Friends of the Wolgan Valley Wilderness Rail Trail 2.78

The Friends of the Wolgan Valley Wilderness Rail Trail was recently formed to assist with the development of a walking and cycling track along the original right of way of the old Wolgan Valley railway.
The original railway, which ran from Newnes Junction on the Main Western line to the Wolgan Valley, was a distance of 51 kilometres. It was used at the turn of the last century to transport shale, refined oil, coke and bricks from the Commonwealth Oil Corporations works at Newnes to markets far and wide.
Working in conjunction with the Wolgan Valley Wilderness Railway group and sponsored by COC Limited, the Friends group will play a major role in assisting with the development of the Wolgan Valley Rail Trail.
A Rail Trail is the conversion of a disused railway easement into a multi-use path, typically for walking, cycling and sometimes horse riding. This concept.is relatively new to New South Wales as the government has not sanctioned the removal of any disused railway lines which requires an act of parliament. However in other States such as Victoria and Tasmania they have been developing these trails very successfully which have become tourist meccas and money spinners for the communities the trails run through.
Apart from developing a world class tourist attraction through some of our most spectacular country into the Wolgan valley there are other drivers for developing this Rail Trail. The collective aim of all the groups involved is to ensure that the history of the railway line and that of the oil shale works it serviced will be preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy. Unfortunately over the years this important part of our industrial heritage has been largely forgotten. Very little money has been spent on developing any of the areas nor has the potential been recognised for it to become the next major tourist attraction for the area. Today the glow worm tunnel and the works at Newnes are very popular with tourists, day trippers and campers. However if the sites were linked via an accessible rail trail to establish an integrated development it would soon increase visitor numbers to the area and would stimulate other entrepreneurial opportunities to support the visitors as well as bringing more people into Lithgow.
If the Rail Trail concept is achieved it will provide for a family friendly attraction for people of all ages and diverse interests to explore and enjoy. It will subsequently add to and enhance Lithgow’s reputation as being the centre for Eco and heritage based tourism.
For further information on this exciting new project or becoming members of the Friends group contact can be made by emailing us at inquiries@coclimited.com.au or telephoning 63 522513.