Let’s have some good news!
It’s a positive story amongst all the bad news.
A dream that was started 18 years ago, has finally been realised!
The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail has been officially opened without people or much fanfare. It’s probably the first rail trail ever to be opened ‘virtually’ and we couldn’t be happier.
It’s been a hectic time for the group of volunteers trying to organise an opening without any people able to be present.
We have had various plans during the past few weeks, as conditions and government guidelines kept changing, yet we were determined to have an opening of sorts. We came up with the idea of having a ‘virtual’ opening and with only a few days to get it sorted we had work to do! And guess what? We did it!
We managed to get our event organiser involved, made some videos, sorted photos, took some go-pro footage and had it all put together into a package to share on our Facebook page at the original date and time of the opening, 11.30am on Friday 3 April 2020. Nothing was going to stop us!
The Mathematician and I haven’t been involved the whole 18 years, but friends of ours have been, and it’s definitely been a labour of love for all involved – a frustrating journey at times which has required patience, persistence, belief and resilience. That has all now been rewarded and the rail trail is officially open.
With the recent bushfires in our town the upcoming Easter break was to be the ideal time for people to visit the area and ride the newly opened rail trail. But with the government regulations not allowing non-essential domestic travel, we can’t welcome anyone from outside the area just yet. But one day soon we will!
The official Media Release on 2 April 2020:
Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail to Officially Open
After nearly two decades of hard work by the Riverina Highlands Rail Trails Inc team and the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Committee, the 21km Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will officially open tomorrow, Friday, April 3 2020 – the first government funded Rail Trail in NSW.
With the region in the early stages of healing from the recent bushfires earlier this year and now Covid-19, it is a credit to the passionate members of the Riverina Highlands Rail Trails Inc and Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Committee who have worked so hard for so long to make this a reality.
Both groups are extremely excited to present the Official Opening of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail via Facebook tomorrow. They have been working on this project for the past 18 years planning, advocating and assisting Council to firstly secure funding and then on the development of the trail.
“This is the culmination of an enormous amount of work by a great group of people including our local parliamentary representatives, formerly Greg Aplin and currently Justin Clancy, the former Tumbarumba Shire and now Snowy Valleys Council representatives, contractors and the local community” said Owen Fitzgerald, Chair Riverina Highlands Rail Trails Inc.
“The community have been unbelievably supportive of this project” said Owen, “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trail once the domestic travel ban has been lifted”.
The trail has been designed to be enjoyed by walkers, runners, and cyclists, with the sealed surface also allowing access for prams, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
“It’s been a long, hard but satisfying journey to get to this stage and we are excited to see our vision for the rail trail come to fruition. We are proud of our efforts and we see this as one that others around NSW and Australia will aspire to.” Grant Harris, Chair Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Committee.
With the trail set to be a huge drawcard for cyclists, walkers, families and any rail enthusiast, there is no doubt that visitors will be flocking to the beautiful trail once the Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted.
Rail Trail 
Rail Trail working bee 
Tumbarumba Rail Trail 
Rail Trail banner 
Views along the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail 
Mannus Creek Bridge along Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail 
Work has started on Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail 
Black cockatoos along the rail trail 
Rail Trail launch 2014 
Disused rail corridor 
Disused railway corridor 
Disused railway corridor overgrown with trees 
I am very proud to have been involved in this project, just one of many, and despite all the stresses and frustrations, it’s a good feeling to be a part of something so important, beneficial and rewarding.
May all who ride/walk/run/push prams along the newly opened trail, be happy and healthy!
It started life as a railway line in 1921, was closed in 1974 and then left to rot, disused and forgotten.
It has now been rejuvenated into a shared pathway for many to use and the history and countryside has been opened for all to use and enjoy.
One day after this pandemic crisis is over we will welcome you all to our special neck of the woods to ride with us!
In the meantime watch our video of our ‘virtual’ opening and you can pretend you’re here with us riding along!
Life will be a bit different for a while now, without all the meetings, worry, sending emails, phone calls, planning but then I’m reminded that we still have the postponed Family Fun Day, (it was to be Saturday 4 April after the opening day), to organise. We’ve set a tentative date of 26 September 2020 which will hopefully be a huge celebration. Goodness knows we will deserve it.
My unreserved thanks go to everyone who has played any part in this project, we couldn’t have done it without you! watch the video for a whole lot more thanks.
Yours truly
Deb xx
If you’d like to follow our Facebook page then click here: https://www.facebook.com/tumbarumbarailtrail/
Other rail trail posts I’ve written leading up to this day can be found here
You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.
Deb's World 
Thank you for sharing the story of the virtual opening and the completion of such a huge act of love. The accomplishment is almost metaphorical for much of life, including our current situation. Blessings! Michele
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It has been such a huge part of our lives I’m just so happy to share the good news now! Thanks Michele
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So wonderful it’s finally open, I remember reading all your other posts about the Tumbarumba Rail to Trail work being done. Soon enough it will be filled with people thankful for all the work that was put into it.
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It’s been such a huge effort from so many people Jennifer and we’re thrilled to have it opened despite the weird circumstances. At least it’s been memorable! I’ve been out today for a 30km ride and loved it!
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Congratulations… It’s a beautiful feeling when a dream is fully actualized and completed, well done👏. something the community will benefit from.
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Yes you’re right it’s been a big relief to have it officially open and now we can ride on it – while keeping our distance of course.
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When I finally get to have that cup of coffee in your sunroom, you can take me out for a ride afterwards (to burn off the calories from the scones I’m sure you’ll have provided to go with the cuppa!) It looks fantastic and is such a testament to the hard work and care of those (like yourself) who invested so much into getting it up and running (riding). Well done and nice to read a positive story in amongst all the COVID-19 stuff. xx
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That sounds like a great plan Leanne! I make a mean batch of scones by the way :). It’s been a huge effort from lots of people but it’s the volunteers who made it all happen with their determination to keep the council on track. I agree it’s a good news story among the other COVID-19 news! x
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I can’t wait to try it! When this thing is over a road trip (with an empty esky) is on the cards.
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Thanks Jo, it’s going to a huge old time when we can all travel again! Look forward to seeing you here.
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Debbie, this sounds like a wonderful project to have been involved in. Congrats on the opening. It will all be there waiting for everyone when COVID19 is behind us. Love the idea of using an old railroad track for a designated walking area. We saw this concept some years back on a visit to Jerusalem in Israel. They created a green corridor/ for walking and biking through the city and beyond where there had been tracks.
Love your first photograph That’s a beaut. And as well, your other photos on traveltalesoflife blog where we both contributed to Sue’s latest post on coping with COVID19.
Peta & Ben
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Hi Peta and Ben, it was so lovely to meet you through Sue’s post today! Your story is incredible! The rail trail has kept us going for years and now we can start riding on it so we’re very happy. Thanks for the comments on my photos, it’s a fun way to record moments to share.
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Debbie although it must be disappointing to have the opening done virtually what a massive accomplishment. Congratulations to you, Grant and everyone involved in the 18 year labour of love. It looks beautiful. I hope one day we can cycle it ourselves. Take care and stay well. XO
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Thanks very much Sue, it’s certainly an accomplishment after all this time and we couldn’t be prouder! It’s been a massive effort by so many community minded people and we’re proud to be have played some small part. We hope you can meet us here and ride it with us one day too! Take care x
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What fun to have a virtual opening like this! I’m amazed at the ingenuity I’m seeing in people in the midst of these days.
Thanks for sharing the experience with us too.
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Yes we definitely had to think outside the box on this one, but we did it!! Thanks for your message 🙂
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Congratulations! I have only ridden on one rail trail (between Idaho and Montana in the US) and it was such a fabulous experience. I know that the hard work that you and the other volunteers put into its creation will be enjoyed for many, many years to come.
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Thank you Janis, it’s been a huge part of our lives for so long we will probably have withdrawals now that it’s almost done! Volunteering for these types of community projects is a lot of hard work but fun too.
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Congratulations Deb! Nice work. We are learning to adapt, aren’t we? I think the virtual opening was the perfect solution. Take care and stay safe!
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Thanks Christie, we sure are learning to adapt these days. Glad you enjoyed the virtual opening with me 🙂
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How wonderful to be involved in a community project like that which will make such a big difference to everyone. Hope the Fun Day can be organised and goes as plans, difficult to imagine it in these tough days but the world will return to normal soon I hope. Trail looks fabulous.
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Yes it has been wonderful Jonno and so rewarding to know it is now finished and open. The only problem is we can’t have people come to town just at the moment. It is a feat of engineering that’s for sure. Thanks for your visit!
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Well done Tumbarumba. Enjoy riding on your new track, Deb.
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Thanks Suz, it’s been a huge effort over the past few years but we’ve been a strong team and have worked together. It was great to have a short ride on a section this afternoon, in light rain!
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Congratulations. I for one will be visiting when able to as it looks great. Look forward to September.
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That’s great to know Ingrid! Let me know when you’re coming 😊
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Congratulations to you, and everyone who helped make this happen!! Very exciting. And definitely a memorable opening!
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Thanks Donna, it’s been an amazing effort by everyone involved. A very different opening than what we’d imagined!
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Well done. An old railway line between Bristol and Bath was converted into a cycle track a few years ago and is much loved and used.
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Yes Anne we’ve been on that track and loved it! Also the Strawberry Line near Cheddar. Thanks!
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Well done Deb to you and everybody involved. It will be a little while before the tourism benefits come through, but they surely will.
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Thanks very much it’s been a team effort over many years. Just a shame about the circumstances for the opening but it will be popular once everyone can get here!
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Congratulations, following your dream, and opening the trail! It may have looked a little different then you expected, but wonderful, and generous accomplishment all the same. Bravo! C
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Thanks Cheryl, it’s been a big part of our lives for years so we couldn’t be happier to have it finished and opened. Yes it was different to how we thought it would be but great memories and a fabulous story to tell in years to come.
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