Parts of Southeast Queensland’s decommissioned railways are being reimagined as Rail Trails - shared recreational and commuter pathways that create connections between communities, old and new.

Winding along a section of the former Beaudesert railway line in between the bush and the back fences, the recently opened Logan Village to Yarrabilba Rail Trail is a 3.5 kilometre pathway that meanders through native bushland and points of historical interest.  

Funded by the City of Logan and Queensland Government, the trail has allowed for pedestrians, cyclists and the occasional horse rider to explore a picturesque and history rich connection between the oldest and newest areas of the city, encouraging a kinship between the historic delights of Logan Village and the modern opportunities of Yarrabilba.

Communicating this kinship through a respect for the natural environment and history of the area was the main driver for the Dotdash design team, who proposed a suite of wayfinding and interpretive storytelling elements that guide trail visitors on their journey, celebrate provincial craftsmanship and provide insight into local heritage. 

The design language they developed raises appreciation of the past and present local way of life by elevating the qualities that underpin the unaffected community. Lush green vistas, existing heritage signage and local materials formed the inspiration for the driving design elements, the material and colour palettes, which evoke the natural and ‘maker' nature of the environment.

An idyllic colour palette of stone, temper red and coal is anchored by warm earth tones, creating an accessible backdrop for wayfinding and interpretive sign types, emotionally intensifying the surrounding natural environment and crafting a nostalgic response.   

The City of Logan’s go-to legibility champion, Proxima Nova, was selected as the primary wayfinding typeface to retain a sense of connection to the wider community. Reflecting the unique history of the former railway location, Karbon Slab Stencil was chosen as a placemaking typeface for its articulate reference to heritage industrial typography. 

Wayfinding Elements

Located in Logan Village and Yarrabilba at key decision points, pedestrian directional signs guide the curious visitor to the Rail Trail head. 

As you enter, you are welcomed by trail head identification signs featuring integrated balustrade artworks by renowned wrought iron artisan the late Alan Ball. These sign forms also give a nod to the trail’s former function with their post and rail structures and panels of interpretive information about the trail, artwork and area.  

Nearby, a trail head totem featuring a map acts as an attractor and placemaking element, allowing visitors to orient themselves, plan their journey and build interest and excitement for the trip ahead. 

On your adventure along the allegorical track, you are guided by a suite of directional signs, showing you the way to end points and providing insight into historical landmarks and events. 

Project Team
Andrew Prefontaine, Sophie Hogben, Despina Macris, Domenic Nastasi.
Wayfinding / sign system design – AP/ DN
Placemaking / graphics / mapping – DM / SH

Project completed December 2021