Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is proposed to connect Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Lismore and Casino.
When completed the rail trail will be 132 km long and pass through some of the most scenic countryside in New South Wales.
A drawcard for walkers, hikers, runners and cyclists, the rail trail follows the old North Coast railway line. It will offer a unique way to explore the region while helping to preserve the area’s history and heritage.
Tweed section Other sections
Connect Program
Tweed Shire Council is calling for local businesses to register their business interest in the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail Connect Program.
If you are ready to join the newest and must do experience in the Northern Rivers then we want to hear from you.
Register your interest now
Tweed section: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek
The Tweed section of the rail trail starts in Murwillumbah and ends in Crabbes Creek. It includes the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station and historic bridges.
- 24 km
- 18 historic railway bridges, including 5 heritage
- 2 tunnels
- scenic rural landscape
Connecting the larger hub of Murwillumbah to Tweed villages, the rail trail winds through Stokers Siding, Burringbar and Mooball. It provides an off-road transport route for residents and visitors.
Passing through the countryside, the rail trail is mostly a compacted gravel surface. There is a total of 6 km of sealed asphalt, including Murwillumbah Railway Station to the Tweed Regional Gallery, and between Burringbar and Mooball.
Satellite view of the Rail Trail Tweed section
Funding
Construction of the Tweed section of the rail trail has been jointly funded thanks to:
$7.8 million NSW Government
$6.5 million Australian Government
An additional $600,000 has been secured from the NSW Government to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the Tweed section of rail trail for the first 3 years.
Timeline and construction
Design and construction is being managed by Tweed Shire Council.
- January 2021 - Preliminary works
- February 2021 - Community information sessions
- April 2021 to January 2023 - Construction of the trail
- March 2023 - Trail opens
Construction of the other sections of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be project managed and scheduled by their respective councils. See Bentley to Casino below.
Video: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (2:30 mins)
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Local councils working together
The completed trail will pass through 4 local government areas:
Richmond Valley section: Bentley to Casino
Construction of the Bentley to Casino section is being managed by Richmond Valley Council.
Funds have been secured for this 13.4 km section of the rail trail. Construction is underway and it is due to open mid-2023.
Byron and Lismore sections
- Byron Shire - Initial investigations and studies underway
- Lismore City - Investigation and design work is underway with community consultation occurring in 2022
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Tourism on neighbouring Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) is going from strength to strength. The BVRT is a great example of what can be achieved through community and government support.