Nearly 110,000 guests have visited the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail since it opened on the first of March, The Tweed Shire Council says.
The council says the figure shows popularity of the trail has surpassed expectation, with Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry saying the Tweed section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek has led the way with quality experiences and amenities.
Visitor numbers reportedly average more than 12,000 per month, or nearly 3,000 people per week.
Information on how the visitor numbers have been calculated has been requested.
Natural beauty and charming village life irresistible
The mayor says the busiest day for the Tweed rail trail is Sunday with weekends the busiest overall.
Monday and Tuesday are the quieter days of the week, Cr Cherry says, and most people are recorded out on the trail between 9am – 11am.
Cr Cherry has attributed the success of the project to the ‘unique nature and outdoor recreation opportunities the trail provides, especially as a free, safe and family-friendly experience’.
‘The Rail Trail provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in fresh air and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Tweed’s landscapes and the charming village life at our seven rest stops,’ the mayor has said via media release.
The 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is the first stage of the project, which is to eventually connect Murwillumbah and Casino.
The Richmond Valley section of the NRRT is reportedly on schedule for a soft opening in December 2023.
The Byron Shire Council recently resolved to move forward with planning and approvals for a Rail Trail expansion extending from Mullumbimby to Crabbes Creek, encompassing the old Byron Bay station through Bangalow to Booyong.
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