Day Walk – NRRT Burringbar Tunnel
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 and on to Lismore and Casino, a total distance of 132 kilometres. The first completed section as a recreational trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek Station (24 Kilometres) opened on 1 March, 2023.
The original line ran from Casino to Murwillumbah, with the first train arriving in Murwillumbah on Christmas Eve of 1894. The line quickly became a vital part of the region’s development transporting produce (bananas, butter and cream) from the area to markets, initially, through the port of Byron Bay. By 1932, it was fully connected to Sydney via Grafton.
However, by the late 20th century, the line faced declining usage and was officially closed on 16 May, 2004.
The focus of the walk today, the Burringbar Tunnel, made it possible for the line to be built with minimal gradient enabling trains to pass through the hilly country of the area. As the line passes through sub-tropical rainforest in this area, most of the walk is in shade, moderating the summer temperatures. However, a hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended for the sunny bits. The walk to the tunnel is mainly uphill but the slope is moderate at just a few degrees except for a short distance early in the walk as the track climbs out of a gully bypassing an old bridge which is worth closer inspection as we walk by.
The tunnel itself, at 517m in length, becomes quite dark in the middle so please bring a torch to be seen by other users and avoid tripping over any unexpected obstacles or reptiles.
Upon our return to Burringbar, there are several options:
- Have lunch & drive home or call in to the Tweed Regional Art gallery on the way (Free entry).
- Drive to the Tweed Regional art Gallery and have lunch before spending time exploring the displays including the Margaret Olley Centre.
- Drive to Mooball (2.5km) and walk to the old Crabbes Creek Station (end of the trail) and return (approx. 3.1km each way). Easy walking and good rural scenery along the way.
Walk Grading: Green – Easy Approximately 8km
Meet: 8.30am in Masterson Park, Burringbar – Public toilets available. Also, a good place to enjoy a coffee before the walk.
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 to Burringbar. Drive into Burringbar, turning right into Broadway, the first turn on your right after crossing the rail-trail bridge. The park is on your right. Carpooling is encouraged.
What to Bring: Torch, morning tea & lunch, afternoon tea, 2+ litres water, warm jacket, raincoat, $5.00 NPA Fee and enthusiasm.
Limit: 20
Nominations: Register online at www.npaq.org.au.
Leader: For further information, please contact the leader, Frank Freeman ((07) 3824 3954 or Mobile: 0427 655 514