The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is being built across one of the most quietly beautiful corners of northern NSW, threading through cane fields, river crossings and hinterland villages on a converted railway corridor. Two sections are open now, both flat and sealed, both e-bike friendly. The rest is coming — just not yet.
What is the Northern Rivers Rail Trail — and what's actually open?
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail will eventually run roughly 130 kilometres along a disused railway corridor through the hinterland of far northern NSW, connecting Murwillumbah in the south to Casino in the north. It passes through cane country, subtropical creek valleys and small farming towns that most visitors drive straight past on the Pacific Highway. The corridor was chosen precisely because the old rail formation is flat, graded and sealed — qualities that matter enormously when you're on a bike rather than a train.
As of 2025–26, two sections are open to the public. The southern section runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, covering 24 kilometres one way. The northern section runs from Casino toward Bentley, a shorter stretch. The substantial middle corridor — connecting those two open ends — remains under construction. The NSW Government has been working through staged openings, and timelines have shifted more than once. Confirm current trail status at northernriversrailtrail.com.au before you commit to travel arrangements.
That plainly stated caveat aside, what's open is genuinely good. The sealed surface is suitable for standard hybrid bikes and ideally suited to e-bikes. There are no significant climbs, no technical sections, and nothing that would intimidate a rider who hasn't been on a bike in a few years. For a 69-year-old travelling solo from Victoria, this is the kind of trail that earns its place on a Queensland-bound itinerary.
The Southern Section: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24 km)
Murwillumbah is the right place to start. It's a proper town — not a tourist construction — with good cafes, a supermarket, and the kind of unhurried main street that reminds you what regional NSW actually looks like when it hasn't been discovered. The trail heads south-west from town, following the old Murwillumbah–Casino rail corridor through the Tweed Valley. The Tweed River and Mount Warning (Wollumbin) sit to the south; the hinterland opens up in every direction.
The 24-kilometre run to Crabbes Creek is achievable in around two hours at a comfortable pace on an e-bike, or three to four hours if you stop at creek crossings and take your time. On a standard bike, allow three to four hours and factor in the return trip — this is an out-and-back section, not a loop. Most solo riders on e-bikes will find the return manageable in a single day without feeling stretched. Crabbes Creek itself is a small settlement; don't expect a café at the far end. Pack lunch.
The surface is consistently good — compacted and sealed throughout, with adequate shade on sections running through cane fields and alongside creek corridors. There are rest points and basic facilities at intervals, though this is not a trail with infrastructure at every kilometre. A small backpack with water, sunscreen and a light waterproof layer covers the essentials. The Northern Rivers can produce an afternoon shower even in winter.
The Northern Section: Casino to Bentley
Casino is a working beef-cattle town on the Richmond River, about 50 kilometres south-west of Lismore. It's less visited than the coast but entirely functional as a base — accommodation, supermarkets, and a handful of decent lunch spots are all available. The trail's northern section heads south from Casino toward Bentley through flat agricultural land, a different landscape from the Tweed Valley but equally unforced.
This section is shorter than the Murwillumbah–Crabbes Creek run. Confirm current open distance at northernriversrailtrail.com.au, as the endpoint has been subject to staged extension. The surface is sealed and flat, the riding is straightforward, and the scale suits a half-day outing rather than a full day. That makes Casino-to-Bentley a natural pairing with a drive through the Nightcap Range or a stop at Lismore for lunch — building a full day from two or three elements rather than one long ride.
The gap between this section and the Murwillumbah end is the unconstructed middle. It's tempting to think of the two open sections as a through-route — they're not, yet. Riders need to drive or be shuttled between the two trailheads if they want to experience both sections in a single trip.
E-Bikes: The Honest Case for Using One
On a flat, sealed trail in subtropical humidity, an e-bike isn't a concession — it's the sensible choice. The pedal assist means you control your effort rather than being controlled by distance or temperature. You can ride further, recover faster, and arrive at the end of the day feeling like you've had a good outing rather than an ordeal. For a solo traveller who wants to cover the full 24-kilometre Murwillumbah section and return, an e-bike makes the difference between a comfortable day and an ambitious one.
E-bike hire in the Northern Rivers region is available through several operators, though the market is still developing to match the trail. Byron Bay Bicycles (byronbaybicycles.com.au) is one established option worth contacting directly — confirm whether they offer hinterland delivery or whether you'd need to collect from Byron Bay and transport the bike. Indicative hire costs run around $80–$120 per day for an e-bike; confirm current rates before booking. Local operators in Murwillumbah and Lismore may also offer hire — check with the relevant visitor information centres for up-to-date options.
If you're driving from Victoria in a campervan or with a bike rack, bringing your own e-bike eliminates the logistics entirely. The trail's flat surface suits a wide range of e-bike configurations. A helmet is legally required in NSW and non-negotiable regardless.
Getting There: From Byron Bay, Lismore, or Further Afield
Murwillumbah sits about 35 kilometres south-west of Coolangatta (Gold Coast Airport) and roughly 90 kilometres south of Brisbane. From Byron Bay, it's around 45 minutes by car through the Tweed hinterland — a pleasant drive in its own right. Lismore is approximately 80 kilometres from Murwillumbah via the Nimbin road or through Bangalow. There is no direct public transport link that makes a rail trail day trip practical from Byron Bay without a car.
For a Victorian travelling solo, the most practical approach is to fly into Gold Coast or Ballina–Byron Gateway Airport and hire a car. Ballina is served by Rex Airlines and Jetstar from Melbourne. Alternatively, a road trip north via the Hume and Pacific Highways turns the trail into one stop on a longer itinerary — Casino is right on the highway, and Murwillumbah is a short detour from the M1. Grey nomads driving north for winter often pass through this corridor without realising the trail is there.
Casino is accessible from Lismore (about 55 kilometres) and from the Pacific Highway at Ballina via the Bruxner Highway. Parking at both trailheads is available. For the Casino section, the town centre is a comfortable base. For Murwillumbah, the main street car parks are within easy walking distance of the trail access point.
Where to Stay and What to Eat Along the Way
Murwillumbah has a genuine range of accommodation — motels, a couple of boutique options, and caravan parks in the surrounding area. The town's café scene has improved noticeably in recent years; Caffiend on Murwillumbah Street and a handful of others offer a proper breakfast before you ride. The Tweed Regional Gallery, which holds the Margaret Olley Art Centre, is worth an hour of anyone's time and is an easy walk from the main street.
Casino is less polished but entirely serviceable. Motel accommodation is available at standard regional rates, and the town has supermarkets and takeaway options for self-catering. For something more atmospheric, the Richmond Valley region has a scattering of farm stays and rural B&Bs — worth searching through local visitor sites before booking.
Between the two trailheads, the Northern Rivers hinterland offers some of Australia's better small-town eating. Nimbin, Bangalow, and Lismore all sit within easy driving distance and reward a lunch stop. Bangalow in particular has built a strong food reputation without the crowds of Byron Bay — a useful detail for a solo traveller who'd rather eat well than queue.
Planning a Two-Day Itinerary Around Both Open Sections
A two-night stay gives enough time to ride both sections without rushing either. Day one: base in Murwillumbah, collect or set up the e-bike, ride to Crabbes Creek and back in the morning, spend the afternoon at the gallery or exploring town. Day two: drive to Casino (allow two hours via the Pacific Highway through Ballina, or a more scenic inland route), ride the Casino–Bentley section, and either overnight in Casino or continue north toward the Gold Coast or south toward Byron Bay.
A rest day built in between the two rides is worth considering — not because the riding is hard, but because the Northern Rivers hinterland is worth slowing down for. The Nightcap National Park, the Protestors Falls walk (short, flat, accessible), and the drive through Nimbin offer good material for a non-cycling day. Travelling solo, you set your own pace — and that's the point.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast. The Northern Rivers receives some of Australia's highest rainfall, and while April through September is generally drier, a wet week can appear in any month. The sealed surface drains reasonably well, but riding in heavy rain on an unfamiliar trail is nobody's idea of a good time. A flexible itinerary with a day's buffer is worth more than a rigid schedule.
Key takeaways
- Two sections of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail are open as of 2025–26: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24 km) and Casino to Bentley — the middle corridor is still under construction.
- Both open sections are flat, sealed, and rated Easy to Moderate — well suited to e-bikes and riders returning to cycling after a break.
- E-bike hire runs around $80–$120 per day indicatively; confirm current availability and rates with local operators before travelling.
- The two open sections cannot be ridden as a through-route — a car transfer between Murwillumbah and Casino is required if you want to ride both.
- Always confirm current trail status at northernriversrailtrail.com.au before booking travel, as construction timelines and open distances continue to change.
- Murwillumbah is the most practical base for the southern section; Gold Coast or Ballina–Byron Gateway Airport is the nearest fly-in option for Victorian travellers.
Recommended partners and links
Indicative prices only — always confirm with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is the full Northern Rivers Rail Trail open to cyclists?
No. As of 2025–26, only two sections are open: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24 km) in the south, and a shorter Casino to Bentley section in the north. The corridor connecting them is still under construction. Check northernriversrailtrail.com.au for the latest status before you travel.
How difficult is the Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section for older riders?
The section is flat and sealed throughout, with no significant climbs. On an e-bike it is rated Easy; on a standard bike, Easy to Moderate depending on fitness. The 24 km one-way distance means a return trip is 48 km — an e-bike makes the return comfortable for most riders over 50.
Where can you hire an e-bike for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail?
E-bike hire options in the region include Byron Bay Bicycles (byronbaybicycles.com.au) and potentially local operators in Murwillumbah and Lismore — confirm availability directly, as the hire market is still developing. Indicative costs are around $80–$120 per day; verify current rates before booking.
What is the best time of year to ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail?
April through October is generally the best period — cooler temperatures and lower rainfall than the summer months. The Northern Rivers has a subtropical climate; summer (December to February) brings heat, high humidity and the region's heaviest rainfall.
How do you get to the trail from Byron Bay or Lismore without a car?
Practically, you can't make a comfortable day trip to the trail from Byron Bay or Lismore by public transport. A hire car or your own vehicle is the realistic option. Byron Bay is roughly 45 minutes from Murwillumbah by road, and Lismore is about 80 kilometres away. Check regional bus options at transportnsw.info, but services to trailheads are limited.
Got a tip, a price update or a story from this route? The community would love to hear it.
Share your views on our Facebook page— Senior Travel Australia
