Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail - Caboolture, Qld, Australia - Rails to Trails on Waymarking.com

"The Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail provides an historical experience over the railway corridor that once provided services between Caboolture and Kilcoy.

"The 10.5 kilometre long trail will take you through Caboolture, Moodlu and terminate in the township of Wamuran.
The railway line once carried timber to the mills, crops to the markets and food, mail and other necessary supplies to the local communities.

"Services between Wamuran and Kilcoy closed in 1964. Services were eventually suspended between Caboolture and Wamuran in 1996.

"Your journey will take you through timber operations and farmland in Wamuran which is known for its production of fresh strawberries and pineapples." [From a very tall and narrow sign at the roadside footpath.]

From a large, printed sign under the flat-roofed shelter at the start of the Rail Trail, is the following history.

WELCOME TO THE CABOOLTURE TO WAMURAN RAIL TRAIL

"Explore the history of the Moreton Bay Region along the former railway corridor that once linked freight and passenger services between Caboolture and Kilcoy.

"This 10.5-kilometre trail is a shared pathway extending from Beerburrum Road, Caboolture to Atwood Street, Wamuran. Along the trail there are sawmills and timber yards that were serviced by the railway, as well as farmland that is still used for the production of strawberries and pineapples.

"The first major section of the line, stretching between Caboolture and Woodford, was opened on 6 December 1909, and extended to Kilcoy in November 1913. The line included sidings or branch-lines and loading platforms, to allow freight and produce to be loaded to and from the railway wagons at Moodlu, Wamuran, Bracalba, D'Aguilar and Woodford stations. At the time Caboolture was a major sawmilling centre and between 1910 and 1913 more sidings were added to service the Zanow and Attewell sawmills.

"During the early 1900s the railway played an important role in the development of the region at a time when rod transport was inefficient and unreliable. The railway line was major boon for farmers in the region. It enabled local sawmills to support the needs of a growing Brisbane and transported crops to feed the city's increasing population. In turn, the railway line provided a reliable transport link to the city and delivered mail and other necessary supplies to these regional townships.

"Although the line between Wamuran and Kilcoy closed in July 1964, the section between Wamuran and Caboolture remained open and was used for freight transport. By this time the growth of industrial processing meant that most local pineapple production was destined for the Golden Circle Cannery at Northgate. Fresh produce such as bananas and strawberries continued to be shipped to Brisbane and southern states.

"In the 1970s the Wamuran line became popular for day-trip steam train excursions, many using heritage trains. While this novelty bolstered the train runs, the demands for freight from the region was slowly ebbing way as international markets were developed. The last operating section of the line from Caboolture to Wamuran was finally suspended in September 1996, and the line was officially closed in 2008. The original Wamuran Railway Station Building has been relocated and is now used by the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society in Woodford.

"Today the trail has been resurfaced and developed for use by cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians, with lighting, drinking fountains, distance markers, signage and seating all adding to the enjoyment of the trail. As you pass along the trail, stop at one of the information signs and discover more of our region's history.

The Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail has been constructed with the assistance of the Queensland State Government under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

"Council acknowledges the valuable input of Queensland Rail, The State Library of Queensland, RSL Club Caboolture and many local residents in the development of this initiative." [There are some 12 historic photos, mostly showing the rail line in use.] On the right-hand side is a 'mud-map', showing the various stations, and distances.

There is also a Bike Repair Station with a foot-operated air pump just to the side of the shelter. The only seating here is large concrete blocks.

Visited: 0715, Monday, 6 June, 2022

Country: Australia State/Province/etc.: Queensland Trail Start (town): Caboolture Trail Finish (town): Wamuran Trail Length: 10 Trail Surface: Paved Pack Animals Allowed: no Fees: no Rail-to-Trail Sign: Printed, with x12 historic photos, and good description of the trail and prior railway. Internet Link(s): First Stage of Rail Trail - 2018

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