Rail Trails in the North Burnett

There are currently two rail trails in the Bundaberg and North Burnett region. One at Gin Gin called the Watawa Trail and one at Perry the iconic Boolboonda Tunnel. The thing about rail trails is they are relatively easy to maintain once established and they are often multi-use, that is horse riders, walkers, and cyclists are all usually welcome.

Cycling represents the fastest growing outdoor recreational pursuit in society and there are good reasons for this; firstly, its a great family activity and after the initial outlay for the bicycles there are no major costs involved (a decent bike can be had for as little as $100, secondly, with major health and well being initiatives being promoted by all levels of government, cycling fits the bill beautifully and is not bound by age or skill, everyone can ride, finally and possibly most importantly cycling represents a form of sustainable tourism.

In the North Burnett we have miles of disused rail easements that are exactly what is required when looking to develop rail trails and the scenery through which they travel is simply magnificent. The State government has recently indicated its intention to promote rail trails but its up to us the people of the region to identify and lobby for our slice of the funding in order to make them happen!