Northern Rivers has so many positive elements to it in regards to being a leading tourism destination. It has great access by air being serviced immediately by the Gold Coast International airport and the domestic airports of Lismore and Ballina/Byron, whilst the Brisbane international airport is only 1.5 to 2 hours from our doorstep. It has great access by road, particularly the Pacific Highway which has opened up the North of the state and is continually being improved to the south.
It is home to significant destinations such as the “Green Cauldron” one of the Tourism Australia’s National Landscapes, “Byron Bay” the 2nd largest international destination in NSW, world renowned coastal surfing beaches, sub tropical hinterland. Our events range from world class music festivals and agricultural expos, to some of the best community events in the country.
What is lacking for the Northern Rivers is tourism product. Product is something that our visitors can be involved in, something they can do, experience and enjoy, keeping them entertained in our destination. The Rail Trail from Casino to Murwillumbah will provide a world class product for our destination. It will provide a connector between our shires, our villages and our towns. It will provide access to do such things as walk, run, cycle, hike, camp, eat, explore overnight in one of the most climate friendly, sub-tropical, scenic locations in Australia. Rail Trails are being developed around the world and tourists are searching them out as a healthy experiential alternate, these are the types of tourists that we want to attract to our destination, and we can offer a Rail Trail like no other.