All about the Rail Trail Refuge – Linville

Anyone who has travelled by bike, or with their bike, knows that finding accommodation that is not just welcoming of bike riders, but also suitable, can be challenging. Some regions and indeed some countries are more up to speed with what travelling bike riders may need; secure bike storage, a laundry service or washing machine, maybe some bike tools – and exceptional coffee!

Chevonne Arrowsmith, the owner of the Rail Trail Refuge at Linville, had ridden and travelled extensively while racing bikes and bikepacking, and was convinced that making accommodation suited to bike riders would work.

‘On bikepacking rides I found there isn’t much suitable accommodation. Motels don’t usually like bikes being brought into the room, and self-contained cabins don’t have much room for bikes either. And of course old country pubs can be hard work getting bikes up old staircases!’

Based on these experiences Chevonne felt there was a need for accommodation that worked for bike riders. A stay in New Zealand at a property designed for bike riders and hikers showed what was needed.

‘You could have a comfy bed, breakfast, a kitchen and bike storage. Everything was there. I like packing light and travelling fast, so the Rail Trail Refuge allows people to do that – we have bedding, linen, a kitchen, breakfast provided and a washing machine.’

With 161km of Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to cover – Chevonne narrowed her location down to Linville.

‘I really like Linville as a place to stop on multi-day rides or when doing the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. I’d often stay at the pub but it can book out pretty quickly as it is popular. So I realised there was a need for some more accommodation in Linville.’

The Rail Trail Refuge was built from the ground up for bike riders. While Chevonne wasn’t sure if they would be able to find land or an existing premises, she worked with an architect on a few concepts, based on what she had sketched out. After securing land around late 2020, they found a local builder, with much of the framing all done onsite given the difficulties getting building supplies at the time. With three rooms, a communal kitchen, chill out area, bike wash and plunge pool… the Rail Trail Refuge was born!

From databases to hosting

With a background in database management, Chevonne started working at Epic Cycles in Paddington when she knew the Rail Trail Refuge was going to proceed.

‘I wanted to get more hands on experience in the bike touring space, which wasn’t really my world at the time. Epic’s customers were a great fit so I got to learn a lot more about touring cyclists.’

‘Our first guests at the Rail Trail Refuge were friends of friends – they had a good stay but I got so much feedback from the first visitors!’

Since then, the Rail Trail Refuge has continued to attract more bike riders, and others keen on active pursuits in the area.

‘About 70% of our guests are staying for one night, usually riding the BVRT from the Yarraman end. I also get a lot of repeat guests, doing sections of the trail or loops from Linville, staying overnight. But I also get bushwalkers, trail runners and bird watchers who stay.’

‘There is a lot to do from Linville for multi-day riding though. Some people ride from Wulkuraka, then do Yarraman return the next day, then ride back to Wulkuraka on the third day, doing an end to end to end with accommodation in the one spot.’

One of the most exciting groups of guests was a group of New Zealanders, who came to stay for about 5 days and wanted some riding suggestions – but not on the rail trail, as they were riding that with friends the following week.

‘I had five different routes in mind and accompanied them. They really enjoyed the variety of landscapes around.’ Chevonne has a wide range of rides listed on the Refuge website – if you’re looking for inspiration, you have to take a look!

The Refuge has been really well received by everyone who stays and Chevonne believes there is scope for more accommodation like it in Linville, or elsewhere on the rail trail, as the area grows in popularity for bike riding.

‘I’d like to see Linville becoming a little biking hot spot. It is already happening a little bit, all along the rail trail. Encouraging people to arrive here by bike does little to interrupt the fabric of a town, but they need to eat and drink. I think it is great for the towns.’

---

The Rail Trail Refuge, Linville, is a bespoke cycling accommodation provider on the northern end of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Offering accommodation for solo riders or small groups, the Rail Trail Refuge is ideally located on the Rail Trail at Linville, with a kitchen, bike tools, bike washing, laundry, plunge pool, chill out area and much more. The Rail Trail Refuge is the perfect base for a few days exploring this stunning part of Queensland by bike. Bicycle Queensland members can stay three consecutive nights for the price of two between Sunday and Thursday – book directly to secure this saving.

Email: hello@railtrailrefuge.com.au