Allowed on the rail trail:

1.  bicycles and e-bicycles (up to 250w)
2.  accessibility devices, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters
3.  push scooters / skateboards on sealed sections only
4.  prams
5.  dogs on short leads. And dog owners, please pick up after your dog
6.  horses in designated areas only.

Not allowed on the rail trail:

1.  e-scooters or petrol-powered bicycles
2.  motorcycles, trailbikes, quadbikes, cars or similar
3.  all other motorised recreational vehicles
4.  horses outside of designated areas

Yes. They must be under control and on a short lead at all times and you must pick up after your dog.

Please be a responsible dog owner, it is your responsibility to pick up after your dog in any public open space.

On the Tweed section of the Rail Trail, horses are allowed in a 2.2 km designated horse-riding area in Burringbar. Signs along the rail trail indicate where this section starts and ends and advises users to take caution and give way to horses.

On the Casino to Lismore section, horses have access to a full bridle path that runs parallel to the main trail from Casino to the Back Creek Bridge, Bentley (13.4 km). After dismounting to cross the Back Creek Bridge, horse riders can consider continuing toward Lismore to Kyogle Road for an additional 10 km via a continued dedicated bridle path that runs parallel to the main trail. Various rest stops along the way feature water troughs and horse rails.

There are shared areas of the Casino to Lismore section of the Rail Trail where horses, cyclists, and pedestrians will come together. Bikes must give way to horses, and horses and bikes must always give way to pedestrians. On all sections, we ask that any droppings be picked up and all rubbish be taken with you, as no rubbish bins are provided along the tail.

To access the bridle path the best place to enter is the Naughtons Gap Road car park where there is horse float parking, or Bungabbee Road (Oakey Creek Bridge) car park that can accommodate up to 9 horse floats.

Read more about horse riding.

To make your rail trail experience a great one check out safety and rules that includes a ‘pack and prepare checklist’.

Our operations rely on our rail trail community and volunteers to be our eyes and ears to keep our rail trail safe and well maintained.

Either report a problem on our website, call us on 02 6673 0404 or tell our team at the Visitor Information Centre at the Murwillumbah Railway Station.

Always call 000 in an emergency situation.

If you experience an incident on the rail trail, please report the incident to us within 12 hours or as soon as possible.

Mobile phone coverage along the rail trail will be different for every guest and depend on the carrier you are with. For some sections you will have coverage, for some parts you may have a weaker signal and, in some parts, you will have no coverage at all.

We ask guests to not rely on phone coverage and download the Emergency Plus app, know how to enable emergency or SOS functions on your mobile phone and have a printed or downloaded rail trail map for reference.

Read more about emergency information.

Yes. Cyclists need to wear a helmet, use bells, bike safety gear and ride at safe speeds as they would on a road.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is considered a Road Related Area (an area that is not a road and is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals) under the Roads Act 1993.

There is no speed limit set for the rail trail. Different circumstances will determine the need for a different speed or safe distance for passing and you should ride to conditions and current laws.

The safety of rail trail users is everyone’s shared responsibility and whilst cyclists should ride to the conditions and keep to safe speeds, it is also the responsibility of others to keep left and restrain dogs on short leads.

No. See the accommodation page for options along the rail trail.

No. The Rail Trail is a recreational facility for the community that promotes wellness and a healthy, active lifestyle.

Children and people of all ages and levels of fitness use the rail trail and expect a smoke free and safe environment at its associated rest stops and the entire corridor of open space.

No.

Yes. It is important to get permission to scatter ashes from the owners of private land or the Trustee of parks and reserves, or from local council for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail as scattering of ashes may contravene the provisions of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 in terms of air or water pollution. Councils and other Government Authorities may set a time and place when scattering of ashes can be undertaken and can impose other conditions.  Things you need to know:

• Please allow a minimum of seven days’ notice when seeking approval from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
• Ashes are not permitted to be scattered directly on the Rail Trail surface (gravel or sealed) and can only be in the grass or vegetation areas adjacent to the rail trail. They cannot be scattered on Private Property.
• Permission will be considered for the scattering of ashes only. Nothing solid, non-biodegradable or immemorial items can remain at the site.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the general public or other rail trail users are not impacted or affected by the ashes being scattered (be mindful or wind and its direction prior to scattering of ashes).
• It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the people attending, and as you are likely to enter a natural area you must be mindful of snakes and other wildlife. We highly recommend you take a first aid or snake bite kit with you at all times.
• We cannot close the Rail Trail for exclusive use for the purpose of scattering ashes, so please be mindful of this when selecting the appropriate day and time.

To request approval to scatter ashes please contact the Northern Rivers Rail Trail through the General Enquiries Form. We will need the following information from you: name and contact details, proposed date and time to scatter ashes, number of people attending, location / section of the rail trail and specific down to between which two location markers and any other relevant information.

It is a steel trough conduit that contains a high-voltage electrical cable that transfers electricity between NSW and QLD.

For your safety, do not touch it, keep away from the trough and stay on the rail trail at all times.

Starting in the Tweed?

Murwillumbah Railway Station (trailhead) has 60 public parks including:

• 18 timed spaces (7 days between 9 am – 5 pm) with options of 30 minutes and 1 hour
• 42 untimed parking spaces including two accessible parking spaces and two parent with pram parks.
• up to 2 long vehicle / caravan parks off Tweed Valley Way just after the Railway Street entrance
• a dedicated set down and bus bay.

Please avoid parking in Railway Street and nearby residential areas to minimise impacts to people who live there. There is also public parking available across the road in Budd Park.

Stokers Siding: general community parking

Burringbar: parking with accessible parking spaces at Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park

Mooball: general community parking.

Crabbes Creek: limited parking without impacting local village.

Starting from Casino?

The Old Casino Station: Located off Dyrabba Street in Casino, the Old Casino Station is the official start of the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The car park provides ground level entry to the Rail Trail, toilets, water and bike facilities. It has 46 car parks and two accessible carparks.

Spring Grove Road car park: Parking is available at the Spring Grove Road Carpark, 650m east of the trail head at the Old Casino Train Stations. It contains 120 car parks with two accessible carparks.

Naughtons Gap Road carpark: Located next to Spring Grove Road carpark is the Naughtons Gap Road carpark, which has three carparks, and six car and trailer parks for horses. This is the main access to the bridle trail, and a water trough is available.

Bentley Road carpark: If you are starting your Rail Trail journey from the Bentley end, there are toilet and bike facilities available, along with 32 car parks including two accessible parks as well as eight car and trailer spaces for horses to enter the trail at this location.

Starting from Lismore?

Lismore Railway Station: The official Rail Trail car park adjacent to the Station provides ground-level entry to the Rail Trail, toilets, water, and bike facilities. It has 42 car spots, two accessible car spots and one car spot suitable for caravan parking.

Bungabbee Road (Oakey Creek Bridge) car park: An informal car park with a gravel surface is available near Oakey Creek Bridge. While it has been designed to accommodate 9 horse trailers, cars can also park here.

Nesbitt Park: Nesbitt Park is connected to the Rail Trail via a shared path and can accommodate parking for 28 cars, including accessibility requirements.

There are many local service providers who will ensure you have a great day out on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. You can start by looking at the bike operators who hold a commercial pass to operate on the Rail Trail here.

The Rail Trail Commercial Pass, part of the Connect program, aims to provide a fair and equitable platform for businesses that align with certain objectives, including promoting sustainable use of the Rail Trail and fostering partnerships that benefit the Northern Rivers region and its community.

Cycling Without Age is now operating on the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm. Bookings are encouraged.

Cycling Without Age provides free trishaw rides for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with reduced mobility between Burringbar and Mooball.

For all bookings, please contact burringbartrishawbookings@gmail.com and provide your name and phone number, preferred time and date, and how many seats you require. Please note that each trishaw can accommodate 2 people. If you require a carer to accompany you, please book 2 seats.

Dropping off in the Tweed?

Murwillumbah Railway Station. There is a dedicated bus bay at the southern end of the station for buses, coaches, large caravans and safe tour or large group drop offs.

There are no formal drop off areas along the rail trail, please safely use the community parking and the laydown areas at:

• Stokers Siding
• Burringbar village
• Mooball village, as the primary southern trail head
• Crabbes Creek village.

Dropping off near Casino?

There are plenty of options to drop off people and groups at the various car parks. Choose from:

The Old Casino Station: Located off Dyrabba Street in Casino.

Spring Grove Road car park: 650m east of the trail head at the Old Casino Train Stations.

Naughtons Gap Road carpark, which is the main access to the bridle trail, and a water trough is available.

Bentley Road carpark.

Dropping off near Lismore?

There are plenty of options to drop off people and groups at the various car parks. Choose from:

Lismore Railway Station: Union Street, South Lismore.

Nesbitt Park is connected to the Rail Trail and also provides a great access point for drop offs.

Take plenty of water with you, and you can purchase more along the way from our rail trail partners.

On the Tweed section, you can fill your water bottle at the refill stations located at Murwillumbah Railway Station, Burringbar and Mooball. The Tweed has safe and great tasting drinking water directly from the tap.

On the Casino to Lismore section, drinking water is available at the Lismore Railway Station, Nesbitt Park, and at the first rest stop at Rifle Range Road (approximately 5 km from the station).

Existing public toilets include:

• Murwillumbah Railway Station: male and female public toilets on the station platform (some features are non-compliant with current Australian Standards for disabled access and mobility). We are pursuing options to build an accessible toilet at the station and will open that as soon as possible.
• Stokers Siding: one unisex public toilet at the general store (some features are non-compliant with current Australian Standards for disabled access and mobility).
• Burringbar: male and female toilets at Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park (some features are non-compliant with current Australian Standards for disabled access and mobility).
• Mooball: one unisex public toilet at Bernadette Kelly Park (some features are non-compliant with current Australian Standards for disabled access and mobility).
• Crabbes Creek: the closest available public toilet facilities are located at Mooball. There are toilets at Crabbes Creek Hall however these are only available during hall opening times which are limited and vary.
• Lismore Railway Station: Public toilets are available adjacent to Lismore Railway Station.
• Nesbitt Park: Public toilets are also available at Nesbitt Park connected to the Rail Trail via a shared path.

Leave no trace – please take your rubbish with you and protect our native plants and wildlife.

There are no rubbish bins along the rail trail itself, please use the ones at public parks, trail experiences or at the Murwillumbah Railway Station.

It is a family friendly rail trail with lots to see and do.

See the families section of rail trail users for more information.

There are a small number of playgrounds in our parks nearby or adjacent to the rail trail.

In Murwillumbah check out Knox Park Playground a short 1 km walk from Murwillumbah Railway Station, Stokers Siding has a small playground and Mooball a swing set.

In Lismore, Nesbitt Park is connected to the Rail Trail via a shared path. It features wheelchair and disability-accessible playground equipment, exercise equipment, barbecues, sporting fields, and a 1km walking/jogging track. It also has a newly opened mountain bike skills track, a great space for beginner to intermediate riders to learn mountain biking skills. Amenities include a water bubbler, toilets and dedicated parking.

Visit Heritage Park before or after hitting the Rail Trail, 950m from the Lismore Railway Station and accessible on foot or bike via a pathway, or by car to Molesworth Street. It is a paradise for children with cleverly designed play equipment, a waterpark and miniature railway that circles the park, picnic facilities, BBQs, and toilets.

Not at this stage, however some of businesses may offer this service for a fee.

The Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre in Murwillumbah is a very short walk/ride/drive and offers hot showers for a low fee.

The rail trail is a recreational asset for all to enjoy, including children and youth. The consumption of alcohol on the trail is not recommended and riding under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence.

There are parks and civic spaces in the Tweed, and adjacent to the trail, where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. There are several experiences along the rail trail that are licensed so you can enjoy a cold alcoholic beverage if you wish.

Yes, providing it is not for commercial gain, is not blocking any part of the rail trail for other users and you take your rubbish with you.

We encourage you to use the public picnic tables and seating at many stops along the rail trail. If you find a shady spot on the rail trail corridor that you want to stop at, feel free to do so. Please respect adjacent landowners by not entering private property and be cautious of wildlife and animals.

Our ‘taste’ rail trail operators offer a wide range of click and collect platters and hampers or specialty food and beverage options for guests to enjoy.

Yes, and there are also public BBQ facilities at Bernadette Kelly Park at Mooball and Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park in the Tweed Heritage Park which is 950m from the Lismore Railway Station and accessible on foot or bike via a pathway, or by car to Molesworth Street. It is a paradise for children with cleverly designed play equipment, a waterpark and miniature railway that circles the park, picnic facilities, BBQs, and toilets.

Some of the businesses along the Rail Trail offer onsite BBQ options also.

Your bike and equipment are your responsibility when using the rail trail.

Along the rail trail there are many rest areas that offer bike racks, as well as many of the local businesses. You should travel with your own bike lock.

There is an e-bike charging station available at the Murwillumbah Railway Station located at the Northern end of the platform. The charger is complimentary to use, and you must bring your own charging cord.

The charger is accessed via the Visitor Information Centre and is available Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am – 1 pm.

The Tweed section is 24 km with a total of 6 km of sealed asphalt in the more urban areas from Murwillumbah Railway Station to the Tweed Regional Gallery and between Burringbar and Mooball. The rest of the trail, a total of 18 km, is a solid compacted gravel.

The first kilometre of the Rail Trail, from Old Casino Station to past the Naughtons Gap Road carpark is asphalt, with the remainder of the Rail Trail up until the Back Creek Bridge, Bentley a crushed granite, with a spray seal on the section over the Naughtons Gap Tunnel. From Bentley through to Lismore the trail has been constructed using compacted gravel for durability and resilience to weather for 14 kms, with asphalt and concrete sections totaling 2.6 kms at key entry points for improved accessibility.

Always keep to the left and be aware of other users. Leave plenty of room to pass – a metre matters. You can read more about trail safety and rules here.

Access the rail trail map that highlights surface types and accessibility features and locations.

On the Tweed section, in most parts the trail itself it is 3 metres wide and narrows to 2.5 metres in some areas such as bridge crossings.

The width of the trail between Casino to Bentley is generally four metres with some parts reducing to 2.5 metres. From Bentley to Lismore the trail is slightly narrower and is generally 3 metres in width also reducing at times to 2.5 metres. Always keep to the left and be aware of other users. Leave plenty of room to pass – a metre matters. You can read more about trail safety and rules here.

There are shared sections of the Rail Trail where horses, cyclists and pedestrians will come together. Bikes must give way to horses, and horses and bikes must give way to pedestrians at all times. On these shared sections, we ask that any droppings are picked up.

Please be aware that users may have different seeing and hearing abilities and some may not be able to spot you or act quickly to your approach, including children – so please slow down when passing others.

As a former railway, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a relatively flat trail with no hills or mountains.

For most of the Tweed section the rail trail has a maximum grade of 4.5%, making it a suitable trail for all types of users, transport and fitness levels. Some shorter and steeper sections, where pathways bypass bridges, have a slope up to 15%.

For the majority of the Casino to Lismore section the Rail Trail has a maximum grade of slope of 4.5%, making it a suitable trail for all types of users, transport and fitness levels. The approach to the Naughton’s Gap tunnel increases to 15%.

On the 24 km Tweed section, there are a total of 26 bridges and 2 tunnels. You will cross 16 bridges, bypass 10, and go through 2 tunnels. Check out bridges and tunnels for more information.

The 29.7 km Casino to Lismore section moves through rich agricultural lands and passes over Naughtons Gap Tunnel housing a mixed colony of Bent-winged bats. On the Richmond Valley side of the historic Back Creek Bridge, Bentley there are nine bridges, seven of which you will cross.

On the Lismore side, 19 of the 29 railway bridges have been repaired and repurposed, with the remaining bypassed.

Yes. The rail trail surface is suitable for a wide range of mobility devices. Refer to the access for all section for more information.

We are working hard to make the Rail Trail accessible for everyone. Some rail trail sections are more accessible for people with disability than others, in terms of pathway slopes, and accessible amenities, toilets and parking nearby.

Refer to the accessibility statement to find out where the most accessible trail sections and amenities are located, so you can plan your visit.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels. The majority of the Rail Trail is a gentle and gradual slope no greater than 4.5% and some shorter steeper sections up to 15% where pathways bypass some existing bridges and Naughtons Gap tunnel at the Casino end of the trail. Other than these inclines, there are no steep hills, tight bends or sudden drops or dips, if you stay on the shared-user path.

It is a novice standard to suit families and leisure riders looking for a safe and gentle walking or cycling experience, or for enthusiasts looking for longer endurance rides. If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, we recommend some shorter trips to get ‘bike fit’ and help get your bottom used to a bike seat.

The Rail Trail has many entry and exit points. On the Tweed section there are 7 dedicated rest stops and station nodes along the rail trail, and many towns and villages to explore including the trailhead at Murwillumbah Railway Station, Tweed Regional Gallery, Stokes Siding, Upper Burringbar, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek.

On the Casino to Lismore section you can enter the Rail Trail safely at any of the dedicated car parks at Old Casino Station, Spring Grove Road carpark, Naughtons Gap Road carpark, Bentley Road car park, car park adjacent to the Lismore Railway Station car park, Bungabbee Road (Oakey Creek Bridge) car park, and Nesbitt Park car park.

Check out the rail trail maps for further information.

In general, there is no centreline.

There are no separate lanes, the rail trail is a shared user path for all – walkers of all abilities, runners, riders, wheelchair users, parents and prams, and horse riders in some places. Please keep left, slow down and pass with a gap – a metre matters. Please do not block the trail for other users.

Check out the views and vistas section for more information on the Tweed, and the things to do and see page for the Casino to Lismore section.

There are many ways to support the trail to ensure it is maintained to a high standard for locals, visitors and our future generations to enjoy. Check out Support for more information.

Yes. Any organisation that conducts a business or on-trail experience resulting in commercial gain will require a permit or licence.

Head to our Connect Program for more information.

The Rail Trail Connect Program offers a marketing and signage package for businesses that want to connect with rail trail users.

Head to our Connect Program for more information.

The Rail Trail Connect Program provides information about applications and permits, guidelines, fees and insurance requirements for any event proposed to be held on the rail trail.

This includes but is not limited to competitive events, social (non-competitive events and fundraising and charitable events. Read more about what’s on and events.

Personal use and visitor photography is of course welcomed as you experience the rail trail.

Any commercial filming or photography on the rail trail requires relevant approvals from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Trust and related Council area:

• Tweed Shire Council: Filming and photography in the Tweed
• Richmond Valley Council: Filming permits
• Lismore Council: Filming permits
• Byron Shire: Filming permits

Please contact us at marketing@northernriversrailtrail.com.au.

No. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail brand is trademarked and requires written and express permission from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail for any third party use.

The Rail Trail Connect Program features options to co-brand and business use of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail logo.