This rail trail is proposed and is not yet open. The alignment is owned by Transport NSW and much of it passes through private property. Trespassing on the alignment is prohibited.
The Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail is an exciting proposal for a 57-kilometer trail winding through the picturesque countryside of New South Wales. This multi-day hike (estimated 2 days) will connect the historic city of Goulburn with the charming village of Crookwell.
Located just two hours southwest of Sydney and an hour north of Canberra, Goulburn serves as the perfect starting point for this adventure. The trail begins its journey near the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, a great place to delve into the region's rich railway history. As you depart Goulburn, be sure to snap a photo with the iconic Big Merino monument!
The Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail promises breathtaking landscapes. The path winds through rolling hills and scenic farmland, offering a glimpse into the heart of NSW's rural life. Along the way, you'll cross the impressive Wollondilly River on a historic steel lattice bridge. The trail gradually climbs from 630 meters to 980 meters, making its way across the majestic Great Dividing Range.
An interim project (initiated in early 2023) offers a taster of the main trail. This 10-kilometer section starting from Goulburn's CBD is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. It connects the city center with existing riverside paths and leads to the initial leg of the future rail trail.
Both Goulburn and Crookwell offer exciting destinations to explore beyond the trail. Goulburn boasts a vibrant culture with its Rail Heritage Centre and the Big Merino. Crookwell, a center for agriculture, celebrates its harvest with an annual potato festival and provides various accommodation options for your trip.
The Southern Tablelands region surrounding the trail is brimming with historic towns like Braidwood, Yass, and Gunning. Incorporating these charming destinations into your trip will create a truly unforgettable adventure.
Important Note: The Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail is currently under development. The 10-kilometer section from Goulburn is accessible, but the full 57-kilometer trail is not yet complete.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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3 Reviews on “Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail (57km)”
Kelly Beahan-Smith one to add to the list when it gets done!
Lorna Cartwright Hliounakis for sure!
This’ll be fantastic once it’s completed!
Just a note: I’m well aware this is not open. As mentioned on the hike description, this is a proposed rail trail and is not yet open. It is one of the potential Rail Trails identified throughout NSW.
I am helping build awareness of the proposed trail to gain greater support for it.
This rail trail be great once it’s built but at the moment it doesn’t exist
Entry into disused rail corridors without a permit is illegal and may attract a fine. Also any insurance cover is not valid if one enters property illegally.
Paul McCann totally agree. I noted something similar at the start of the description… This rail trail is not yet open. The alignment is owned by Transport NSW and much of it passes through private property. Trespassing on the alignment is prohibited.
Trail Hiking Australia so it would be better if you only made posts promoting tracks and walks people can legally do. The same applies in closed areas of national parks. Important activities such as feral animal and weed control as well as repairs and upgrades to tracks can be disrupted if people enter a closed part of a national park.
Paul McCann just so you know. Years ago, I worked with Rail Trails Australia to list all the existing rail trails on my site. As part of that arrangement, I said I’d also be happy to list the proposed ones so that if people are interested in supporting the proposal, they can get in touch with them directly. It’s up to each individual to read descriptions and check for park closures before heading out and to abide by any closures in place.
Trail Hiking Australia I did the 10k section a few months ago, so you can legally do some of this. Looking forward to when the full 54k trail is open.
Samantha Herald glad you enjoyed the first little bit.
Trail Hiking Australia encouraging people on a carriage service to disregard the law is an offence.
Paul McCann I’m not sure where you are coming from. I’m not encouraging anything. I’m simply promoting a proposed trail in the hope it gets traction. The first 10ks of it is already open for people to enjoy. It’s pretty clear what is and what isn’t accessible at present.
Trail Hiking Australia yeah I’m confused too. Maybe he hasn’t read the post and is just reacting? Thanks for sharing it, hope the full trail opens soon.
Grant Hollingworth thanks mate. You’re possibly right.
Paul McCann Get over it. Clearly you are wrong. He isn’t encouraging anyone to walk the section of this trail that isn’t open yet.