Monaro Rail Trail

Monaro Rail Trail

Project Type: Public Recreational Infrastructure

Project Location: Bombala

Funding: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sport and the Arts

What are we doing?

Council received grant funding thanks to the Investing in our Communities (IIOC) program, provided by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sport and the Arts, for the construction of a 3.5km – 5km long rail trail starting near (but not within) the NSW Heritage-listed Bombala Railway Station precinct.

Existing rail infrastructure along the rail corridor will be preserved or retained wherever possible. The trail will feature signage and seating to highlight local history and the landscape, enhancing the experience for users.

As part of the design and planning works, Council has conducted investigations into the heritage, environmental, safety, and contamination of the railway corridor. Following the design and planning phase Council received approval for the Review of Environmental Factor (REF) via a Part 5 Approval process.

Update May 2026

Council is currently going through the state approval process with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), which is the final approval step prior to finalizing design and going out to tender for construction of the rail trail.

This approval process is called the Rail Trail Framework, a part which also involves making an Approval in Principle (AIP) submission to UGL Regional Linx (TfNSW’s railway asset management entity). The AIP submission has also been made by Council. Council is hoping to receive approval from TfNSW in late 2026.

MRT_Bombala_Review of Environmental Factors(PDF, 197MB)

MRT_Bombala_Biodiversity Assessment Report(PDF, 6MB)

MRT_Bombala_Biosecurity Assessment & Risk Management Plan(PDF, 5MB)

MRT Trail Development Plan Stage 1(PDF, 23MB)

MRT Trail Development Plan Stage 2(PDF, 12MB)

MRT Trail Development Plan Stage 3(PDF, 6MB)