Harrington to Crowdy Head Rail Trail Feasibility Study

Current

The Harrington to Crowdy Head Rail Trail is a proposed walking and cycling trail that will repurpose a former rail corridor, creating a unique recreational and tourism experience along the MidCoast. Identified as a priority project in the MidCoast Walking, Cycling and Trail based Activity Strategy 2025–2035, the trail presents an opportunity to connect communities, celebrate local heritage, and enhance nature-based tourism within the region.

The corridor has a rich history, originally developed in the late 1800s to transport stone from Crowdy Head to Harrington for the construction of the Manning River breakwall. While the railway has long since been decommissioned, the alignment remains a valuable asset with strong community support for its transformation into a shared use trail.

This project will deliver a comprehensive feasibility study to determine whether the proposed rail trail is viable and sustainable. It will assess a range of factors, including financial, economic, technical, cultural, and environmental considerations, to ensure the project is both practical and aligned with community and regional priorities.

The study will begin with a detailed review of existing information and background documentation, followed by an evaluation of the corridor to understand its opportunities and constraints. Engagement with key stakeholders and the broader community will be undertaken to capture local knowledge, aspirations, and potential concerns.

Building on this analysis, concept planning will be developed, supported by high level cost estimates to inform decision making. The final stage will consolidate all findings into a clear and robust feasibility report, providing actionable recommendations to guide the future development of the Harrington to Crowdy Head Rail Trail.