Mt Garnet to Lappa Junction Rail Trail

Follows the old Mount Garnet branch line (privately built 1902, taken over by Queensland Railways 1914-15, closed 1960) through remote dry savannah country with sweeping views of the Featherbed Ranges, in the Atherton Tablelands hinterland. Heritage rock cuttings (c.1902), stone bridges, culverts and old sleepers remain, along with frangipani and mango trees marking former station and homestead sites. IMPORTANT: this is a genuinely remote trail through public land (the old rail reserve is now used as a public roadway, so no landowner permission is needed, but don't mistake that for it being an easy or serviced ride) - there are NO services, habitations or reliable mobile reception between Mt Garnet and Lappa Junction. Carry extra water, food/fuel, a 1:50,000 Lappa topographical map, first aid, and a reliable communication device. California Creek may be impassable in the wet season - seek local advice from Mt Garnet Police (07 4097 9120, 8am-4pm) before departing. Can be ridden in either direction, but the generally downhill south-to-north (Mt Garnet to Lappa) direction is more appealing.

Mt Garnet to Nymbool Road (approx. 8km): this initial section near Mt Garnet has been reported as rough and overgrown in places. Nymbool Road section: can be very sandy in places - care needed. Remainder to Lappa Junction: remote pastoral/savannah country, very limited habitation apart from a few operational mines and Sunnymount cattle station near Lappa. Finishes at the historic Lappa Junction siding, home to a 120-year-old pub (Australia's first BYO hotel, no liquor licence - bring your own) and small museum; the Savannahlander tourist train passes through Wednesdays and Saturdays.