Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a challenging 102km hike from Walla Walla to Burrumbuttock, with potential links to Corowa on the Murray River and Culcairn to Holbrook on the Hume Highway. This Grade 4 trail weaves through rural countryside, historic towns and promises remarkable views of the Murray River. Ideal for seasoned bushwalkers, this week-long, one-way journey could eventually connect with northern Victoria's expanding rail trail network.

Length:

102km

Duration:

7 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Culcairn

End: Corowa

Country NSW

New South Wales

Nearby town: Culcairn

From state capital: 546km

Latitude: -35.667137557830955

Longitude: 147.03760385513309

Overview

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Region

3,516 views

Important info

This trail is not yet open or developed. Local groups are hoping to develop this former branch line as a rail trail. Interest has been renewed in 2014 since the formation of RT4NSW. This group is actively lobbying the State Government to allow development of Rail Trails on ex-gov lines in NSW.

Hike overview

Andrew Vile is investigating the possibility of creating a 12km trail from Walla Walla to Burrumbuttock to link existing community facilities. Long term plans are to extend it to Corowa on the Murray River where it could link up with the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Also to extend it to Culcairn and onto Holbrook located on the Hume Highway. This potential rail trail runs 76km southwest from Culcairn through rural countryside to Corowa on the Murray River. There are several historic towns on the route.

A further potential trail section of 26km is located to the east of Culcairn, linking it to Holbrook on the Hume Highway. The potential exists to link these trails to the growing network of rail trails in northern Victoria.

Culcairn is a town located on the main Sydney-Melbourne rail line, north of Albury. When built, the rail trail to Corowa will provide a scenic rural pathway to take visitors to the Murray River and on to the vineyards and rail trails located near Corowa across the border in northern Victoria.

The potential Holbrook to Culcairn trail begins near the submarine exhibit in Holbrook, and would run west to Culcairn.

Total potential trail length is 102km. Corowa is located near the northern Victorian town of Wahgunyah, which is at the north end of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

Background Information

The line was opened on 3 October 1892 and its main purpose was for the transport of wheat. Passenger services ceased in 1975, at a time when widespread closure of country branch-line passenger services occurred. The section from Corowa to Brocklesby was decommissioned in January 1989; the last train ran on that section in January 1988. The section from Brocklesby to Culcairn was decommissioned in December 1991.

The development of this rail trail remains at an early stage. A detailed feasibility study would be the first step.

Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.

Trail features

Rail Trail

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Culcairn - Corowa Rail Trail Walk (102km)

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Country NSW.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Cowra, Goulburn, Griffith, Gunnedah, Leeton, Lithgow, Moree, Mudgee, Narrabri, Narrandera, Orange, Parkes, Tamworth, Temora, Wagga Wagga, Wellington

About the region

Get ready to have a good time in Country NSW. From nation-making heritage sites and charming towns to cultural attractions, world-class food and wine regions, walking trails through World Heritage wilderness, and ancient sites of great significance for indigenous Australians, there’s a new adventure every day.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Country NSW? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Culcairn - Corowa Rail Trail Walk (102km)

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Culcairn - corowa rail trail walk (102km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info