Linville – Blackbutt : 23km; mostly rough
Brisbane Valley; 150km NW of Brisbane CBD
mountain bikes; horses; walking; pet-friendly

Queensland's best known (and most used) rail trail winds its way up the Blackbutt Range from the quiet little village of Linville to equally sleepy Benarkin. Beyond Benarkin, the trail is almost flat for the final short stretch into Blackbutt village.

Mountain bikers should consider riding up the trail from Linville, enjoy a stop at Blackbutt and then zoom back down in half the time (four to five hours altogether including time for decadent milkshakes at Blackbutt). In a group, less confident riders can enjoy just the downhill run. Most walkers, opt to walk down from Blackbutt to Linville. Allow about twenty minutes by car between the villages.

There are frequent signs showing distances to both Linville and Blackbutt so chances of becoming lost on the trail are minimal.

There are horse stalls and loading ramps at Blackbutt and Benarkin.

Linville consists of a general store, pub (country hotel), school, disused railway station and a few houses. The pub offers basic accommodation, simple meals and plenty of beer – an ideal place to meet before and after your walk or ride.

Midway between Linville and Benarkin there is a toilet and drinking water tank. At Benarkin there are showers, toilets and picnic tables (plus a small general store).

• 1910: first train arrives in Linville
• 1989: last train leaves Linville.
• 1995: removal of line and bridges.
• 2006: opening of rail trail between Linville and Blackbutt.
• 2012: completion of Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

At Linville, the station building has been restored by the Linville Pioneer Charity and Sporting Club – a commendable accomplishment. Across the road are the general store and the hotel, both dating from around the time that the line was opened just prior to World War I.

A few pieces of dilapidated rolling stock sit isolated on a short stretch of track – an unfortunately inadequate reminder of three-quarters of a century of railway history. Hopefully, enthusiasts will see them restored.

Beyond Linville, only the railway formation (the cuttings, embankments and base on which the line was laid) remains; every other trace of railway heritage has been removed – track, bridges, signals, signs, farm stops are all gone. Historic trestle bridges have disappeared without trace and you'll have to make your way (but with little difficulty) through the rocky gullies they once spanned.

Access by Road

Drive west from Brisbane on the Ipswich Motorway. Bypass Ipswich by taking the Warrego Highway as far as Blacksoil where you turn north to follow the Brisbane Valley Highway for 100km to Linville.

Shuttle Service

Walk The Line Shuttle Service is an service for walkers and cyclists wishing to use the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and connecting trails. The shuttle is a comfortable mini-bus which can carry seven passengers and tow seven bicycles on a purpose-built trailer.