The North East Rail Trail is Tasmania's longest rail trail, tracing the formation of the old Scottsdale branch railway through some of the island's quietest and greenest countryside. At 26 kilometres from Scottsdale to Billycock Hill, it's long enough to feel like a genuine journey — but sensibly broken into sections that suit riders who want a morning's outing as much as those going the distance. This guide covers everything needed to plan the ride from Victoria, grade by grade, without overpromising the terrain.
What is the North East Rail Trail and where does it go?
The North East Rail Trail follows the disused formation of the Scottsdale branch railway, which once carried timber and agricultural freight through the hinterland of north-east Tasmania. Opened in stages between 2012 and 2015, the trail runs 26 kilometres from the town of Scottsdale south-east to Billycock Hill. It's the longest rail trail in Tasmania — a distinction that sounds impressive until you ride it and realise the real appeal is quieter: fern gullies that close in overhead, old stone cuttings that frame the sky, and dairy paddocks stretching away on either side with no particular urgency attached to any of it.
The surface is compacted gravel throughout, which suits hybrid and mountain bikes comfortably. The old railway formation keeps gradients gentle by definition — rail lines were engineered to avoid steep inclines — though the second half of the trail, as it climbs toward Billycock Hill, introduces some longer, moderate rises that will have most riders changing down a gear or two. Nothing severe, but worth knowing before you set off.
How long is the ride, and can you do a shorter version?
The full 26 kilometres one way takes most recreational riders three to four hours at a relaxed pace, not counting stops. Ridden as an out-and-back — the natural choice if you're based in Scottsdale — that's a substantial full-day commitment. For many travellers over 50, particularly those who haven't been on a bike in a while or who prefer a morning's outing to an endurance test, a shorter out-and-back is the smarter option.
The first 10 to 12 kilometres from Scottsdale, heading toward Legerwood, are widely regarded as the most rewarding and the most accessible. This section takes in the best of the fern gully scenery, the old railway cuttings and the early pastoral stretches. Riding to roughly the Legerwood area and returning to Scottsdale gives a round trip of 20 to 24 kilometres — still a satisfying day, and manageable for riders of mixed fitness. There's no rule that says you have to reach Billycock Hill.
Those wanting the full experience can arrange a one-way transfer — drop off at Billycock Hill, ride back to Scottsdale, or vice versa. This requires some advance planning since there's no shuttle service operating on a set timetable; talk to your accommodation host or the Scottsdale Visitor Information Centre about local options when you book.
Getting to Scottsdale from Launceston (and from Victoria)
For Victorian travellers, the most practical approach is to fly Melbourne to Launceston — flights run daily and take around an hour — then collect a hire car for the drive to Scottsdale, which is roughly 65 kilometres north-east of Launceston on the B82 and takes about an hour. The road passes through pleasant north-east Tasmanian countryside, so it's not a chore. Hire car is essentially the only realistic option: there's no rail, and bus services to Scottsdale are limited and infrequent. Tassielink operates some coach routes in the region; confirm current timetables directly with them before relying on public transport.
If you're touring Tasmania as a grey nomad with your own vehicle — and many visitors to this part of the island are — Scottsdale is an easy base for a two or three-night stop. The town sits in the Ringarooma Valley and has supermarkets, cafes, a bakery that locals take seriously, and a relaxed pace that suits an unhurried itinerary. It's also a useful staging point for exploring the broader north-east: the Blue Tier plateau, Bridport on the coast, and the farm gate trail through the region are all within comfortable range.
Bike hire in Scottsdale — what are the options?
Scottsdale has bike hire available locally, though the town is small and options are limited. The Scottsdale Visitor Information Centre is the best first call — they can direct you to current hire operators, confirm availability and advise on what styles of bike are on offer. E-bikes have become more widely available in Tasmanian trail towns in recent years, and for riders over 50 tackling a 20-plus kilometre day on variable terrain, an e-bike takes the edge off without diminishing the experience.
Indicatively, a full-day bike hire in regional Tasmanian towns has been running at around $60 to $90 per bike, with e-bikes at the higher end — but confirm current pricing directly, as this market has been moving. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly in spring and summer when the trail is at its most popular. Arriving in Scottsdale and expecting to find a bike waiting for you on a busy long weekend is an optimistic strategy.
What's the terrain really like — fern gullies, cuttings and dairy country
The trail earns its reputation in the first half. Leaving Scottsdale, the old railway formation threads through sections of cool temperate forest where tree ferns crowd the cuttings and the light filters green and diffuse. These stretches have a distinct character — enclosed, quiet, slightly otherworldly — that you don't find on open agricultural trails. In the wetter months the ferns are dripping; in autumn, the deciduous plantings near the old station sites turn colour in a way that rewards a slower pace.
As the trail continues south-east toward Legerwood and beyond, the forest gives way to open dairy farmland. The landscape broadens, the sky comes back, and the riding becomes more straightforward. Black-and-white Friesian cattle watch from behind fences with the profound disinterest that cows have perfected. The old station platforms at Legerwood and other points along the route are preserved and worth a pause — they carry a quiet dignity that says something about what country towns once were.
The final section toward Billycock Hill is the least dramatic scenically but has the most elevation change. It's not difficult by any objective cycling standard, but it will feel longer than the early kilometres after a full day's riding. Those who choose to turn around at Legerwood or thereabouts will leave with a complete experience — the best of the trail is behind them, not ahead.
What about the Lilydale Falls extension?
There has been talk for several years of extending the trail from Billycock Hill northward to Lilydale Falls — a proposal that would add considerable scenic appeal by connecting to one of the region's most attractive natural features. As of 2025, this extension remains a proposal only. It has not been funded, formally approved or given a construction timeline. It would be unwise to plan a trip around it or assume it will exist by the time you travel.
The 26 kilometres from Scottsdale to Billycock Hill is the trail as it stands, and it's genuinely rewarding on its own terms. The Lilydale Falls themselves are accessible by road in any case — a short drive from either Lilydale township or Scottsdale — so if the falls are on your list, they're not difficult to reach independently.
Practical notes on comfort, pacing and what to bring
The North East Rail Trail has no facilities along its length — no cafes, no toilets, no shelter beyond the trees. Carry enough water for the full ride plus a margin; in summer, the exposed sections get warm. Pack a lunch if you're riding to Legerwood or beyond. A small first aid kit and a basic puncture repair kit are sensible additions, not overkill.
Wear padded cycling shorts if you have them — a full day on a gravel trail is a different proposition to a gentle morning ride. A helmet is compulsory in Tasmania. Gloves help on the rougher sections. If you're new to e-bikes, ask for a brief demonstration before you leave the hire shop; the motor assist on uphills is intuitive, but the weight of the bike takes some adjustment when manoeuvring at slow speed.
The trail is open year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the best combination of mild temperatures, manageable daylight hours and the kind of light that makes fern gullies look like photographs. Summer is fine but can be warm in the open sections. Winter days are short and the trail can be muddy after sustained rain. Tasmania's weather is its own institution — layers are always a sound policy, whatever the season.
Key takeaways
- The North East Rail Trail runs 26 kilometres from Scottsdale to Billycock Hill on a compacted gravel surface suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes.
- The first 10–12 kilometres from Scottsdale are the most scenic and accessible — a shorter out-and-back to Legerwood is a legitimate and satisfying alternative to the full distance.
- There is no public transport to Scottsdale from Launceston; a hire car is the practical choice for most visitors from Victoria or elsewhere on the mainland.
- Bike hire is available in Scottsdale, with e-bikes increasingly common — book ahead, particularly in spring and summer.
- The proposed Lilydale Falls extension remains unfunded and unapproved as of 2025; the trail's current endpoint is Billycock Hill.
- September to April is the most comfortable riding window; the trail has no facilities, so carry water, food and a basic repair kit for any ride beyond the first few kilometres.
Recommended partners and links
Indicative prices only — always confirm with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ride the full North East Rail Trail from Scottsdale to Billycock Hill?
At a relaxed pace with stops, most recreational riders allow three to four hours for the 26-kilometre one-way distance. As an out-and-back, that becomes a full day's outing. Riders who prefer a shorter day can turn around near Legerwood at roughly the 10–12 kilometre mark and still complete a satisfying 20–24 kilometre round trip.
Is the North East Rail Trail suitable for cyclists over 70?
Yes, for riders who are reasonably comfortable on a bike. The compacted gravel surface and former railway formation keep gradients gentle through most of the trail. The second half has moderate rises. An e-bike — available to hire in Scottsdale — makes the experience considerably more manageable and is a practical choice for older riders or anyone returning to cycling after a break.
Can you get to Scottsdale by public transport from Launceston?
Tassielink operates some coach services in north-east Tasmania, but connections to Scottsdale are infrequent and not suited to day-trip timing. A hire car is the most practical option for most visitors. Confirm any coach schedules directly with Tassielink before relying on them.
Has the Lilydale Falls extension to the North East Rail Trail been built?
No. As of 2025, the Lilydale Falls extension remains a proposal only and has not been funded or approved. The trail's current southern endpoint is Billycock Hill. Lilydale Falls can be reached independently by road from Lilydale township or Scottsdale.
What is the best time of year to ride the North East Rail Trail?
September to April offers the most comfortable conditions — mild temperatures, adequate daylight and generally drier ground. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. Winter riding is possible but days are short and the trail can be muddy after rain. Tasmania's weather is changeable year-round; layered clothing is advisable regardless of season.
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