Tallowood Ventures Ltd is a not-for-profit company and registered charity set up to specifically to realise the dream of creating the Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail.

The Project: Transforming an historic, derelict rail corridor in the hinterland of Coffs Harbour into a world-class rail trail tourist attraction.

Once complete, the 35-kilometre rail trail will go from Glenreagh in the Orara Valley up the plateau to the mountain villages of Lowanna and Ulong.

Thousands of visitors are expected to walk or cycle the route FOR FREE throughout the year, while they discover and enjoy the outstanding natural beauty and traditional country hospitality of the beautiful Orara Valley.

The Route: The rail trail will run from Ulong on the Dorrigo Plateau, passing through Lowanna and two tunnels as it descends 600-metres to the coastal plain ending at Glenreagh.

We have recently applied for Federal grant funding for the first stage - concept and design of the rail trail. Fingers crossed!!

Historic Trains: Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail will also offer visitors a truly unique experience – rides on an historic steam train built in 1878. Unlike any other rail trail in the country, visitors will be able to experience the thrill of going back to the glory days of steam travel aboard the last working engine of its class in Australia.

Revenue from steam trail rides will fund the maintenance of the rail trail.

Current status: We received a grant from Fires to Flourish in 2023 that which we have used to restore the steam train - we aim to have restoration complete by the end of 2025.

However, the historic carriage needs urgent funding to be restored. Imagine travelling back in time in a beautifully-restored nineteenth century carriage pulled by a classic steam train.

Tallowood Ventures are working hard to recreate this unique historic experience as part of the Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail. If you'd like to contribute, please donate!

Any and all donations are appreciated!

Thank you!

The team of Tallowood Ventures