Comments on: Copper Rail Trail https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/ Walk, cycle or ride Australia's wonderful rail trails Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:33:28 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 By: Wolter K. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-48547 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:34:45 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-48547 27/70 Rode this one today, along with the Shamus Liptrot section, and many of the issues mentioned below remain. The concrete shared footpath built as part of the Princes Hwy duplication is great to get from Port Wakefield's town centre but stops about 700 m short of the signs marking the official start of the rail trail on Balaklava Rd. I assume this is a Wakefield Regional Council responsibility. Signs on the golf course fence are confusing. 'No entry' would be sufficient. The whole trail from Port Wakefield to Balaklava needs a road sweeper and roller. The loose sand bits are dangerous and the road apron is in better shape.

]]> By: Sean c. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-44371 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:49:07 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-44371 The track signage from Walk the Yorke sign starts well but at the intersection of Balaclava Road and Highway shows a sign about Golf Course but the track has disappeared, the newly constructed footpath is an obvious pathway to follow but does not connect to the start of the actual rail trail. Either widen the road for bike riders or continue a riding footpath to the start will make an excellent addition. Trail is definitely in need of loving care with rabbit holes and plenty of branches, rail spikes and rough railway rocks, nothing a good MTB couldn't handle. Good signage for distance along the way and when in need to go on the road over the train line. Scenery is average though and shade is scarce in most sections. Is the worst rail trail I've been on but has potential with investment of gravel to the surface. Makes a great link between the Shamus Liptrot trail, Walk the Yorke ride, Riesling trail and Lavender Trail.

]]> By: Alan A. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-43255 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 02:18:47 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-43255 In reply to Ken S..

Hi Ken, thanks for your feedback on the condition of the Copper Trail.
Our RTA regional rep has spoken to the Trail Manager regarding your comments, and he indicated that there was an issue with timing of the weed spraying of the trail. It took place far too late to have any impact on weed growth and as a result the Council will be undertaking a manual clearing process in the coming days. The manager of the trail has reviewed the entire length of the trail and once the weed clearing maintenance has been completed, he will undertake the necessary trail maintenance.

]]> By: Ken S. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-42936 Sat, 28 Sep 2024 03:31:22 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-42936 started this trail from the Balaklava end on 25th of September 2024. Trail overgrown with weeds that have broken up the surface to make it almost unridable. Took 20 mins. to cover 2.5 kms, giving us no alternative to taking to the bitumen to get to Pt. Wakefield. This trail is in serious need of maintenance and upgrading. It is sad that it has been left to deteriorate to such a deplorable condition

]]> By: Nik m. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-35282 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:04:27 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-35282 The trail requires some maintenance as small trees have taken root on the gravel track forcing detours. Near balaclava the trail is better maintained.
Grass Bird species include brown songlarks and singing bushlark, Red rumped parrot. A snake possibly eastern brown was lying across the track.

]]> By: Mark D. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-27349 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 23:23:27 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-27349 In reply to Steve V..

Hi Steve, thanks for your comments relating to caltrop. I will let the local council know. I spoke with them last spring and they were predicting that spring and summer would see excessive and unwanted weed growth.
Regards Mark

]]> By: Steve V. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-27330 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:30:15 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-27330 Having ridden approx 70% of the track my opinion is to avoid at all costs. Caltrop everwhere so bring plenty of tubes if you are brave enough to give it a try

]]> By: Russell K. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-22694 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:49:51 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-22694 While I appreciate the local community and the council providing this trail, unfortunately it is a bit of a goat track. We struggled on our electric mountain bikes – definitely not for road bikes

]]> By: Kathy F. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-20501 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:07:12 +0000 https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/copper-rail-trail/#comment-20501 Rode this today. A "bush track" trail is an appropriate description. Trail best left for mountain bike riders, not recreational riders.

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