What is Rail Trails Australia and what does the website offer?

Updated

Rail Trails Australia (railtrails.org.au) is an Australian resource site for walking and riding rail trails — paths built along former railway routes. Its main value is a national trail directory, featured trail listings, news updates, an online store and a donations channel. One practical catch: some maps require you to sign in or register before you can view them.

What the site is for

Rail trails follow old railway corridors, cutting through hills, over embankments and across gullies and creeks. According to the site, most have a gravel or dirt surface and suit walking, mountain bikes and horses, while some are sealed and also work well for touring bikes. The website exists to help you find and plan around these trails across Australia.

What you can find on the site

  • A national trail directory — browse all rail trails, or start from the featured selection.
  • Featured trails — a rotating set of popular routes, each with its length shown. Examples listed on the homepage include:
    • Brisbane Valley Rail Trail — 161 km
    • Murray to Mountains Rail Trail — 137 km
    • Great Victorian Rail Trail — 135 km
    • High Country Rail Trail — 81 km
    • Northern Rivers Rail Trail — 54 km
  • Latest news — project updates and community stories, such as the New England Rail Trail community feedback phase, the Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Reserve Committee's recognition in the Victorian Landcare Awards, and the opening of the Mike Turtur Bikeway Railside Trail.
  • Online store — merchandise and related items.
  • Donations — a way to support the organisation's work.
  • News registration — sign up to receive updates.

The sign-in requirement for maps

The homepage repeatedly prompts visitors to "SIGN IN OR REGISTER TO SEE MAPS." If map access is what you need, plan to create an account or log in first rather than expecting maps to load immediately.

A date worth noting

The 2026 National Rail Trails Conference is scheduled for Canberra on 6–7 November 2026, under the theme "Exploring successes and opportunities of rail trails." It brings together rail trail managers, proponents and supporters from around Australia, with a focus on development potential in NSW. Registration is handled through the site, and the first 55 registrants are offered a free gravel bike helmet.

Who it suits

  • Trip planners deciding which trail to walk or ride, by length and location.
  • Mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders looking for unsealed routes.
  • Touring cyclists hunting for sealed trails.
  • Local trail supporters tracking news, projects and the national conference.

If you want a single starting point for Australian rail trail information — and you're willing to register for map access — this site is built for exactly that.