Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail - Dawes Range Tunnels (Nagoorin to Barrimoon)

The Dawes Range Tunnel section of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail, widely regarded as the trail's spectacular centrepiece: six heritage-listed tunnels (built just after WWI) descending the range between Barrimoon Siding and Golembil, with sweeping views across to Kroombit Tops. The trail continues north through the Boyne Valley via the historic mining township of Many Peaks and on through Ubobo towards Nagoorin. Officially opened in stages from September 2021 (Barrimoon-Builyan) with an extension reaching Kalpowar in 2026; the Nagoorin end is not yet officially opened rail trail, and a short section near Many Peaks uses quiet public road rather than the original rail corridor. This trail_id combines two separate return rides (Many Peaks-Nagoorin and Many Peaks-Barrimoon) into one continuous point-to-point representation.

GPX-measured 49.5 km one-way. Official RTA figures for sub-sections: Barrimoon to Builyan 26.28 km (opened Sept 2021, extended a further ~6 km to Kalpowar in 2026), with the Nagoorin end beyond Builyan not yet officially opened trail. Firm gravel surface up to the tunnels, softer gravel and sand in sections further out; suitable for mountain bikes. Cattle graze on the corridor. No mobile phone service in the tunnels area (UHF radio can be used); most bridges are intact but not trafficable, so waterways may be impassable after rain. The tunnels themselves (five within 1.6 km of Barrimoon, the sixth and longest a further 1.7 km down) feature sweeping curves and impressive cuttings; Tunnel 6 retains original rail and hand-hewn ironbark 'hogback' sleepers. A signed detour around a disused railway bridge exists near Many Peaks. Facilities: toilets and camping at Kalpowar State Forest (before Barrimoon), new toilets and camping at Barrimoon and Golembil sidings, an amenity block at the historic Many Peaks Railway Dam (short detour off-corridor via public road), the Grand Hotel Many Peaks for accommodation and meals (closed Tuesdays), and showers/toilets at Builyan Community Hall. A local shuttle/tour operator (Packs n Pedals, based in Monto) services this section specifically. No drinking water available trailside beyond these points -- carry plenty of water.