Itinerary
Key Highlights
~ Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you.
~ Hassle-free cycling on the dedicated cycle path on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
~ Appreciate the views of rural Queensland with sweeping valleys and rugged mountains.
~ Opportunities to sample beer and bakery treats along the route.
~ Visit historic towns and villages.
~ Cycle through classic Australian farming communities.
Day 01 Arrive Ipswich
Make your way to your hotel in the centre of town. Ipswich is easy to reach by train from central Brisbane. The remainder of the day is free to explore Ipswich.
To set the mood for your rail trail experience, why not visit the Workshops Rail Museum with its exhibits of locomotives. Visit the art gallery, Queens Park or check in to the cafes, restaurants and shops at ‘Top of Town’ on the historic part of town.
Day 02 Ipswich – Yarraman – Linville
A transfer to the township of Yarraman, the northern end of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT). A scenic drive through rural areas with sweeping views up to the ranges to the west following and crossing the Brisbane River along its upper reaches. This is prime agricultural land and Ipswich still produces a lot of supply for the Brisbane market. Reach the town of Blackbutt which has abundance of huge hardwood trees, thus the name to the town.
In the early days, colonial houses of Queensland were built by timber sourced from this region, milled then transported along the rail system we now call the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The steam locomotives have long gone and now replaced by cyclists following the same path.
Cycle from Yarraman to Linville. An ideal lunch spot to recommend is in Blackbutt which is only a leisurely ride 19 KM away along the trail and has a terrific bakery selling pies. Continuing from here, the route takes you down into the Benarkin State Forest, a scenic section of the trail with impressive views. At the foot of the ranges is the small town of Linville, with its historic station and railway carriages which serves as a reminder that you are on an old rail trail.
Cycling Distance:approx. 43 KM Elevation: +221 M, -533 M
Day 03 Linville – Esk
The ride for the day will bring you to Esk passing though the towns of Moore and Toogoolawah. Along the way, notice a number of sign posted locations that were once rail stops but now stand as little more than punctuation marks on a rail history long gone.
The township of Moore is just 7 kilometres away and is an ideal place with a couple of great cafes to head for quality coffee. Then pass through the heritage listed Yinbun Tunnel, the only tunnel constructed on the entire line and a classic photo opportunity. The township of Toogoolawah, just 27 KM more will offer a great lunch and rest spot. Spend a little time exploring this classic Queensland country town before heading off on the last leg for the day with 19 KM to the township of Esk.
The small town of Esk has become popular with day trippers. Many people stop for a bite at one of the great cafes, browse the range of shops or simply take a break. Just west of the town are the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range rising to the Ravensbourne National Park and a number of cyclists and others have reported deer sightings in their travels which explains some of the deer paraphernalia you may see in this town.
Cycling Distance: approx.54 KM Elevation: +255 M, -282 M
Day 04 Esk – Wulkuraka, Departure
This is the last day in the saddle. If you are looking for good coffee and a big breakfast, Esk won’t disappoint with a couple of great cafes that open early and welcome cyclists or ‘rail trailers’ as they are called out here.
From Esk, spend the day cycling back to Wulkuraka. It is an easy ride along well-maintained cycle trails passing through the towns of Coominya – a possible morning tea stop then onto Lowood and Fernvale, each town having a range of lunch break options.
This is still rural Queensland until you reach the outer suburban areas near Wulkuraka with some great views along the way with glimpses of the Brisbane River. At one point, pass right alongside the river downstream for the huge Wivenhoe Dam. On arrival in Wulkuraka, the trip concludes after the bike and luggage handover.
From Wulkuraka, it is an easy train trip back to Ipswich or into Central Brisbane.
Cycling Distance: approx. 67 KM Elevation: +420 M, -499 M
*Optional Extension*
Day 05 Ipswich Hot Air Balloon Experience, Departure
Enjoy an early morning bird’s eye views of the heritage city of Ipswich, Great Dividing Range mountains, Brisbane city skyline, Scenic Rim and Somerset countryside on a hot air balloon scenic flight. You may even have a great overview of where you have cycled over the last three days.
After the flight, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way back to Brisbane city.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ 3 nights accommodation in hotels on twin share basis with private facilities on most nights;
~ 2 breakfasts in continental style;
~ mountain bike hire including a helmet and bike lock (on request), hand pump, repair kit;
~ luggage transfers on cycling days – one piece per person weighing 15kKG maximum (excess luggage charges apply for additional bags and/or weight);
~ route notes & maps available to download and use on your phone;
~ GPS information;
~ one-way transfer Ipswich to Yarraman.
Exclusions
~ air / land travel to Australia;
~ visa arrangement;
~ meals;
~ personal travel insurance;
~ expenditure of personal effects;
~ anything not specified in the itinerary and trip inclusion.
Important Notes
~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ This trip requires 1 cyclist to go.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Australia, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.
~ E-bike hire is available.
~ All cyclists are required to wear helmets (compulsory, no helmet no ride) and covered shoes when cycling. Cyclists may be denied cycling if not dressed appropriately.
~ Because cycling requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to ride.
~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered by the Travel Wander due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Cyclist(s) can bring their own bicycle(s). Travel Wander cannot be held responsible for breakdown of member’s own bicycle. In the event of a breakdown which results in trip not being completed, Travel Wander shall not be liable to refund any tour cost.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander and the Co-ordinator. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.
~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist (and travel companions) in mind. The cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
