Welcome to the Monaro Rail Trail Project
Monaro Rail Trail Inc
The association formed in August 2015 to promote the feasibility of developing a recreational cycle trail along the disused rail corridor from Queanbeyan to Bombala. Committee members are from communities along the route.
Recent Additions
Monaro Rail Trail Draft Feasibility Report
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is calling on the community to provide feedback on the Monaro Rail Trail Draft Feasibility Report that is currently on public exhibition. View the Draft Report
"The draft report is comprehensive and presents a number of outcomes in support of the proposed rail trail. There are a number of conditions that would need to be considered if the project is to proceed."
Feedback will be accepted until 5pm Wednesday 22 Feburary 2020.
Provide Feedback on the Draft Report.
The year started off with the launch of the online crowdfunding campaign to fund a feasibility study. The target was reached within 6 days which indicated to us the widespread and deep interest in the MRT proposal. Post raising $12,225 we were able to engage a local Jindabyne firm TRC, headed by Janet Mackay, to undertake a study on the economic benefits of a rail trail from Queanbeyan to Bombala…
Feasability Study Consultation
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is investigating the feasibility of constructing a recreation trail on the disused railway between Queanbeyan and Bombala. Part of the consultation process for the study is hearing from the members of the community. We would love and appreciate it if you put your perspectives of this project into the community consultation survey.
Make your voice be heard (Survey Closed)
Feasability Report Update
In March 2019 the SMRC endorsed a recommendation to fund a full feasibility study of the MRT proposal. The council recently appointed MHA and Transplan Pty as consultants to undertake this work…
Rail Trails in NSW
Wednesday 17 April was the long-awaited commencement date of work on the Highlands to Riverina rail trail. The first section of the trail is Tumbarumba to Rosewood…
Our Mission Statement
We wish to put the disused Monaro rail way line to productive use as a recreational trail for cycling and in doing so boost tourism, the economy and the well being of the region. At the same time we wish to preserve the tunnel, old rail buildings and bridges that are part of the Monaro rail history.
About the proposed Monaro Rail Trail
The proposed rail trail follows the disused rail line from Queanbeyan to Bombala, a distance of 208 km. The first stage of the ride is through timbered country and up a gentle 3% gradient to get out of the Canberra valley. After that it’s a level but winding run to Cooma. From there the line moves through open country to cross the Great Dividing Range near Nimmitabel. Then it’s an easy downhill run through both timbered and open country to the trail end in the township of Bombala.
Along the way there are, cuttings and embankments, timber bridges over creek and river crossings, a 160 metre tunnel and heritage listed stations and freight yards. The rural landscape changes constantly along the route and throughout the seasons. Many Monaro residents believe they have a unique landscape to share.
It is envisaged that most of the trail would be a gravel surface and will be fenced across private land. Near Canberra and Queanbeyan it might be sealed as it could be part of the ACT urban cycle network.
This trail will appeal to many people. People living along the corridor will have easy access for short rides and there will be interstate and international tourists who want a longer ride, perhaps a weekend, perhaps a week. Either way everyone will be riding in a safe off road environment.
The trail represents a great opportunity to boost the region’s tourism economy and to directly stimulate village business trade.
Management of the trail will be done through a voluntary committee made up of stakeholders including business operators, local council and rural landholders.
