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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail, once fully complete, is set to become the longest rail trail in Australia. It will cover over 270km of the historic rail corridor. While the completion of this ambitious undertaking is still many years away, there are some great sections currently available. This cycle tour is designed for the curious and those wanting to show support for the tireless volunteers who are devoted to opening up this region to cycle tourism.
Your tour hosts live in the region and are members of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Committee. They will provide a wealth of information about the region and the various aspects of the trail. The trip begins in Bundaberg where you have free time to visit the best of the region including the Bundaberg Rum Factory, Mon Repos, or enjoy an Indigenous tour of the region with Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours. A transfer on day 2 brings you to Gayndah. The cycling will begin on day 3, at the southern end of the trail, following the Burnett River to Mundubbera.
The second half of the trip is based in Monto where you will cycle along the norther section of the rail trail from Kalpower to Builyan. You’ll also cycle the backroads of Monto, viewing the local Art Trail. The final cycle of the tour is a loop cycle from Mungungo where you’ll have a memorable dinner at the local pub.
46kg of CO2-e PP per day
(230kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Bundaberg
Make your own way to Bundaberg. There is plenty to see and do in Bundaberg, including a range of breweries and great food options to check out. You can visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Ohana Cider House and Tropical Winery, Kalki Moon Distillery and Brewing Co, or Bundaberg Brewed Drinks for a non-alcoholic option. Depending on when you are travelling you could take a whale watching tour (between July and November) or experience the Mon Repos turtles (between November and January they will lay their eggs on the beach, and approximately 6-8 weeks later they will hatch and make their way down towards the sea). If you arrive early enough this morning or add in an extra night, you can take a full day tour out to Lady Musgrave Island or Lady Elliot Island. Overnight: Bundaberg.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Free day in Bundaberg, afternoon transfer to Gayndah
You are free this morning to continue exploring Bundaberg. You could visit Macadamias Australia’s Visitor Experience for a “tree to table” experience. We also recommend a visit to the Botanic Gardens and its museums. The gardens are home to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, the heritage-listed homestead of the Fairymead Sugar History Museum, the Bundaberg Historical Museum, the Australian Sugar Cane Railway, and a café in case you need a rest. Later today, around mid-afternoon, you will be transferred to Gayndah, this is around a 2 hour drive. Gayndah is the oldest town in Queensland and is brimming with authentic country hospitality. Overnight: Gayndah.
Day 3
Cycle the southern section of the Rail Trail, then transfer to Monto (32km)
You start cycling today, getting out on your bike just north of Gayndah at the Dirnbir Siding. You can then cycle to Reid’s Creek to look at the remains of the Reids Creek Bridge. Then we pick up the first open section of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail. This southern section follows the Burnett River and is characterised by the iconic railway bridges. After around 32km you’ll arrive in the township of Mundubbera, where you can stop for lunch, a stroll along the river, and even a visit to the Regional Art Gallery (open to the public Monday to Friday between 8.30am– 4.30pm, and Saturday between 9:00am-12:00pm). From Mundubbera you will be transferred to Monto. This a 110km drive and on the way we’ll stop in at the painted Three Moon Silos. If time permits we can transfer you to Cania Gorge for a short walk. Overnight Monto. Ascent: 102m, descent: 90m.
Day 4
Explore the northern section of the rail trail with a detour to Glassford Chimneys (46km)
This morning starts with a transfer to Barrimoon Siding. From here you begin the Kalpowar to Builyan section of the Rail Trail. It is a 26km cycle with a gentle descent with impressive panoramas stretching out before you. Today you will pass through 6 historic railway tunnels. Today also includes a 20km detour from the trail to a long-forgotten town and mine known as the Glassford Chimneys. This was a gold and copper town in the late 1800’s. The old smelter chimneys and surrounds are now heritage-listed and are within the Dawes National Park. The route heads back to the rail trail to cycle further north passing behind the small township of Many Peaks before arriving at Builyan where you will be met and transferred back to Monto. Overnight: Monto. Ascent: 205m, descent: 509m
Meals: L
Day 5
Loop cycle of Monto’s backroads, and then around Mungungo for a classic country dinner (50km)
This morning you have the option of a 37km loop cycle around the backroads of Monto. In recent years the Monto Art Trail was developed this makes for an amazing bike ride. Later this afternoon a transfer will bring you to Mungungo where you can ride the 20km Monal Rd Loop Ride. Tonight in Mungungo you’ll experience a classic country pub dinner, giving you the chance to spend the evening chatting with the locals of the town. After dinner you will be transferred back to Monto for your final night. Overnight: Monto. Ascent: 187m, descent: 185m
Meals: D
Day 6
Return transfer to Bundaberg, trip concludes
This morning you will be transferred back to Bundaberg where the trip concludes. The transfer takes around 2.5 hours. Accommodation is not included tonight but we are happy to assist with booking an additional night in Bundaberg.
What's included
What's not included
On this tour we provide e-mountain bikes. The Electric Bikes are available in a range of sizes, and a specialized bike fitting service is included. Helmet hire, a back rack with one side pannier is included.
There are a variety of trail surfaces to be experienced along the the rail corridor. Compacted dirt surfaces and gravel are common on the trail. There are also short sections of soft dirt or sand where care needs to be taken. Occasionally you may need to dismount and walk the bike though sandy sections, or short gully sections where a rail bridge has been removed or is not open to public use.
The selected rural roads have low traffic and are maintained by the regional council so are of reasonable quality.
You’ll spend 5 nights in clean and comfortable 2-3 star motels. The rooms have ensuite facilities. The first night of the trip will be spent in Bundaberg, then one night in Gayndah. The last three nights will be in Monto.
We have graded this trip as moderate and while it is not recommended to inexperienced/low skilled riders it not overly technical or challenging either. The trail is fairly undulating with a hard surface but there are a couple of short sections of sand where it is recommended you walk. Our supplied ebikes have a ‘walk’ function that allows you to walk beside the bike without needing to push the weight of the bike. On day 4 there is an optional detour (20km) to an old copper mine that does have a couple of steep pinches where the walk function may also help cover these short sections. This ride also covers a few sections of low traffic rural dirt roads that are maintained public roads of good quality. The route doesn't yet have many facilities so you will need to have a sense of adventure while out cycling. The tour escort will be in the area with the support van, but they will not cycle alongside you.
Per Person, Twin Share
Bundaberg is easily accessible by car, train or plane. If you drive to Bundaberg you can leave your car close to the first hotel.
Your tour includes a transfer from Monto where the tour concludes back to Bundaberg.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. While this tour does not require high level technical skills you will be travelling in rural areas on a range of surfaces and you should feel confident as a cyclist. Most of the tour is along undulating, (rail corridors), with hard dirt surfaces and along low traffic public roads but there are a few sandy sections where you may choose to dismount and walk a short distance. There are a couple of relatively steep inclines and it is suggested you walk these short sections.
Yes, you can use your own bike if you prefer. Let us know at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.
Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.
Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.
By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.
Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.
Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
4Days
Moderate
7Days
6Days
3Days
Introductory to Moderate