the pedal as this great section meanders down the range towards Linville. Linville is home to a historic railway station and carriages with plenty of information to learn more about the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Linville is also home to the Linville Hotel where you stay for the night, enjoy a nice meal and a cold beer to finish off a long day riding.

Day 2 - Linville to Esk (54kms)

Today you start off with a short 7km ride to the town of Moore, a great place to grab a coffee and breakfast before heading off on another big day of riding. Not long after leaving Moore you will come across the heritage listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel, being the only tunnel to be constructed on the rail trail it’s a great spot to stop and take some awesome photos. Next you will cycle to the town of Toogoolawah, a perfect place to pull up and have a great lunch. We highly recommend the Groovy Goat Pub Café at the Exchange Hotel for a quality meal. Toogoolawah boasts The Condensery Somerset Regional Gallery producer & presenter of contemporary art exhibitions, programs and activities and is a must see. The last leg of today continues to the town of Esk, a great little town with plenty of quality cafes and shops. The Esk Grand Hotel or the Esk Caravan Park and Motel could be your rest stop for tonight.

Day 3 - Esk to Wulkuraka (67kms)

Leaving the small town of Esk after a good coffee and breakfast, check out the renovated Esk Railway Station as you continue along the now mostly paved cycle path towards Coominya passing by Bellevue Railway Station established in 1886. Continue through the great open plains onto Lowood originally known as The Scrub or Cairn Hill and situated near the banks of the Brisbane River that flows down from the Wivenhoe Dam and then onto Fernvale where you are spoilt for choice when looking for a good lunch – Old Fernvale Bakery, Barbs Kitchen or the Fernvale Hotel. When arriving at Fernvale make sure to text “Out There Cycling” and let them know so we can meet you promptly at the end of your ride with your luggage. Cycle onwards weaving in and out alongside the Brisbane River while also passing the enormous Wivenhoe Dam which is the main source of water throughout the entire Brisbane and Ipswich region. Before finishing up at Wulkuraka Trail Head you will go past original stops or stations with replica station signs of Fairney View, Wanora, Borallon, Pine Mountain and Muirlea. The “Out There Cycling” team will be there waiting to hand over your luggage.

Brief Itinerary – Arriving from the Airport starting at $905 per person based on twin share

Day 1 – Arrive at Ipswich

Arrive at Ipswich. Trains departing Brisbane to Ipswich are scheduled regularly and have you arriving in Ipswich in about an hour. Once you have arrived, explore what Ipswich has to offer, the Workshops Rail Museum is close by and filled with information or take a stroll to the ‘top of town’ and indulge in some of the finest restaurants and cafe’s Ipswich has to offer. Before settling in for the night at Oaks Aspire Ipswich. Airport transfers to Ipswich accommodation are available on request.

Day 2 - Yarraman to Linville (42kms)

The ‘Out There Cycling’ Shuttle bus will pick you up from the Wulkaraka Trail Head, (Ipswich accommodation pick up is available on request), along with your bike & luggage. The shuttle leaves at promptly at 7am, make sure to be 10-15 mins early to load your bikes & luggage. The shuttle to Yarraman is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours’ drive, and along the way you will pass through most of the towns you will be riding between, so keep a lookout for anything that piques your interest. The views you get from the shuttle are an experience on its own, the journey starts with plains for growing abundances of fruit and vegetables and towards the end of the trip it is very apparent that the main resource here is timber. The main reason for the creation of the rail trail was to transport all the milled timber from these lands along the rail trail. The timber from this region was used widely in the iconic ‘Queenslander’ style homes. On arrival at Yarraman, you are dropped right on the trail where an old carriage named “The Bomb” sits. Explore the old carriage and have a read of all the historical information at the drop off point, then follow the signs and start your adventure along the rail trail. Follow the trail to the small town of Blackbutt and head straight for the famous Blackbutt Bakery and try one of their amazing gourmet pies or dessert slices. Continue cycling through Benarkin State Forest and admire the great views all while hardly putting a foot on the pedal as this great section meanders down the range towards Linville. Linville is home to a historic railway station and carriages with plenty of information to learn more about the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Linville is also home to the Linville Hotel where you stay for the night, enjoy a nice meal and a cold beer to finish off a long day riding.

Day 3 - Linville to Esk (54kms)

Today you start off with a short 7km ride to the town of Moore, a great place to grab a coffee and breakfast before heading off on another big day of riding. Not long after leaving Moore you will come across the heritage listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel, being the only tunnel to be constructed on the rail trail it’s a great spot to stop and take some awesome photos. Next you will cycle to the town of Toogoolawah, a perfect place to pull up and have a great lunch. We highly recommend the Groovy Goat Pub Café at the Exchange Hotel for a quality meal. Toogoolawah boasts The Condensery Somerset Regional Gallery producer & presenter of contemporary art exhibitions, programs and activities and is a must see. The last leg of today continues to the town of Esk, a great little town with plenty of quality cafes and shops. The Esk Grand Hotel or the Esk Caravan Park and Motel could be your rest stop for tonight.

Day 4 - Esk to Wulkuraka (67kms)

Leaving the small town of Esk after a good coffee and breakfast, check out the renovated Esk Railway Station as you continue along the now mostly paved cycle path towards Coominya passing by Bellevue Railway Station established in 1886. Continue through the great open plains onto Lowood originally known as The Scrub or Cairn Hill and situated near the banks of the Brisbane River that flows down from the Wivenhoe Dam and then onto Fernvale where you are spoilt for choice when looking for a good lunch – Old Fernvale Bakery, Barbs Kitchen or the Fernvale Hotel. When arriving at Fernvale make sure to text “Out There Cycling” and let them know so we can meet you promptly at the end of your ride with your luggage. Cycle onwards weaving in and out alongside the Brisbane River while also passing the enormous Wivenhoe Dam which is the main source of water throughout the entire Brisbane and Ipswich region. Before finishing up at Wulkuraka Trail Head you will go past original stops or stations with replica station signs of Fairney View, Wanora, Borallon, Pine Mountain and Muirlea. The “Out There Cycling” team will be there waiting to hand over your luggage.

Inclusions

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for 2-3 nights depending on package
  • Transfer Wulkuraka Trail Head to Yarraman
  • Mountain or e-Bike hire with helmet, lock, hand pump, water bottle holder, single pannier, spare tube and small repair kit (e-bike upgrade is available on request)
  • Bike Collection
  • Luggage Transfer between overnight accommodation
  • Detailed Itinerary, Interactive Map and Route Notes

Not Included

  • Airport transfers (unless by prior arrangement)
  • Accommodation Before or After the trip
  • Travel Insurance (not compulsory but highly recommended)
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Additional Bike Accessories or an upgrade to an E-bike

Hire Bike Information

Standard Mountain Bike

Our standard mountain bikes are Specialized Rockhopper Comp 27.5 arguably the best hardtail mountain bike in its category, this mountain bike is well suited to all sections of the BVRT and KKRT. We ensure that a specialised fitting service is included so you always get the perfect fit for you.

For more Information on product details: https://www.specialized.com/au/en/rockhopper-comp-275/p/199587?color=319807-199587

Electric Mountain Bike

Our electric mountain bikes are Specialized Tero Turbo 3.0 with the range and power to get you through the day with ease. A single charge will get you through the day until you reach your stay for the night where you will be able to recharge ready for the next day. A specialised fitting service from the bike hire service is included so you always get the perfect fit for you.

For more Information on product details: https://www.specialized.com/au/en/turbo-tero-30-step-through/p/199862?color=320659-199862

Electric Step Through Mountain Bike

Our electric step through bikes are Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 also with the range and power to get you through the day with ease. The unique step through design allows riders with low mobility to mount the bike with ease, barely lifting a leg. A single charge will get you through the day until you reach your stay for the night where you will be able to recharge ready for the next day. A specialised fitting service from the bike hire service is included so you always get the perfect fit for you.

For more Information on product details: https://www.specialized.com/au/en/turbo-como-30/p/206181?color=348321-206181

Trail Information

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is an easy to moderate level trail spanning 161 kilometres. It consists of paved cycle paths, gravel and dirt sections including winding downhills and small uphills and grass sections. The 3 days of cycling can easily completed at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to spare. If you think you may struggle upgrade to an e-bike which will make the trail achievable for all fitness levels.