Sandy Creek, Wanora – New Bridge Installation and Waterway Improvements
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is commencing works on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) to replace the existing culvert at Sandy Creek, Wanora, with a new modular bridge.
The crossing is located approximately 600 metres north of the road crossing and car park at Borallon Station Road, Pine Mountain.
As part of the project, we will remove the existing culvert. This will improve water flow through the creek and help fish move more easily along the waterway.
A section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail between Borallon Car Park (Borallon Station Road, Pine Mountain) and the trail intersection with Warren Road, Wanora will be closed for one day during the week of 24-28 August 2026 to allow construction works to be completed.
Wednesday 26 August 2026 is currently the most likely closure date, but this may change due to weather or site conditions. The confirmed closure date will be published on this website once finalised.
From time to time, heavy machinery and other construction equipment will be operating on the trail. Traffic control measures and spotters will be in place. Please follow all signs and directions from the construction team.
Take care when travelling through the area and follow directions from workers. We expect construction to finish by late September 2026. Weather and other unexpected events may affect these dates.
Trail surface
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail provides a diverse outdoor experience, with conditions that can change quickly depending on the weather. Some sections may be impacted by natural elements, so it’s important to remain cautious.
After heavy weather events, certain parts of the trail may be affected by flooding, debris, muddy patches, or minor washouts. Always carry sufficient water, wear appropriate gear, and stay mindful of current conditions.
Important Safety Information
The trail is subject to regular storm activity. Such activity can cause fallen trees, flooding and surface damage to sections on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Please note the following information:
- Crossings on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail are subject to flash flooding and then recede quickly. On occasions they may remain flooded for an extended period
- For safety, we advise all users to ride according to the conditions and watch for any hazards
- Users should not cross flooded creek and causeways
- For up-to-date information or to report any hazards or damage, please contact the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Ranger on 0467 729 409 or email [email protected].
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a shared use recreational trail suitable for walking, bike riding and horse riding only. Except for motorised wheelchairs, motor vehicles including motorbikes are not permitted on the trail. When using the trail, please respect other users, the natural environment, and the privacy of adjoining landowners. Please observe the following:
Bike riders
- Keep left, where possible, and give way to walkers and horse riders.
- Take care travelling around corners and blind spots and be prepared to stop.
- To safely alert horse riders of your approach, slow down and speak to the rider in advance of your approach—please do not ring your bell. Be prepared to stop if you see a horse is agitated and/or the rider requests you to do so.
- Alert other users when approaching from behind and pass at a reduced speed.
- If riding an electric bike or e-bike, slow to 12km/h when passing walkers.
Walkers
- Keep left, where possible, and give way to horse riders.
Horse riders
- We recommend horses be shod or wear boots.
- We recommend young and/or inexperienced horses do not use the trail without previous exposure to bike riders and walkers.
- Do not allow horses to remain in natural watercourses.
All trail users
- Keep on the rail trail.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Take your rubbish home with you.
- Fires are prohibited on the trail.
- Camp in designated areas only.
- Clean your bike, shoes, equipment and/or horses' hooves before and after your trip to help stop the spread of weeds and plant diseases.
- Avoid riding on soft, wet and muddy tracks.
- Do not approach pets or livestock in adjacent properties. You may encounter livestock on the trail—please move quietly and with care.
- Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your dog.
- Do not interfere with native plants or animals.
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is an adventure trail, and all users should exercise caution and ride to their skill level and trail conditions. For your safety and comfort, please note the following:
- Legal e-bikes are allowed on the trail. Check the e-bike rules before you ride.
- Take care at road and waterway crossings along the trail—young and inexperienced riders should dismount
- Bike riders must wear an approved helmet
- Horse riders must ride in control of their horses. We strongly recommend horse riders wear a helmet
- Observe all signs and local regulations
- Be prepared for changes in weather and trail conditions; ensure you have adequate clothing, sunscreen and weather protection for colder and warmer months
- Carry adequate drinking water and food for your journey. You can buy more at local townships along the way
- Be aware of snakes and swooping magpies
- Carry bike repair, first-aid and snake bite kits in case of emergency
- If travelling by yourself, alert others of your whereabouts and carry a mobile phone. There are some mobile phone blackspots along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail so consider carrying a personal locator beacon in case of emergency
- Take care when using the trail in the later evening or at night where there is no lighting
- Before you leave, please be aware of any weather and bushfire warnings that may be in place while you are on the trail:
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Safety markers are located every kilometre along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. In the event of an emergency, call 000 or 112 (from mobile services) and quote the marker location ID found on the safety marker (for example, BVRT-023).
For non-emergency situations, trail users can communicate their location to a third party by asking them to visit www.QR2id.com* and entering the marker location ID.
Please refer to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail brochure map for the code of conduct and further information about the trail including maps, distances, location of public facilities and places of interest.
There are limited toilets along the trail with MacNamara's Camp, one of the only spots with a bathroom outside of each town. Be sure to make any toilet stops before starting your journey and use any public toilets in the towns you pass.
- In summer, we recommend you start your journey at sunrise and aim to finish the day by reaching your destination by 11am or 12pm to avoid the heat peak. The Northern section from Yarraman to Linville and Southern section from Coominya to Wulkuraka has appealing summer aspects. The journey from Yarraman to Linville is partially covered through many areas and has the beautiful downhill run to keep you relatively cool. Down the southern end, the trail starts to feel more like a forest run with tall trees lining large sections of the trail which provide a nice flat run, shade and cooler temperatures.
- In winter, Linville through to Coominya has beautiful open farming landscapes that offer the warm sun the opportunity to shine down on you and keeping you warm.
- If riding between August and October, look out for magpies. You can easily manage magpie swoops via deterrent methods as we displayed in our magpie deterrent video. Each year, we will try to find all the areas in which the Magpies are found to be swooping and place warning signs to let adventurers know where to be aware and ready for them.
Now that you have all the information you need to experience the thrill of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, it's time to book in everything you need before it books out! Don't forget that you can seek general advice from the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Ranger or one of the specialty providers that offer bike hire, shuttle services and tours. If you prefer to plan your own adventures, get started now and ensure you plan well in advance.
Plan your trip now!
* Links to external sites have been provided for the convenience of visitors. However, The Department of Transport and Main Roads is not responsible for the content on these sites and does not specifically endorse or support any services offered on them. Please direct questions and comments to the authors of these external sites.
