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
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.
In this feature:
- Beyond Byron E Bikes
- Moo Moo Roadhouse
- Burringbar Collective
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Tweed Map
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Casino Lismore Map
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 wi-fi!
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 school holiday adventure?
Beyond Byron E Bikes, located in Mooball opposite the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, is the perfect place to start exploring. Ride at your own pace on premium German-made e-bikes featuring gel seats, mudguards and puncture-resistant tyres for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Bring the whole family – they’ve got kids’ e-bikes, family cargo e-bikes, tag-a-longs, baby seats and even dog trailers, so everyone can join the adventure. With beautiful scenery, great food stops and plenty to discover along the way, it’s a day out you’ll remember.
Book online at www.beyondbyronebikes.com.au.
Burringbar Collective
Burringbar Collective is a rack rental space above The Barn general store offering pre-loved and vintage clothing from community sellers. Updated weekly, sellers offer a unique range of vintage and pre-loved clothing for all ages, styles and sizes.
Located directly across from the Rail Trail on the main street of Burringbar, pop up the stairs and see what there is to discover – you never know what you might find.
27 Broadway, Burringbar • 0450 496 334
www.burringbarcollective.com.au
@burringbarcollective
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.
