Trail Fast Facts
Watawa Recreation Trail is a 3.4km, grade 2 hike in South East Queensland, Queensland. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
While there is a small replica at the start of the rail trail the council has also developed the Gin Gin Historical Village (former Gin Gin Railway Station). This site (Railway Station) is now Heritage listed and is used for Saturday Markets (BBQ, local produce and craft) and Australia Day Ceremonies as well as an annual Cane Cutting (Cane Harvest) event.
Walk, cycle or horse ride on the former rail corridor which once carried passenger and goods rail traffic from Mount Perry to Bundaberg. The Trail provides scenic views over cane fields and rolling hills.
This trail is on the same rail corridor as the heritage listed Boolboonda Tunnel.
The name Watawa, links to an early farming settlement in the area, which is now farmed with sugar cane. The Railway also had a rail siding named Watawa Siding in the vicinity. The railway opened all the way to Mount Perry in 1884 but was closed back to Tirroan in 1960. It was closed back to Gin Gin in 1991 before being completely closed in 1993.
Track Grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Tips
Gin Gin to Tirroan Village in South East Queensland
Gin Gin Township - approximately 50 km west of Bundaberg, 365km from Brisbane
Fine gravel
Flat open farmland
For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.
Map and GPX file
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Trail Location (trailhead)
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Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
Suggest an edit
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.