Canungra Tramway Tunnel

The Canungra Tramway Tunnel Heritage Trail is a short cycling and walking experience near Canungra in Queensland's Scenic Rim, following part of the formation of the historic Lahey family's timber tramway. The highlight is the impressive Lahey's Canungra Tramway Tunnel, a roughly 90-metre tunnel cut by hand through solid sandstone in the Darlington Range. Constructed around the turn of the 20th century, the tramway was built to transport timber from the Coomera Valley to the Lahey family's large sawmill at Canungra. From the signed parking area beside Beaudesert–Nerang Road, a compacted-earth trail leads towards the tunnel and picnic area. Riders can then follow approximately 500 metres of the former tramway formation north towards Duncan Street and Canungra, making this more of a short heritage exploration than a traditional long-distance rail trail. The old tramway has a fascinating story. Despite using a tunnel to cross the range, trains still faced exceptionally steep gradients, with specialised Climax and Shay geared locomotives used to haul timber through the rugged country surrounding Canungra. Today, the tunnel is one of the most significant surviving reminders of Canungra's timber and railway history and is recognised as a local heritage attraction by the Scenic Rim Regional Council. For riders searching for cycling in Canungra, Scenic Rim bike trails, historic rail trails near Brisbane or cycling attractions around the Gold Coast hinterland, the Canungra Tramway Tunnel makes an interesting little stop to combine with a bigger day exploring the region. RTS Tip: The tunnel is currently fenced and cannot be ridden through. You can approach the entrance and explore the accessible former tramway trail, but don't plan this as a continuous tunnel ride. The most recent visitor report from February 2026 confirms the tunnel remains blocked, with a newer protective barrier allowing visitors to walk right up to the entrance.