After years of advocating for a rail trail on the disused Derwent Valley rail line, the council is seriously considering the project in its draft Upper Derwent Valley Precinct Plan.
The draft plan has been released for public consultation until 22 February, with a rail trail featuring as one of the key projects underpinning the vision for the area.
Bicycle Network, Rail Trails Australia and local enthusiasts have been calling for exploration of a rail trail for more than a decade.
Rail trails provide a year-round tourism asset as well as providing a valuable active transport and recreational corridor for locals to enjoy.
Great rail trails celebrate rail history and provide a platform for rail enthusiasts to showcase refurbished machines.
The investigation of a rail trail is highlighted for the corridor between Maydena and New Norfolk and the plan includes the recommendation to realign the Tasmanian Trail along the corridor.
It would also include shared path connections from the rail trail to Plenty, Bushy Park and Glenora and attractions such as the Westerway raspberry farm and Mount Field Visitor Centre.
Any rail trail development would feature stories about the industries and railway that helped to shape the valley.
The plan is being funded through a $500,000 grant from the federal government to help the council with planning for key infrastructure to improve health, connectivity between the towns and sustainable tourism.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the plan “will reshape this beautiful Tasmanian region, drawing more visitors to the area and unlocking its potential as a key tourist destination.”
The results of community consultation will be used to shape an implementation plan that will be included in a final version of the plan.
Attend a workshop in person:
Tuesday 10 February 2026: Waterfalls Café, National Park: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday 14 February 2026
- Westerway Community Hall: 10 am – 12 pm
- Maydena RSL Subbranch: 1 pm – 3 pm
- Glenora District School Library: 4 pm – 6 pm
Saturday 21 February 2026: Bushy Park Show, 10 am – 2 pm
You can fill out the survey on the Derwent Valley Council website: https://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/community/engagement/regional-precincts-and-partnerships-program-upper-derwent-valley or write to the coordinator at araku@dvc.tas.gov.au
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.