Tweed Section
Since opening just over 2 years ago, this section has earned up an impressive list of awards and achievements, including:
- Gold at the NSW Tourism Awards
- Sustainable Tourism Accreditation
- Top honours at the North Coast Tourism Awards
- Introducing Cycling Without Age, offering accessible trail experiences
- Ranking in the top 10% of global attractions on TripAdvisor
- Winning prestigious IPWEA engineering excellence awards
- First place recognition at the National Trust Heritage Awards
- Smashing visitor expectations, with over 200,000 visitors in just two years!
- Featuring in Australian Traveller!
Casino to Lismore Section
This section is 29.7km long with a 5 star rating from riders, praising the well-maintained surface and scenic views. The steep climb near Naughtons Gap can be challenging and the rougher surface from Bentley to Lismore makes it difficult for thin tyres on road bikes.
Byron Council
You may be aware that Lismore and Byron Shire Councils jointly applied for funding for the Mullumbimby to Crabbes Creek section as well as Lismore to Bexhill section. The application was made at the end of last year through the Regional Precincts and Partnership Program, a federal government grant.
Unfortunately we still have no news of the grant.
Message from: Kristy McBain MP,
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories regarding the grant.
“To date, the Australian Government has announced $230 million for 44 projects across regional, rural and remote Australia through the program. Assessment of applications is continuing based on when applications were submitted. We are working to progress assessments as quickly as possible. Once an assessment is completed for an individual application, applicants are then notified of the outcome in writing.
To adhere to the probity requirements of the program, information on specific applications is unable to be shared with other interested parties. However, I can confirm that eligible applications lodged up to 31 December 2024 will be considered by the Independent Expert Panel in the next batch.”
On Sunday 9 November, 9am–12pm, the Rail Trail will take part in Super Sunday – a national recreational count run in partnership with Bicycle Network Australia.
Super Sunday tracks how people walk, run, roll, ride (and even bring their dogs or horses where permitted) on trails and pathways across the country. The data helps councils and communities understand usage and plan improvements.
We’d love to see as many of our community as possible out on the Rail Trail during the count. Whether you ride, walk, jog, or just enjoy the morning with family, friends, or pets, every movement is counted.
Every move matters. Count yourself in. Head to any open section of the trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek or from Casino to Lismore and be counted.
“Super Sunday is a simple way our community can show how much the Rail Trail is valued and used. The more we count, the more data we collect, and that means better insights to make real changes that reflect what’s happening on the ground”.
For the Community
We cannot begin to describe how fantastic it is to see and experience 2 sections of the Trail come to life, after more than 11 years of campaigning for this community asset. And what a community it is, that has well and truly turned out, in all manner of ages and abilities to enjoy it!
Help us campaign to complete all 130km of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail just by:
Finding our information stall at the Byron Bay Markets, we’re always up for a chat.
Following us on Facebook or Instagram and check out all the incredible photos, videos, comments and up to date news on the trail.
Visiting the Tweed and the Casino to Bentley section. Walk, meander, run, cycle, drop in at a local business. Bring friends and have a great few hours out experiencing everything the trail has to offer!
Attend Council Meetings when appropriate.
(Further information to come, follow here or on Facebook for updates.)
Donations to this community project are gratefully welcomed and will be used to forward the project on. Use the Donate button on this website or click here.
