Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a ‘must do’ visitor experience. It is a shared recreation and nature trail created along a disused railway line. It is free to use and provides a safe environment for walkers, cyclists, and people of all abilities to explore the beautiful Northern Rivers region.
www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au
@northern_rivers_railtrail @NorthernRiversRailTrail
In this feature:
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Tweed Map
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Casino Lismore Map
- Better By Bike
- Burringbar Gallery
- Hosanna Farmstay
- Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
- Moo Moo Roadhouse
- Beyond Byron E Bikes
Walk, ride, and explore
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail currently has two operating sections: the north from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24km) and the south from Casino to Lismore (29.7km). Together, they showcase the diversity of landscapes, villages and experiences that make the Northern Rivers region so unique.
The Rail Trail is a shared recreation and nature trail created along a disused railway line. Free to use, it provides a safe environment for walkers, cyclists, horseriders in designated areas, and people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
Northern section – Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24km)
The northern section starts at the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, just 36km south of Gold Coast Airport. Here visitors will find the Visitor Information Centre where they can pick up a trail map, purchase souvenirs and catch up on the latest updates.
The station also offers parking for 60 cars, with overflow available during peak times. There are four retail stores including bike hire and shuttle services, bathrooms, picnic facilities, an e-bike charger, bike pump, fix-it station and water bubbler.
The 24km trail connects the villages of Murwillumbah, Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek. Along the way, users will cross 16 restored bridges, pass by ten historic bridge relics and travel through two tunnels. The Burringbar Range Tunnel is the highlight at 524 metres long. It is unlit to protect resident microbats and glow worms, so visitors need to bring a light. The second tunnel, Hulls Road Tunnel, runs for 50 metres.
Scenic stops, village cafes and a short connection to the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre add to the experience. There is also a 2.2km section at Upper Burringbar where horses are permitted, and dogs are welcome along the trail on a short leash.
Southern section – Casino to Lismore (29.7km)
The southern section offers a different but equally memorable experience, stretching almost 30km through rolling farmland and historic townships. Riders and walkers will encounter the Naughtons Gap Tunnel, one of the highlights of the trail. Just before the tunnel, there is a short, but steep, climb with sweeping views across the countryside at the top.
Closer to Lismore, the trail connects directly to Nesbitt Park. This family-friendly destination is perfect for a break, with BMX tracks for kids, plenty of space for a picnic and easy access to the town.
Parking is plentiful along the southern section, with multiple access points between Casino and Lismore. Several starting points also provide dedicated float parking, making it easy for horse riders to join the trail. A dedicated bridle trail stretches for more than 20km alongside the main trail, offering a safe and scenic route for equestrian users.
A trail for everyone
With two sections now open, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is fast becoming one of the region’s signature attractions. Whether you are chasing adventure, seeking family-friendly activities or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the Northern Rivers at your own pace, the trail offers something for everyone, with more to come as future stages are completed.
Better by Bike
Better by Bike makes family adventures easy. Located at Murwillumbah Railway Station, it’s the most convenient way to start the rail trail ride! The fleet includes premium e-bikes, fat-tyre e-bikes, and family-friendly setups with tow-behind bikes, child seats, and chariots. Every bike comes with comfy gel seats, puncture-proof tyres, helmets, tunnel lights, locks, and waterproof pannier bags, so riders can relax and enjoy the scenery.
With full trail support — including on-the-spot flat tyre fixes — and insider tips from the local team, rides are safe, fun, and stress-free. Families love the experience, shown in hundreds of 5-star reviews. For longer stays, bikes can be delivered to Byron Bay or the Tweed Coast. Open seven days!
0408 444 858
betterbybike.com.au
Burringbar Gallery
Discover timeless treasures in Burringbar, less than five minutes from the Rail Trail.
Burringbar Gallery celebrates its eighth year of trading this year and their new collection of antiques is worth the journey. Offering a superb selection of antique and vintage furniture, artworks, statues and collectables, they source pieces from around the world and showcase unique local artworks.
Enjoy a selection of carefully curated individual statement pieces from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Cafe dining available at Teakwood Cafe next door. They look forward to seeing you soon.
0408 998 446
6184 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar
Hosanna Farmstay
Hosanna Farmstay offers country camping at its best, with plenty of campsites for campers, and huts and cabins for glampers. Enjoy the fresh air, play in nature, explore the Rail Trail, and celebrate life with family and friends.
Can’t get away for a weekend? Then come for the day! A Day Visit Pass gives you access to the facilities and free activities happening around Hosanna Farmstay that day.
Even if you’re not a guest with them, you can drop by directly off the Rail Trail! Drop in for a coffee, cold drink or a bite to eat and experience their friendly farm.
4 Tunnel Road, Stokers Siding
02 6677 9023
www.hosannafarmstay.com.au
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is the first stop on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the perfect location to enjoy spectacular views of Wollumbin. The gallery presents a dynamic program of touring exhibitions, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of regional and national artists.
The Margaret Olley Art Centre celebrates the career, life and legacy of Margaret Olley. The home studio re-creation is a permanent display and is complimented by a changing exhibition program. Also situated on the gallery grounds is the Margaret Olley Memorial Garden, a living tribute to the artist. Olley’s ashes are interred here, marking a fitting final resting place.
The onsite cafe Apex Dining is open during gallery hours and is available for lunch bookings or takeaway refreshments.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm
2 Mistral Road Murwillumbah
gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au
Moo Moo Roadhouse
Located on the Tweed Valley Way in the quaint village of Mooball, the Moo Moo Roadhouse has been a popular pit stop for locals and tourists for many years, and has now added the abundance of rail trail cyclists and walkers to its fan club.
Whether you’re walking, riding or driving, the Moo Moo Cafe is the perfect spot to fuel up, grab a bite to eat, drink some awesome coffee and check out the great range of motorcycles, memorabilia and antiques they have on display. And they have free wifi!
Monday to Friday 6am–5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am–5pm
5887 Tweed Valley Way, Mooball
02 6677 0057
Facebook: @MooMooRoadhouse
Beyond Byron E Bikes
Looking for an unforgettable adventure this school holiday break? Beyond Byron E Bikes, located in Mooball - closest to the Byron Bay end of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail - offers a fantastic way to explore with rides designed for ultimate comfort and fun. Their German-made e-bikes feature gel seats and puncture-proof tyres, ensuring a smooth journey as you take in stunning natural scenery. Families are well catered for with kids’ e-bikes, tag-a-longs, baby seats, and even dog trailers for furry companions. Riders can enjoy leisurely breaks and plenty of delicious options along the way. Easy online booking at www.beyondbyronebikes.com.au.
