Rail Trails Australia’s national conference returns on Friday 6 November 2026, this time at the Canberra Labor Club in Belconnen.
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Exploring successes and opportunities of rail trails’. The aim is to bring rail trail managers and proponents together from around the country and give prospective NSW rail trail groups encouragement to keep persevering.
Attendees will hear how trails around Australia have gone from concept to finished product, how they’re managed, and what’s being done to improve the experience for the people who love using them — everything from public art to linking in nearby businesses. With so many volunteer committees of management and Friends groups behind our rail trails, we’re keen to hear their views too.
The program is packed, with the Hon. Steve Whan, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, opening with the keynote, followed by success stories from the Tumbarumba and Wagga Wagga, Wadandi Track and Riesling trails, updates on the Great Southern, Northern Rivers and Monaro rail trails, panel discussions on council issues and rail trail service businesses, and the launch of Rail Trail Resilience. There’s time set aside for networking, and after RTA’s AGM, join us for drinks and dinner at a nearby venue.
On Saturday 7 November, the “Rally for the Rail Trail” ride brings cyclists in from points around Queanbeyan to Queen Elizabeth Park, where two high-profile stakeholders will address the gathering in support of the Monaro Rail Trail.
Anyone interested in rail trails is welcome. The first 55 registrants receive a free gravel helmet, and attendees go into the draw for a one-day cycling experience for up to 12 people from AV Cycling Tours, valued at up to $2,700.
For further details or to register visit https://www.railtrails.org.au/online-store/general/2026-rail-trail-conference/
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