Welcome to the Monaro Rail Trail Project
Monaro Rail Trail Inc
The association formed in August 2015 to promote the feasibility of developing a recreational cycle trail along the disused rail corridor from Queanbeyan to Bombala. Committee members are from communities along the route.
The Monaro Rail Trail
Recent Additions
September 2026 Newsletter The recently formed MRT advocacy group in Queanbeyan is focused on the construct of the first 7km of the rail trail, which when linked to other shared paths will create a 25km trail for Queanbeyan. Read more…
April 2026 Newsletter A the southern end, the trail at Bombala has been cleared to start. We also cover what is happening at the northern end, including good news about the Jerrabombera Creek bridge, and progress on cycling tourism in Australia (how does NSW compare?). Read more…
President’s Report 2025 This year has been another busy one but perhaps one noted for the slow and incremental progress. The year began with the funding of the first section of trail at Bombala… Read more…
Glimpse the start of the Monaro Rail Trail
Bombala to Jincumbilly
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to create Australia’s greatest rail trail where people of all ages and abilities can cycle, walk and run. It will see the wellbeing of local economies flourish through tourism bringing new business opportunities and preservation of the Monaro’s rich rail heritage.
About the proposed Monaro Rail Trail
The proposed rail trail follows the disused rail line from Queanbeyan to Bombala, a distance of 213 km. The first stage of the ride is through timbered country and up a gentle 3% gradient to get out of the Canberra valley. After that it’s a level but winding run to Cooma. From there the line moves through open country to cross the Great Dividing Range near Nimmitabel. Then it’s an easy downhill run through both timbered and open country to the trail end in the township of Bombala.
Along the way there are, cuttings and embankments, timber bridges over creek and river crossings, a 160 metre tunnel and heritage listed stations and freight yards. The rural landscape changes constantly along the route and throughout the seasons. Many Monaro residents believe they have a unique landscape to share.
It is envisaged that most of the trail would be a gravel surface and will be fenced across private land. Near Canberra and Queanbeyan it might be sealed as it could be part of the ACT urban cycle network.
This trail will appeal to many people. People living along the corridor will have easy access for short rides and there will be interstate and international tourists who want a longer ride, perhaps a weekend, perhaps a week. Either way everyone will be riding in a safe off road environment.
The trail represents a great opportunity to boost the region’s tourism economy and to directly stimulate village business trade.
Management of the trail will be done through a voluntary committee made up of stakeholders including business operators, local council and rural landholders.
