Distance: 22kms (approximately 4 hours)
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Description
Riding up the railway from Atherton to the Herberton tunnel is a huge highlight.
Follow the rail trail out of town towards Herberton in a southerly direction. You can start on the trail in the middle of Atherton. Maybe start your odometer at the Station Café on the south side of Herberton Road.
Ride beside the railway line to Hasties Road (approx. 2kms). Cross Hasties Road and ride 1.2kms to Peter Street.
The line is impassable from Peter Street to Wongabel Road so turn right and ride to join the sealed road on the Atherton/Herberton road (1km). Turn left at the bitumen. Travel 1.9kms on the sealed road to the left hand turn on Wongabel Road. Ride 3kms until you meet the crossing of the old railway line.
The 9kms from Wongabel Road to the tunnel is probably one of the best rail trail rides in Australia with Carrington Falls along the way. Turn right onto the rail line. The track here is narrow and should be ridden with caution. This is a lovely section of trail. Travel 3kms until you reach the spectacular Carrington Falls where steam locos stopped to fill with water. It is possible to swim here on a warm day. Enter carefully.
Ride on up the range for another 5kms where you will enter the Herberton Range tunnel. A real highlight! The tunnel is over 200m long. Join the bitumen road just beyond the tunnel on the right-hand side and follow it into Herberton approximately 5kms. In fact, it is only 4kms to the Wild River Caravan Park that offers cabins and BBQ packs for your dinner.
This is a comparatively short day’s ride. Enjoy the rest of your day at the Mining Museum or the Historic Village, or both.
Accommodation in Herberton
- Wild River Caravan Park located in Holdcroft Drive (M: 0475 632 980). Excellent cabins. They sell BBQ packs for your dinner. Less than 2kms from Herberton town Centre.
- The Hill Station (Airbnb).
- Herberton Hills Hideaway (Airbnb). Highly recommended. Centrally located.
Special interest
The volunteers from the Atherton and Herberton Historical Railway are an energetic lot based in Herberton. Turn down John Street off the main road to visit their workshop where you will be made welcome. Volunteers here have restored old engines and carriages and are actively trying to restore the rail line from Herberton to Atherton. They are great friends of the RailTrail.
Very important
- The ride from Wongabel to the tunnel needs concentration. It is a narrow path on the right of the existing line. Please ride carefully. The tunnel is over 200m long and you must walk your bike.
- Be aware that you assume your own liability on this section. It is not a public thoroughfare but a private lease. Ride at your own risk.
- After the tunnel you will follow the yellow markers onto the bitumen and into Herberton.