Wanora to Fernvale

Location

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, when completed, will be a 148 kilometre recreation trail from Wulkuraka to Blackbutt. It will follow the old Brisbane Valley railway line and provide walkers, touring cyclists and horse riders with an opportunity to experience the history and landscape of the Brisbane Valley.

The 7.6 kilometre Wanora to Fernvale section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is northwest of Ipswich and Brisbane along the Warrego and Brisbane Valley Highways. Wanora is approximately eight kilometres south of the township of Fernvale which is 30 kilometres northwest of Ipswich or just under one hour’s drive from the Brisbane CBD.

Landscape Heritage

Sites of interest along this section of the trail are the various historical sites in the township of Fernvale such as the Memorial Park, Savages Crossing and the Fernvale Cemetery.

Use

The trail is for walking, cycling and horse riding only. The trail surface is gravel and unsuitable for road bicycles or personal mobility vehicles. No motorised vehicles of any type are allowed.

Indigenous Heritage

The Jagera, Yuppera and Ugarapul peoples are the Traditional Owners of the Brisbane Valley district. Prior to European settlement in 1824, the landscape of South East Queensland (as elsewhere is Australia) was influenced and protected by millennia of Aboriginal stewardship. Indigenous use and management of the landscape maintained a balance between the land and human needs.

European Heritage

The original railway line through the Brisbane Valley was built in the 1880s and was used during the early years of the last century to transport supplies to the growing number of small farmers in the valley and milk products, timber and stock to Brisbane markets. The last rail motor service on the line occurred 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 of working people including the railway men.

Originally two towns called 'Stinking Gully' and 'Harrisborough' made up the area now known as Fernvale. In the 1860s the area was the centre of cotton farming in the Brisbane Valley but floods soon made the industry obsolete. The spot became a regular camping place, and in 1875 it became known as Fernvale.

Distance

Wanora – Fernvale Futures Complex: 7.6 kilometres

Services

Public toilets, picnic facilities, post office, convenience stores, cafes and bakeries are located in Fernvale. Trail users have accommodation in Fernvale including the Fernvale Hotel/Motel and Rangeview Outback. Horse accommodation and facilities are available at the Fernvale Recreation Grounds. Mobile phone coverage is good.

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