Fernvale to Lowood

Location

The Fernvale to Lowood section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is approximately 30 km north west of Ipswich and 60 km from Brisbane. The trail head in Fernvale is at the Fernvale Futures Visitor Information Centre, a 45 minute drive from Brisbane via Ipswich, along the Warrego and Brisbane Valley Highways. This section of the Rail Trail was opened in December 2002.

Environment

Well known for its Sunday markets, Fernvale is close to south east Queensland's largest water source, Wivenhoe Dam. Much of the trail near Lowood is near the Brisbane River and features spectacular views of the river. Other features of the trail include:

Use

The trail features a compacted gravel road base suited to people with a low to moderate fitness level, this particular section is especially suited to families. The 8.5 km length is a comfortable 30 minute bike ride and a moderate 1 hour 45 minute walk. Daytime summer temperatures can reach 35°C. Walking shoes or light hiking boots are required and horses must be shod. Only walking, cycling and horse riding are permitted. The surface is not suitable for road or racing bicycles, personal mobility vehicles or horse drawn vehicles. Motorised vehicles of any type are prohibited.

Indigenous Heritage

The Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul peoples are the traditional owners of the Fernvale-Lowood district. Prior to European settlement in 1824, the landscape of south east Queensland (as elsewhere in Australia) was influenced and protected by millennia of Aboriginal stewardship. Indigenous use and management of the landscape (e.g. moving camp when resources depleted, closures of areas and for particular species) maintained a balance between the land and human needs. The South East Queensland Traditional Owners Alliance (SEQTOA) is currently managing some archaeological research projects into the indigenous heritage of the Brisbane Valley.

European Heritage

The original railway line through the Brisbane Valley was built during the early years of last century to transport supplies to the growing number of small farms in the Valley, and to transport milk products, timber and stock to Brisbane markets. The last rail motor service on the line was in 1989 and the railway line was finally closed later that year. Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Inc. has a wealth of old photos from the early days of the Brisbane Valley Line as well as the stories, accurate and apocryphal, of working people, including the railway men.

Distance

Fernvale Futures and Visitor Information Centre to Lowood Station is 8.5 km. Walking time is approximately 1 hour 45 mins.

Sites of Interest

Lowood Train Station, Fernvale Memorial Park, Fernvale Futures and Visitor Information Centre.

Mobile phone coverage

Good!

Services

Public toilets and picnic facilities are located at either end of the trail. Visit the Fernvale Futures Visitor Information Centre for more information about local facilities and amenities.

The following sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail are now open to the public: