Imbil was once where The Valley Rattler used to travel from Gympie. The Rattler closed after damage to the railway line which was later repaired through to Amamoor, never making it back to Imbil.
Imbil hasn’t completely lost the historical memory of the railway era when locomotives steamed through the town, now a little quieter.
Some of the railway tracks have been kept, as has been a turntable that the valley rattler used to turn on during its stop in Imbil. Without active use, it doesn’t appear to be maintained so it will likely slowly deteriorate.
A steam locomotive has also been retained; the Class C17 Proud Mary sits close to the main road through Imbil. Wire fencing around it appears to be temporary when we were there. It still looks in good condition and possible it could be brought back into service in the future if the railway line ever gets repaired.
The railway trail follows the railway line south towards Brooloo. As is common with rail trails, there are no steep hills to contend with following the railway line corridor. The trail is 4.7km long each way. The gentle slopes make the trail a good spot for a short and easy bike ride too.
Pets are allowed to accompany you on the walk, however, they must be kept on a leash and under control. Horses are also welcomed on the rail trail.
An interesting addition to the rail trail is a 9-hole golf course. The holes are short and the fairways narrow, and the greens are not manicured for smooth putting. For a quick and unique game of golf, it is something different. A couple of high numbered irons and a putter will get you around the course. A few spare balls would be handy in case you lose a couple along the way.
Imbil Railway Bridge
Across the main road is the old Imbil Railway Bridge. It isn’t technically part of the rail trail but it is an extension of the railway history in Imbil. The bridge was built in 1915 for the railway, crossing over the Yabba Creek.
The Pony Truss bridge (or half-through Pratt Truss bridge) is one of six of its kind remaining in Queensland. The Pratt trussed bridges were built from 1908 for its increased structural strength. The bridge is just shy of 120 metres long with five steel half-though Pratt trusses.
Unfortunately, the bridge is only there to look at for the time being. If the railway line is not restored from Amamoor, it would be good to see the rail trail extended to the north and include a walk over the bridge.
To Get There
From the Bruce Hwy heading north, take exit 244 heading to Lake Borumba. Turn left at the end of the exit onto Old Bruce Hwy and follow for 4.6km. Turn left into Kenilworth Skyring Creek Rd at the brown sign for Tourist Drive 42 and follow for 5.6km. Turn right into Tuchenkoi Rd to continue on Tourist Drive 42 and follow for 4.6km to the end and turn left onto Mary Valley Rd. Follow Mary Valley Rd for 4.5km and turn right into Brooloo Rd, again following the brown sign for Tourist Drive 42 and Lake Borumba. After 2.2km you will reach another turn to follow the tourist drive. Do not turn and continue straight ahead on Yabba Creek Rd into Imbil. Follow Yabba Creek Rd for 400m and the Rail Trail is on the left.
If coming from Gympie, head south and after passing the McDonalds, take the Mary Valley Road exit to follow the Mary Valley Tourist Drive 42. At the overpass, turn right, then follow the directions from Mary Valley Rd below.
From Gympie Visitor Information Centre, turn right to head north on the Bruce Hwy for 1.8km and exit left onto Mary Valley Rd and the Mary Valley Tourist Drive 42. Follow Mary Valley Rd for 24.2km and turn right into Kandanga Imbil Rd at the brown sign for Tourist Drive 42. Follow Kandanga Imbil Rd for 8km to the end, turning right onto Yabba Creek Rd after crossing the bridge over Yabba Creek. Follow Yabba Creek Rd for 400m and the Rail Trail is on the left.