Exploring the Historic Dawes Range Rail Tunnels

These six heritage-listed tunnels are located between Barrimoon Siding (near the small township of Kalpowar) and Golembil Siding in Central Queensland.  The tunnels were impressively built by hand between 1919 and 1926, connecting Byellee to Monto, and span a length of 26km.  They are now a highlight of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail.

It was fantastic to walk from Tunnel 6 (near Barrimoon Siding) through Tunnel 5 and on to Tunnel 4.  We loved exploring the old rail formation and checking out three of these six tunnels on this branch line.  Not to mention the tunnel inhabitants – micro bats and very large spiders!  Tunnel No 6 is the longest tunnel, measuring 170 metres.

The old Barrimoon rail siding (closest to Tunnel 6) can be easily accessed from Kalpowar State Forest Campground, which is only about 2km away.  The Dawes Range Rail Tunnels and rail trail are well worth checking out if you are in the region!