The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is one of three new regional recreation trails in south east Queensland. The Department of Infrastructure and Planning is overseeing the development, management and maintenance of the trail in partnership with Ipswich City, South Burnett and Somerset Regional councils.

100km of Brisbane Valley Rail trail opens Saturday.

The Esk Multicultural Festival on Saturday 31 July will double as a celebration of a significant milestone for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail - the completion of its 100th kilometre.

70km of trail will be open for use by bikers, hikers and riders from Wanora to Toogoolawah, in addition to the 30km stretch already open from Moore to Blackbutt.

Two thirds of what will be one of the longest rail trails in Australia is now complete.

The 148km trail will give local and visiting hikers, bikers and horse riders the opportunity to experience a magnificent part of South East Queensland's landscape.

The 70km of trail from Wanora to Toogoolawah includes recently completed sections between townships in the Brisbane Valley.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has just finished construction of the trail from Wanora to Fernvale (7.6km), Lowood to Coominya (12km) Coominya to Esk (23.5 km) and Esk to Toogoolawah (19km).

Wayne Wendt MP, Member for Ipswich West and Chair of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Steering Committee, will officially open the new sections and the 100km of trail at this weekend's festival from 10am.

Mr Wendt said the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail celebrated the Queensland countryside as well as the fascinating heritage of the region.

"The original railway line was built during the early years of last century to transport supplies to the growing number of farmers in the Brisbane Valley, and dairy, livestock and timber back to the Brisbane markets," Mr Wendt said.

"The last rail motor service on the line was in 1989 and the railway line was finally closed later that year."

"We're now two thirds of the way to seeing this magnificent piece of history revived to be enjoyed for generations to come."

In January 2007, the Queensland Government provided $8.8 million over five years to build three new recreation trails in south east Queensland.

Get the latest information on trail conditions, access, facilities and local heritage in the Brisbane Valley from visitor information centres in Blackbutt, Esk, Fernvale, Nanango and Ipswich, or right here on this website.

The State Government, through Growth Management Queensland, is protecting more land for public recreation and leading the way with a focused approach to growth management, to help shape tomorrow's Queensland.

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