Cycle – Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Day Activity
This activity has been cancelled.
Description: The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a recreation and nature trail following the old railway line from the Tweed Valley, through the Byron Shire an on to Lismore and Casino, a total distance of 132 kilometres. The first completed section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek Station (24 Kilometres) opened on 1 March, 2023.
This section of the trail passes through natural bushland that provides shade for most of the journey yet allows glimpses of the surrounding farmland and vistas of distant mountains. There are 26 bridges (easy bypasses for 10 of them) and well as two tunnels. The Burrringbar tunnel is around 500m in length (headlight necessary as is quite dark for most of its distance) and is home to glow worms and microbats. The Hulls Road Tunnel is only 50m in length with plenty of ambient light.
Leaving Murwillumbah, the trail is sealed to the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre which we will visit on the way back. As well as the art galleries (free entry), the centre has a cafe for those who wish to enjoy lunch in comfort. There are further sealed sections through Stokers Siding Station, Burringbar and Mooball giving a total of 6 kilometres of sealed trail. The rest of the trail (18km) is solid, compacted gravel which is smooth but loose stones make it a little skittish in places so care is required.
Being an old railway line, gradients are easy with a maximum gradient of 4% for most of the route. Even where original bridges are bypassed, steeper gradients are short and easy being no more than 6-7% in my estimation.
Each of the townships is different in character with water, toilets and refreshments available. They also make a convenient rest stop and turn-a-round for riders who find the full 49km too much.
This activity will be conducted in keeping with Queensland Government’s COVID-19 directions at the time of the activity. Please do not attend this activity if you have been feeling unwell with COVID-19 related symptoms in the 7 day period before this activity.
Please register for this activity via the NPAQ website completing all fields.
Activity Grading: Easy. 49km – a moderate level of cycling fitness is required to complete the return trip.
Meet: Murwillumbah Railway Station at 8.30am
What to Bring: What to Bring: Bicycle, helmet, pump, spare tube/puncture repair kit, sunnies, water, snacks, $5.00 NPAQ Fee, money for refreshments/lunch, positive outlook. Note: As it is early autumn, expect the day to be cool to warm. Protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended.
Directions: From Brisbane, travel down the M1 into NSW. A few kilometres past BP Chinderah, be in the left lane to exit left to the overpass to Murwillumbah. Follow the Tweed Valley Way towards the Murwillumbah Railway Station. There is parking for users of the rail trail at the station with the signed entry on the left just before the third roundabout after leaving the motorway. Plenty of time as progress is slow through the road works. Carpooling is encouraged.
Nominations: Via NPAQ Website.
Leader: Frank Freeman ( 0427 655 514; Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
