Riverina Highlands (Tumbarumba) Rail Trail

Riverina Highlands (Tumbarumba–Rosewood) Rail Trail – Snowy Valleys NSW The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is a spectacular 21km sealed cycling trail through the Snowy Valleys of southern NSW, connecting the mountain town of Tumbarumba with the small village of Rosewood. It holds an important place in Australian cycling history as the first rail trail developed on a former government railway corridor in NSW, officially opening in April 2020. Following the former Tumbarumba railway line, the trail winds through rolling farmland, sub-alpine countryside and beautiful mountain scenery. Gentle railway gradients make much of the route approachable for families, recreational cyclists, e-bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and mountain bikes, although there is a more noticeable climb approaching Tumbarumba. Railway heritage is a big part of the experience. Riders pass four former station sites, historic railway infrastructure and several restored timber bridges, with interpretive displays telling the story of the old railway and surrounding communities. One of the highlights is Mannus Creek Bridge, an impressive seven-span curved timber trestle bridge preserved as part of the trail. The fully sealed surface makes this a particularly accessible rail trail, and kilometre markers show the distance remaining in both directions. Ride the full 21km point-to-point, make it a roughly 42km return ride, or simply choose a shorter section and turn around when you're ready. There’s plenty to explore at either end too. Tumbarumba has cafés, accommodation and other cycling opportunities, while Rosewood provides a quieter country village finish with places to stop for refreshments. The wider Snowy Valleys region makes this an easy trail to build into a cycling weekend. The long-term vision is even bigger. The Riverina Highlands Rail Trails project proposes eventually extending the route through Tarcutta and Ladysmith towards Wagga Wagga, creating a potential 129km regional rail trail network. Those additional sections are not currently open, so the established ride remains the 21km Tumbarumba–Rosewood section. For riders searching for Tumbarumba cycling, Riverina Highlands Rail Trail, Snowy Valleys bike trails, family-friendly cycling in NSW or rail trails near the Snowy Mountains, this is absolutely one to put on the ride list. RTS Tip: The railway gradient means the two directions aren't quite equal — Rosewood to Tumbarumba finishes with the harder climbing, so keep a little in reserve if you're riding that way. There are also cattle grids, bridge transitions and road crossings along the route, and mobile reception can be patchy. Carry water, basic repair gear and supplies, and allow some extra time to stop and explore the railway history along the way.