Glenreagh rail trail plans closer as mountain railway opens men’s shed
Hidden in the Coffs Coast hinterland lies an asset that has lay dormant for almost 50 years, could it be the key to unlocking the region’s tourist potential?
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A disused rail line west of Coffs Harbour could be the key to unlocking the region’s tourist potential according to a passionate group of Glenreagh locals.
After almost 50 years, the now overgrown line is slated for big things by the Glenreagh Mountain Railway who are desperate to see the asset opened to the public.
Meandering its way through dense bushland and World Heritage Listed rainforest, the railway corridor was once used to transport timber from the mills of Dorrigo and Ulong to the coast.
There have been big changes at the GMR in the past two years.
The current president Stewart Mackie said the new board has more of a community focus and wants to make better use of its assets.
One of the first steps was to offer up its facilities to other groups; including on October 30 when they will be handing over the keys to the Glenreagh’s first men’s shed for a public open day.
“A men’s shed seemed like the most logical option and the best for the community,” he said.
The disused maintenance shed will now become a community hub and Mr Mackie envisages the groups working together on the GMR’s grand vision to re-purpose the 35km of abandoned rail line to Lowanna.
There is a sense among the community that it’s gold mine of opportunity that just needs buy in from governments along with some financial backing.
Previously described as “Indiana Jones country”, the GMR want to see a mixed use rail trail running from Glenreagh to Lowanna and beyond.
A comprehensive plan laying out this vision will be released imminently and Mr Mackie said a top priority was enabling access to two hand-cut railway tunnels situated a short distance up the track.
“Everybody wants to see the tunnels but it’s all landlocked,” Mr Mackie said.
“We have got to get a (track) in there so everyone can get in.
“It’s an amazing experience, especially when you crash your way through the jungle to get up there.”
Looking further ahead, the rail line could become a focal point for a wide range of outdoor recreation including cycling, hiking, camping and mountain biking.
And of course they still have a focus on railway history.
The organisation is in possession of a 1919 locomotive which members say is about $10,000 away from running again.
If their vision is realised, the train 143-year-old steam engine would be the oldest on track in the state.
Glenreagh Mountain Railway will be open to the public on October 30 from 9am where people can view the steam train, carriages, trikes and rolling stock that has been restored to original condition.
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