Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a multi-use rail trail in Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, which is a walking and cycling trail[1], with horses permitted on certain small sections. Completed sections runs through the Tweed and Richmond Valley local government areas, and as of June 2024, is undergoing further extension into areas of Byron Shire and Lismore.[2] When completed, the trail will be 132 km long.
It follows the Murwillumbah railway line, which ceased train services in May 2004[3][4].
Track details
Section 1: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek
This 23km section opened in 2023, passing through the following towns and villages in the Tweed Shire:[2][3]
- Murwillumbah; where it starts at and incorporates the heritage listed Murwillumbah railway station.
- Dunbible
- Stokers Siding
- Burringbar
- Mooball
- Crabbes Creek
This section uses 18 railway bridges and passes through 2 railway tunnels; these are the Burringbar Range Tunnel and the Hulls Road Tunnel. These tunnels are a habitat for microbat and glowworms and are kept dark so as not to disturb them; visitors are asked to bring torches and dismount when passing through them.[5][6][7]
Views of Mount Warning (Wollumbin) can be seen along long stretches of this track.[3]
Section 2: Casino to Bentley
This 13.4km section opened in March 2024, connecting the following towns in the Richmond Valley Council area:[8][9]
- Casino; where it starts at the Old Casino railway station.
- Bentley; where it ends at the historic Bentley Bridge.
Section 3: Bentley to Booyong
The section from Bentley to Lismore (16.3km) opened in December 2024.[10]
A further 20.9km section from Lismore to Booyong, is at the planning and approval stage.[11]
Section 4: Booyong to Crabbes Creek
Sections in the Byron Shire will complete the trail. Multiple sections have been approved in principle and are awaiting funding[12]. Other sections, particularly between Byron Bay town to Mullumbimby have proven to be politically contentious. Part of the formation is in use by the Byron Bay Train.
In February 2026, Byron Council voted to complete the rail trail, and dropped their policy to consider the return of rail services on the line.[13]
References
- ^ "Fact sheet: Northern Rivers Rail Trail" (PDF). Northern Rivers Rail Trail. 1 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Northern Rivers Rail Trail | The must-do experience in the region". Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ a b c "Northern Rivers Rail Trail". www.tweed.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Closure of Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Services". www.parliament.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Bridges and tunnels". Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Top tips for exploring the new Rail Trail". www.tweed.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Burringbar Range Tunnel". www.nswrail.net. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Rail Trails Australia". 23 April 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Project and construction". Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley section". Your Say Lismore. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Booyong". www.lismore.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ^ "Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Byron Shire". www.byron.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ^ Jeffery, Eve (24 February 2026). "Byron Council votes for rail trail". The Echo. Retrieved 9 March 2026.