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Trail Partially open

South Coast Rail Trail and Ernest Junction Tunnel

Queensland - South East

3 based on 1 reviews
Location: 60 km from Brisbane
Length: 0.75 km
Surface: Coarse gravel, Sealed
Start / End: Molendinar to Southport and Tweed Heads
Public Transport: Bus, Coach, Train, Tram
Suitable for:
  • WalkingWalking

  • Rail Trail
  • On Road
  • Potential RT
  • Other Trail
  • Former Railway
Trail Partially open
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Walk the 131 year old Heritage listed rail tunnel of the old South Coast Railway and adjoining rail trail in Molendinar.

Nearby Attractions

The entire walk is in beautiful  natural forest away from the fast moving Gold Coast.

View the old Ernest Junction station sign located at the end of the tunnel.

There is signage and seating at the eastern end of the tunnel.

View the 131 year old stone culvert under the railway line on the western side of the tunnel.

 

 

 

Last updated: 23 November 2022

Parts of this former line are accessible on foot. These sections are mainly west of the Parklands Drive/Smith St intersection.

The tunnel itself is curved, preventing one end from being seen from the other and has been described as ‘spooky’.

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.

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One review of “South Coast Rail Trail and Ernest Junction Tunnel”

We are starting up a “friends of….” group here on the Gold Coast to clean up and gently monitor the Ernest Junction Tunnel. Anyone who is interested could get in touch with me on deboertj@optusnet.com.au.

Background Information

Ernest Junction Tunnel to Southport

The former Southport railway line branched off the main line to Tweed Heads at a station called Ernest Junction just South of the tunnel.

The Southport Branch line headed generally east, across Activity Crescent, then along what is now Smith St. Motorway beside the Griffith University. The line crossed Wardoo St, Ewan St and George St. beside what is now St. Hilda’s School then across High St. to the old Southport station situated at current  Southport Bus interchange.

Currumbin Rail Bridge

The bridge was constructed in 1903 as part of the South Coast railway line.

The Currumbin Creek rail bridge is a 21 span, 173 metre long steel railway bridge. It is one of only three examples that still exist of infrastructure associated with the original railway line and the only structurally complete bridge still in existence on the line. It was closed to rail traffic in the mid 1960s and became primarily utilised to support a number of utility services (water and sewer) whilst simultaneously functioning as a narrow pedestrian bridge

The bridge was upgraded in 1994 to a dedicated pedestrian bridge by relocating the utility services and replacing the original timber railway sleepers with plywood decking, asphalt surfacing and pedestrian barriers.

In 2016 the Gold Coast City Council provided $3 million to repair and upgrade this historic rail bridge again.

Access to this bridge is via the Currumbin RSL car park , 165 Diringan Street or  via Palm Beach Currumbin Sports club car park, 2 Guineas Creek Rd, Palm Beach.

Join us to celebrate the renewal of Currumbin’s 113-year-old ex-railway bridge. (South Coast Rail Trail, Gold Coast)

Posted: 24/11/16

Come and celebrate the$3 million renewal of Currumbin’s 113-year-old ex-railway bridge.this Sunday, Novemeber 27 2016 ...

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