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Suitable for:
- A short but exciting rail trail next to part of the disused Dubbo – Molong Line
- Views of an old railway trestle and a huge concrete and steel railway bridge
- You can ride across the Macquarie River, with its river red gums and abundant birdlife
- Close to Taronga Western Plains Zoo and historic Dundullimal Homestead
- It’s fully sealed and family friendly, suitable for all kinds of bicycles, scooters, mobility scooters and prams
- Interpretive signs explain the history of the railway line and the region
- Southlakes Cycleway Network via the Hennessy Drive shared path
Nearby Attractions
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo
- Restored Dundullimal Homestead
- Tracker Riley Cycleway section along the Macquarie River
- Dubbo’s other railway bridge on the northern side of town
- Vineyard cellar doors
- Dundullimal MTB trails
Last updated: 4 January 2026
Access Points
- High St and Margaret Cres junction
- Macquarie St and Margaret Cres junction
- Dundullimal Homestead
- Turn off to Dundullimal from Obley Rd
- Western Plains Zoo
Section Guides
Western Plains Zoo to Dundullimal (3km)
The sealed path follows Obley Rd south from the zoo. There is a short uphill stretch after crossing a small bridge, then at Dundullimal you can turn right to the homestead or go straight ahead to the river.
Dundullimal to Macquarie St (1.5km)
Leaving Dundullimal, rejoin the shared path and head northeast toward the river. Cross the Shibble Bridge over the river and alongside the railway line to Macquarie St.
Macquarie St to High St (2km)
Follow the sealed path next to the railway line that runs parallel to Margaret Cres, and crosses Boundary Rd before reaching High St.
![The low-level crossing of the Macquarie River [2012]](jpg/2081605551762-e1629616672765-300x115.jpg)
The low-level crossing of the Macquarie River [2012]
![The northern approach [2012]](jpg/2181605551762-300x225.jpg)
The northern approach [2012]
David and Goliath bridges May 2012
![Entrance to trail at Macquarie St [2012]](jpg/2201605551762-300x225.jpg)
Entrance to trail at Macquarie St [2012]
![Old trestle bridge on the Macquarie River floodplain [2012]](jpg/7721605551762-300x225.jpg)
Old trestle bridge on the Macquarie River floodplain [2012]
Approaching the Macquarie River May 2012
![The shared pathton the western side of the river [2012]](jpg/2121605551762-300x225.jpg)
The shared pathton the western side of the river [2012]
The trail alongside Obley Rd near Western Plains Zoo May 2012
Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.
Information and Links
For more information, or to report damage or problems:
Dubbo City Council www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au
To view a copy of the Dubbo cycleways map click here
Contact Rail Trails Australia
To contact us about this rail trail, email nsw@railtrails.org.au
Background Information
Traditional Owners
We acknowledge the Wiradjuri people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is built.
Rail Trail development
This trail is only a short section of a proposed rail trail between Dubbo and Molong. Work has not begun on that.
Railway history
The 130km Molong-Dubbo line branched off the Broken Hill Line at Molong before rejoining it at Dubbo. The line is scenic and has several steel bridges and significant engineering works. New South Wales Government Railways intended it to become the main line to Dubbo: the line was approved in 1916, but World War I saw construction delayed until 1920. It opened in 1925 with expectations of high traffic but never reached its full potential.
Passenger services were operated by railmotors from 1932 and 1974. The railmotor service was withdrawn in 1974 along with many other branch services during a national fuel crisis. The line saw considerable local grain haulage, but the general freight downturn in the 1980s, the opening of the Ulan line, and a transfer of some grain haulage to road transport by the State Rail Authority saw the line truncated north of Yeoval in 1987, with the remainder closed in 1993.
Dubbo Tracker Riley Cycleway extension
Posted: 25/06/12
The opening ceremony was held at Dundullimal Homestead due to wet weather. The opening speech ...
More...Nearby Trails
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400 km north-west of Sydney
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Nearby Trails
Molong to Dubbo Rail Trail
400 km north-west of Sydney
Gulgong to Rylstone Rail Trail
Mudgee Region
2 reviews of “Tracker Riley Cycleway rail trail”
Not strictly a rail trail for the full length, but still a great shared path with wonderful views of the river and the new weir and fishway. This cycleway is very popular at the moment due to the Covid restrictions. It seems that a lot of local people are discovering it for the first time.
This trail provides easy access to the Western Plains Zoo, as well as the historic Dundullimal homestead. There are numerous places to stop and rest, and to observe the birdlife next to the river.
I rode this trail yesterday afternoon (31/3/16). Firstly, Dubbo has great bike trails that are very good quality, the paths I rode are sealed and good gradients. This rail trail makes a great loop around Dubbo’s reserves and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best section is down by the river and the new bridge – it’s a great country ride and plenty of bird life.