Linville to Blackbutt

Location

The Linville to Blackbutt (via Benarkin) section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is located in the upper reaches of the Brisbane River valley and crosses the rugged and picturesque Blackbutt Range. The Trailhead at Linville Station is located approximately 51 km north of Esk in South-East Queensland. Linville is about 2 hours drive from Brisbane (via the Bruce and D'Aguilar Highways, or the Warrego, Brisbane Valley and D'Aguilar Highways). Benarkin and Blackbutt can be reached on the D'Aguilar Highway and the drive from Brisbane is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Access

There are a number of locked gates in this section of the trail. Keys to unlock gates and permission forms can be obtained at:

Horse float parking and yards are available for use at Linville and Blackbutt. Car parking is available at Blackbutt, Linville and Benarkin.

Environment

There are great views of the Brisbane Valley and surrounding landscapes from the Blackbutt and Benarkin Range sections. Daytime temperatures can reach over 35 degrees in summer. Features of the environment include:

Use

Walking, cycling and horse riding only. The length and slopes of the trail mean that walkers and cyclists need to be moderately fit to enjoy the Trail. It takes around half a day to ride a bike from one end to the other, slightly longer going from Linville up to Blackbutt. The Trail is excellent for horse riding and boasts good facilities for horse riders. The Trail surface is moderately rough gravel which is unsuitable for road and racing bicycles or personal mobility vehicles. Motorised vehicles of any type or light horse drawn vehicles are prohibited.

Distance

Linville Station to Benarkin is 17 km. Benarkin to Blackbutt is 6 km. Total length is 23 km.

Sites of Interest

Linville Station, Linville Pub, The Pagoda War Memorial, historic culverts, Benarkin State Forest, Benarkin Store & Post Offi ce, Blackbutt Memorial Monument. Further information on local heritage and attractions can be found at Visitor Information Centres in towns along the Trail, including the Linville Store.

Surface

Moderately rough, compacted gravel.

Slopes

Gradually rising grades up the range to Blackbutt. Some gully crossings are steep.

Mobile phone coverage

Mobile phone coverage is limited. Landline public phones are located at Linville & Benarkin Stores and Blackbutt.

Services

A range of visitor services including public toilets, picnic facilities, playgrounds and information are located at Linville, Benarkin and Blackbutt.

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