2024 Rail Trails Conference
It’s been over 20 years since Rail Trails Australia held its conference in Melbourne, and we’re excited to be back again in 2024.
This year Rail Trails Australia is bringing together experts in the field from around Australia to discuss topics around the central theme of ‘Attracting more rail trail users – providing better experiences and facilities‘.
You’ll hear about how rail trails around Australia have developed from concept to product; their different styles of management, and what’s being done to improve the rail trail experience for those who love to use them – from adding art, to linking nearby businesses. Given the large number of volunteer committees of management and Friends groups associated with rail trails, we also look forward to hearing their views.
The jam-packed program for Friday includes a keynote speaker, expert-laden panels and discussions. There’s time set aside for networking, and after Rail Trails Australia’s AGM join us for conference drinks and dinner at a nearby venue.
A cycling and lunch event will be held on the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail on Saturday 19 October to help celebrate 30 years of the ‘Warby Trail’ and explore its continuing expansion.
The conference welcomes anyone with an interest in rail trails to register and attend and provides an opportunity for rail trail enthusiasts to connect and learn from each other. Rail Trails Australia volunteers from around the country will be attending – and no doubt they’ll be keen to help you plan your next rail trail adventure!
Registrations for the Conference, the Dinner on Friday night and the event on Saturday have closed
Where: Jasper Hotel is conveniently located near Queen Victoria Market at 489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne.
Conference participants can get a 15% discount booking directly with this LINK.
Please note: rooms are subject to availability and rate at the time of booking.
Getting there:
Car parking: for conference delegates is at a daily discount rate of $25 at Queen Victoria Market Undercover Car Park (456 Queen Street) at Munro underground car park on levels on B3 and B4. After parking, collect your voucher at Jasper Hotel to scan when you leave the car park. Please note it is market day and may be busy.
Trams routes: Trams 19, 57, 59 travel along Elizabeth Street and stop outside Jasper Hotel.
Train: Take the city loop to Melbourne Central Station. Take the Elizabeth Street exit to the corner of Latrobe and Elizabeth Streets. Walk 200 metres north along Elizabeth Street to Jasper Hotel, located on the left hand side over Franklin Street just before Therry Street.
Download a brochure with all the details including carparking.
Conference Program
Day One Friday 18th October
9:00-9:20 Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country, and Opening
Steven Kaye, Vice President, Rail Trails Australia
9:20-9:50 Keynote presentation: Building a trail network
Christina Harris, Marketing Manager of Ride High Country, Tourism North East
9:50-10:15 The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Success Story
Tiffany Stodart, Northern Rivers Rail Trail
10:15-10:40 Morning tea
10:40-12:00 Servicing the needs of rail trail users
Rachael Northwood, Alpine Hotel Warburton
Melanie Hardcastle, Carriage Cafe
Danielle Bortignon, Cog Bikes Australia
Amanda Godridge, Great Southern Bike Hire
12:00-12:30 The Bicycle Revolution
Alison McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, Bicycle Network
12:30-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:15 Panel Discussion 1: Increasing rail trail usage
Damian Cerini, Tour de Vines
Christina Harris, Tourism North East
Tiffany Stodart, Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Alison McCormack, Bicycle Network
2:15-2:45 Value adding to rail trail experience – Artwork on the Great Victorian Rail Trail
Alarna Timmins and Julie Blyth, Murrindindi Shire Council
2:45-3:30 Panel Discussion 2: The role of volunteer Committees of Management and Friends Groups
Ross Vaughan, Friends of Great Victorian Rail Trail
More speakers to be announced
3:30-4:30 Break and networking
4:30-5:00 Rail Trails Australia Annual General Meeting.
5:30-Late Conference drinks and then dinner at a nearby venue.
Day Two Saturday 19th October
11:00-5:00 Get out on the wonderful Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
This cycling/lunch event at the unique Carriage Cafe in Seville will help celebrate the 30 years of the “Warby Trail” and explore its expansion into the Yarra Valley Trail.
The cycling event is self organised starting at Lilydale. Separate bike hire is available from Cog Bikes Australia and other businesses.
Lunch (registration required and numbers limited) will be served at 12:30pm, followed by a presentation from the rail trail managers. Continue the socialising in the unique atmosphere of the Cafe and watch the users stream past on Australia’s most used regional rail trail.
Lilydale is 40km from Melbourne by suburban train or car. From Lilydale it is 14km to the Carriage Cafe along the rail trail. Bike hire services are available, refer to the “Get Around” section of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail description.
*Program subject to revision
