Linville to Blackbutt Return

Length: 100km

Surface type: gravel, rail trail and asphalt

Suitable for intermediate and advanced riders

Gravel difficulty: easy, with some steep sections that are moderate

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This route starts and finishes in Linville on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and uses much of the rail trail between Linville and Yarraman, while exploring back routes behind Blackbutt. It is a great gravel bike ride but also suited to a mountain bike. At about 100km with 1284m of climbing, it will likely be at least a half day ride. But you do finish with the run off the range from Benarkin back to Linville, so it is a fast finish!

This route is a suggestion from Chevonne Arrowsmith, owner of the Rail Trail Refuge, Linville. It is one of her favourite rides to do to explore the areas beyond the rail trail. If you’re a Bicycle Queensland member, you can stay for 3 consecutive nights for the price of 2 between Sunday and Thursday. Contact Chevonne if you want to book this offer: hello@railtrailrefuge.com.au

Riding the route

Starting in Linville, head north along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, through Benarkin and onto Blackbutt. This is where you will divert from the BVRT. Follow Hart St across the D’Aguilar Highway. Turn right into Hayne Kite Millar Road, this is about 24.5km from Linville.

This is a slight rise, moving from bitumen to dirt, with some beautiful old Bunya Pines on the property on the left.

After 3km take a very hard left onto Nukku road. It’s cruly sharp, on a downhill into an uphill. You have been warned! This dirt road is the high point of the route at about 500m. You’re about to lose a lot of that, with a right hand turn into a forest trail at 30.5km, this is just before Nukku Road joins Blackbutt Crows Nest Road. This fantastic section of gravel riding is in plantation forest – some still standing, and some cleared. Watch out for kangaroos on the descents!

Want to be covered for accidents and public liability while riding in Australia and around the world? Look into Bicycle Queensland membership – terms and details are on our Join page.

The route turns right onto Mort Douglas Road, with the BVRT insight. You could easily shortcut to head back from here if you were having any problems, but we suggest sticking to the route, turning left onto Gilla Road and left again onto Kooralgin Gilla Road. This stretch is longer through rural properties, with a return to asphlat at times. At the 46.5km mark you turn right onto Yarraman Kooralgin Road, before ducking back into the forest at Yarraman Cemetary, at about 50.4km into the ride. The steep descent and climb leads you to the D’Aguilar Highway, where you cross to ride through the back of Yarraman towards Ben Smith Street and the start of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

With full water bottles and pockets, it’s time to get home, following the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail back to Blackbutt, Benarkin and onto Linville to finish.

The Rail Trail Refuge Linville is an ideal base to stay for a few days of exploring the greater Linville area. The Refuge has been custom built for bike riders, and includes storage and wash facilities for your bike, a plunge pool, kitchen, breakfast supplies, coffee machine, washing machine and much more.

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