North-East Tasmania Rail Trail

The North-East Tasmania Rail Trail is a beautiful 26 km gravel cycling and walking trail from Scottsdale to Tulendeena at Billycock Hill, around 60 km north-east of Launceston. Following the former Launceston–Scottsdale railway corridor, the trail travels through rolling farmland, open bushland and increasingly dense forest, with spectacular fern-lined railway cuttings, old station sites and huge embankments providing reminders of the railway that once crossed this part of north-east Tasmania. The predominantly compacted gravel surface and gentle railway gradients make it suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, touring bikes, e-bikes and families. Starting at the old Scottsdale Railway Station, the first 10 km descends through farmland and bushland towards Tonganah, passing Lings Siding, crossing the Tasman Highway twice and eventually crossing the Great Forester River. Riders looking for a shorter trip can turn around at Tonganah for approximately 20 km return, while an even easier family option is the roughly 3 km ride from Scottsdale to Northeast Park. Beyond Tonganah, the character of the ride changes dramatically. The remaining 16 km climbs steadily towards Tulendeena and Billycock Hill, winding through tall forest, enormous tree ferns, deep railway cuttings and impressive embankments. Historic station sites at Trewalla, Kamona and Tulendeena have shelters where riders can stop along the way. At the trail's highest point there are views towards Bass Strait, and on a clear day it is even possible to see the peaks of Flinders Island. For riders wanting the scenery without the full climb, a great option is to arrange a drop-off at Tulendeena/Billycock Hill and ride approximately 16 km predominantly downhill to Tonganah. From Tulendeena, adventurous riders can also continue roughly 3.4 km down the steep gravel Snake Track to Legerwood, home to the town's famous carved memorial trees. The trail is also planned to become considerably longer. Stage 3 proposes another 40 km between Scottsdale and Lilydale Falls, which would create a continuous trail of around 66 km and include the remarkable approximately 700 m-long railway tunnel at Tunnel. As of 2026, that extension remains in planning and forms part of Dorset Council's broader proposed regional trail network. RTS Tip: If you're riding the full trail from Scottsdale, remember that the easy descent towards Tonganah is followed by a long, gradual 16 km climb to Billycock Hill — but you get a brilliant run back down on the return. There are no food services along the trail or at Tulendeena, so stock up in Scottsdale and carry enough water and food for your ride. For a shorter adventure, shuttle to Billycock Hill and enjoy the predominantly downhill ride through the fern-filled forest to Tonganah.