NSW Rail Trails
Discover how Rail Trails are revitalising former rail corridors in regional NSW, turning them into recreational assets that bring social and economic benefits to their local communities.
A Rail Trail is an open public pathway built on a rail corridor no longer in use. Rail Trails follow the route of a previous railway line for all or most of their length, often connecting smaller communities and townships. Rail Trails are mainly used for outdoor recreation such as hiking, cycling, bushwalking and even commuting.
Two Rail Trail pilot projects are underway in NSW, with the completed Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail running 21km through the Snowy Valleys region, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail currently in development. Further Rail Trails proposed by councils and community groups, including those undergoing community consultation, are being considered by the NSW Government.
Rail Trails bring many benefits to the local community, from greater health and wellbeing to tourism and economic growth. They bring people together in the planning and delivery of the project, and once complete, offer a new source of outdoor recreation suitable for diverse age groups and people of differing abilities.
The NSW Rail Trails Framework (PDF 5.87MB) helps clarify the process for establishing a Rail Trail, the proposal, Planning pathways and approval processes, as well as providing guidance for its operation and maintenance. The NSW Rail Trails Evaluation Summary Report (PDF 5.31MB) details lessons learned from the two pilot projects, key social and economic outcomes and avenues to optimise the success of future Rail Trail projects.
