Ottaba to Toogoolawa
Meaning
Toogoolawah is derived from the Aboriginal words 'dhoo' (a generic term for tree) and 'goo/lawa', meaning 'crescent shaped' or 'bent like a crescent moon'.
Location
The 8 kilometres Ottaba to Toogoolawah section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is approximately 110 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, along the Warrego and Brisbane Valley highways.
Use
The trail features a compacted gravel road base suited to people with a moderate fitness level. There are no drinking water or toilet facilities on the trail or at Ottaba. Walking shoes or light hiking boots are required and horses must be shod. The surface south of Toogoolawah is not suitable for road/racing bicycles, personal mobility vehicles or horse-drawn vehicles. Motorised vehicles of any type are prohibited. Only walking, cycling and horse riding are permitted.
Distance
The Ottaba to Toogoolawa trail is 8 km.
Sites of Interest
Toogoolawah Railway Station and buildings, Alexandra Hall, Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield and heritage-listed churches of architectural significance.
Mobile phone coverage
Good.
Services
Public toilets, post office, convenience stores, coffee shops, newsagency, op shops and picnic facilities are located at Toogoolawah.
The following sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail are now open to the public:
- Wanora to Fernvale (7.6 km) Closed - flood damage (PDF)
- Fernvale to Lowood (8.5 km) (PDF)
- Lowood to Coominya (12 km) (PDF)
- Coominya to Esk (23.5 km) Closed - flood damage (PDF)
- Esk to Toogoolawah (19 km) (PDF)
- Moore to Blackbutt (33.5 km) (PDF)
- Blackbutt to Gilla (info coming soon)
- Pidna to Yarraman (info coming soon)
- Download a map of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
- The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Code of Conduct