Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour
Cycle the highlights of the longest rail trail in Australia
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour Overview
At 161 km's in length, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is the longest rail trail in Australia. This self guided cycling tour will have you riding the best sections of this fantastic Queensland getaway, whilst taking care of those pesky logistics for you.
There are some stunning bridges, some which you’ll cross and some which you’ll go under on this cycling route. Being elevated at the northern end there are terrific views on several sections of this tour.
Cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a wonderful adventure! It’s still on the easy side in terms of difficulty and the distances are achievable for most riders. Starting this tour at the northern end, the ride is largely downhill. Although small sections are paved, the majority of the trail is either hard packed gravel or dirt track. We recommend well-equipped mountain bikes for this ride (you can rent one during the booking process!).
It wouldn't be Queensland without some great pubs and iconic outback buildings to visit. It all makes for a wonderful getaway on this Brisbane Valley Rail Trail cycling tour.
Browse all self-guided mountain bike tours on 10Adventures to explore more guided and self-guided mountain biking tours along Australia’s longest rail trail in Queensland. You can also see more self-guided Australia bike tours, or browse all guided and self-guided bike tours worldwide.
Trip highlights
Ride the best sections of the longest rail trail in Australia.
Enjoy the picturesque vistas of the elevated parts of this trail.
Taste the hidden culinary delights on your stops in small towns along the route.
Spot fascinating local wildlife, such as koalas, emus, and echidnas.
Day By Day Itinerary
Today make your way to the quaint outback Queensland town of Esk, 64 km north of Ipswich on the Brisbane Valley Highway. Check in to your accommodation at the local inn. An evening meal booking is made for you and is included in your tour.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Esk
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the start of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) at Yarraman. Starting here means you enjoy a downhill roll and expansive views to start the day. A stop for lunch at the gorgeous Old Church Gallery Café (included) which also houses a stunning art gallery,is a lovely surprise. Continue your ride enjoying highlights that include the Harlin Tunnel and crossing the restored heritage listed Lockyer Creek Bridge. Cycle into Esk and enjoy a post ride refreshing drink. Accommodation tonight is a second night in Esk, with your choice of dinner tonight - maybe a pub visit or local Thai is in order!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Esk
- Distance:
- 50km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Enjoy a cafe breakfast in Esk before riding from your accommodation straight onto the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Today’s cycling is heading toward Ipswitch in a southerly direction. Keep an eye out for wildlife including koalas, echidna, emu and more. The trail is pretty much flat today and provides a new outlook, with sections that feel like rainforest and the accompanying symphony of bird calls. The incredibly well restored rail stations on route make great photo opportunities.
You will be collected at the end of your cycling and transferred back to Esk, for you to collect your luggage (securely stored) and head off on your onward journey (showers available). Congratulations, you can now proudly declare you have ridden Australia’s longest rail trail!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 40km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner are included.
- Accommodations for 2 nights are included.
- This tour includes two transfers required for the itinerary’s logistics: transfer to Yarraman on Day 1 and transfer from Fernvale back to Esk on Day 2.
- On call support throughout
- Printed itinerary and maps for reference
- An environmentally friendly water bottle AND lightweight cycling t-shirt
Not included
- Getting to and from Esk
- Any flights
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
-
- Mountain Bike (Trek hard tail)
- E-Mountain Bike (Trek)
- Extra nights in Esk
- Single room upgrades
Non-Standard Cancellation
- Cancellations 65 days or more prior to tour start date: Your deposit will be held by 10Adventures with terms of the Lifetime Deposit Promotion as listed above, and all other payments will be refunded.
- Cancellations between 34 and 64 days prior to tour start date: 50% cancellation fee. If full payment received, any amount over the 50% cancellation fee will be returned.
- Cancellations between 0 and 33 days prior to tour start date: 100% cancellation fee.
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 2 / 5. The only element that might challenge a beginner rider is the occasional bumpy surface (and a sore touche!). You can also rent an e-bike to make this trail even easier.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your travel insurance.
The closest big city is Brisbane. Esk is approximately 90 km (about 90.1 km) from the center of Brisbane, and the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via car depending on traffic and road conditions. There are options to get to Esk from Brisbane by bus or train.
Yes, the tour material is in English.
The tour ends where it starts, in Esk.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. You can choose from Mountain Bike (Trek hard tail) or E-Mountain Bike (Trek).
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a mountain bike suitable for itinerary demands.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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