construction and timelines
Section 1 – Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek 24 km (open)
The Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section of the Rail Trail was constructed by Tweed Shire Council, is asphalt from the Murwillumbah Railway Station to the Tweed Regional Art Gallery & Margaret Olley Centre, and between Burringbar and Mooball stations. As it passes through the countryside, it features a compacted gravel surface. Read more about surface and conditions.
The Rail Trail connects small villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, providing an alternate transport route for residents and visitors alike. This section preserves the area’s railway heritage, with the rail trail incorporating the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, 18 railway bridges and passing through 2 railway tunnels.
Funding: Construction of the section has been jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments:
- $7.8 million NSW Government (Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund)
- $6.5 million Australian Government (Regional Jobs and Investment Packages Fund)
- + $600,000 NSW Government to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the section of rail trail for the first 3 years.
Section 2 – Casino to Bentley 13.4 km (open)
The Casino to Bentley section was constructed by Richmond Valley Council and starts at the heritage-listed Old Casino Station and connects with the Spring Grove Road and Naughtons Gap car parks. It moves through rich agricultural lands, passes over a tunnel housing a mixed colony of Bent-winged bats, to finish at the historic Bentley Bridge.
The section is constructed of compact gravel, creating a strong, stable surface which is safe and accessible for all. Nine bridges make up the trail, seven of which you will cross.
The Casino to Bentley section also features a bridle pathway running parallel to the main trail, allowing horse riders a set path through some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. Read more about horse riding.
Funding: Construction of the section has been funded by the Australian Government.
- $7.5 million from the Australian Government’s National Tourism Icons Program.
Section 3 – Bentley to Booyong 37.2 km
Lismore to Bentley 16.3 km (open) 14 & Lismore to Booyong 20.9 km (seeking funding)
Constructed by Lismore City Council, the Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail starts at the iconic heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station. This section weaves through rich agricultural lands surrounded by rolling hills and a diverse natural environment. It passes the historic Back Creek Bridge, Leycester, Bungabbee Road carpark (for horse floats), and Oakey Creek Bridge before reaching the historic Back Creek Bridge at Bentley. At Bentley, amenities include a car park, toilets, bike facilities, and space for horse floats. From here you can choose to explore an additional 13.4 km of trail from Bentley to Casino.
The Lismore to Bentley section is constructed as a 3m wide pathway using compacted gravel for durability and resilience from weather events, with asphalt and concrete sections at key entry points for improved accessibility. (Read more about the surface and conditions.) It preserves key heritage infrastructure with 19 of the 29 railway bridges repaired and repurposed, offering an active and alternative form of transport for locals and visitors.
Funding: Construction of the Lismore to Bentley section has been funded by the Australian Government.
$9.6 million from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Work is underway to secure funds for the 20.9 km section between Lismore and Booyong. For more information and updates from Lismore City Council.
Section 4 – Booyong to Crabbes Creek 54.2 km (Planning and approval stage)
For more information and updates from Byron Shire Council, visit their dedicated project page.
