Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is transforming the former Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridor into a new and exciting recreation and nature trail. Traversing some of the most spectacular countryside in Australia, it winds its way through scenic villages and towns, rail tunnels, and historic bridges. Visitors of all ages and abilities are free to explore and discover the natural beauty of the region.
When completed, the 132km trail will connect Murwillumbah, before tracking south through the Tweed Valley to Crabbes Creek, through Byron Shire to Booyong, and on through Lismore and Bentley, finishing at Casino.
This extensive Rail Trail network showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Northern Rivers region, promoting health and well-being, eco-tourism, and economic development.
Local councils working together
The completed Rail Trail will pass through 4 local government areas.
The Lismore section: Lismore to Bentley 16.3km (now open)
The Lismore to Bentley section starts at the iconic heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station and connects to the Nesbitt Park car park. The trail moves through rich agricultural lands and passes the historic Back Creek Bridge, Leycester, Bungabbee Road carpark, and Oakey Creek Bridge to finish at the historic Back Creek Bridge, Bentley. There the rail trail seamlessly with the Richmond Valley section (13.4km), opening a 29.7km route from Lismore to Casino.
The Lismore to Bentley section is constructed as a 3m wide pathway using compacted gravel for durability, with asphalt and concrete sections at key entry points for improved accessibility. 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 15.5km section between Booyong and Lismore. For more information and updates from Lismore City Council, visit our dedicated project page.
The Tweed section: Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek 24km (now open)
The Tweed 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. The Tweed section of the Rail Trail 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, the remaining surface is compacted gravel.
The Rail Trail connects small villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, providing an alternate transport route for residents and visitors alike.
Funding
Construction of the Tweed 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.
Richmond Valley section: Bentley to Casino 13.4km (now open)
The Richmond Valley section 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 Richmond Valley 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 Richmond Valley section has been funded by the Australian Government.
- $7.5 million from the Australian Government’s National Tourism Icons Program.
Byron section: Yelgun to Eltham 62.8km (planning and approval stage)
For more information and updates from Byron Shire Council, visit their dedicated project page.
Visiting the Lismore to Bentley section
Explore 16.3km of the Lismore section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail from Lismore to Bentley. Connect seamlessly to the Richmond Valley section to traverse another 13.4kms. Uncover the region’s stunning agrarian tapestry and rural landscapes on wheels, horse, or foot. With much of the key heritage infrastructure preserved, the trail features diverse wildlife and native flora.
Getting here and parking information
Plan your visit to the Lismore City Council’s Rail Trail with ease. Check out the Getting here section on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail website for directions and parking information.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Visit this FAQ page for detailed information on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Downloadable map
Explore the Lismore City Council’s section and the entire Northern Rivers Rail Trail with this downloadable map. Plan your journey, discover nearby attractions, and more.
Business Connect Program
Are you a local business owner looking to connect with the rail trail project? Learn more about the Business Connect Program to explore partnership opportunities.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail website
For more information and to get involved, please visit the Northern Rivers Rail Trail website.
We invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey as we bring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to life, one section at a time. Together, we'll create a sustainable, vibrant, and connected Northern Rivers region. For more information and to get involved, please visit the Northern Rivers Rail Trail website.