The 22-kilometre Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail – a pilot project for NSW – is set to open on April 3. Photo: Supplied.
Here’s an opportunity to take a walk on the wild side by heading up to the mountains for the opening of a highly anticipated rail trail which runs through the bush and lush green countryside from Tumbarumba to Rosewood.
The 22-kilometre rail trail – the realisation of a long-held dream of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Committee – is to be opened on Friday, April 3 by NSW Member for Albury, Justin Clancy, just under 12 months since the project’s first official sod was turned.
It possibly will be the most watched rail trail in the state as the $5.2 million State government-funded pilot project has seen the use of public land – a disused rail corridor – for the development of the 2.5 metre wide track.
The trail has been designed to be enjoyed by walkers, runners, and cyclists, with the sealed surface also allowing access for prams, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Seating, picnic facilities and amenities have also been provided.
It’s a track that will tell a tale too.
High quality interpretative and informative signage has been installed to tell a range of stories related to historical, environmental and agricultural interest, with many local community groups taking part in the restoration of many artifacts donated or discovered during the construction.
Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Cr James Hayes said the opening has never come at a better time.
“Our region is in the very early stages of healing and recovery after the recent Black Summer bushfire disaster so the completion of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is a boon for Tumbarumba and Rosewood and a credit to all those who have worked so hard for so long to make it a reality,” he said.
Ahead of the popular March 22 Snowy Valleys Cycle challenge, the community is hoping the new track will help cement the region as a premier cycling destination providing a strong year-round tourism impetus.
The official opening proceedings will take place by the historical gates at Tumbarumba’s Figures Street entrance on Friday 3 April at 11:30 am followed by a local parade featuring the many different user groups, including cyclist, walkers, prams, scooters and wheelchairs. A free sausage sizzle will be provided and coffee vans will be on site.
Festivities are set to continue on Saturday with the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Committee hosting a brunch at the Figure Street site from 8:30 am before a group trail ride.
Refreshments will be available along the trail and buses have been organised to ferry people and their bikes back to Tumbarumba.
More activities are planned at the Rosewood trackhead so join in and be one of the first to ride the trail!
“We hope to see as many local cycling enthusiasts as possible join us in unveiling and celebrating this momentous project and if you’re visiting from outside the area please bring your empty esky and plan to stay a few days in our beautiful Snowy Valleys to enjoy all that our region has to offer,” Cr Hayes said.
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