Been riding on this every day pretty much since opened and quite a bit while they were building it. I can't express just how amazing this trail is, the fantastic work that Hazel bros did on the Rail trail. Every afternoon after 2pm its very quiet, lots of smiling locals getting some exercise, walking dogs , just enjoying the beautiful sounds of nature and the incredible landscapes. Its been amazing to see the huge benefits to the small local towns coming alive with new food places and existing places so busy. Especially Burringbar, Mooball an Stokers Siding. My tip if you can stay a bit later on the trail go give the amazing authentic Burringbar Thai a go, Thurs to Sun from 4pm or so, you can sit in as well or take your noodles or curries to the park. There are many platypus and turtles in the creek so go slow and enjoy the ride. I see some lycra guys always racing around trying to get good times on their strava apps but please slow down and enjoy the amazing nature, take it easy , you will see some wildlife. 10 stars! Please please Byron shire council , please extend this trail, its only about 6 kms to Billinudgel and then at least this could open up the trail to the Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads community with existing cycleways. Then you can work on the rest but this opening to the fabulous Billi train station and pub with lots of parking will really take this trail to...
Read moreFabulous rail trail that follows the former historic Northern rail line between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek. The current trail travels no further south with no clear indication whether it will be extended in future years. I have early memories of taking the famous Motorail from Central Station in Sydney overnight to Murwillumbah in 1979 for a family holiday in Surfers Paradise so taking this trail brings back some childhood memories. The current trail is 24 km end-to-end (48 km return) and is largely flat. It traverses some lovely rural countryside as well as some forested areas which strongly reminded me of Forest trails I cycled in Germany and Sweden. There are a couple of tunnels - one of which the Burringbar tunnel is over 500 metres long and is pitch dark, so a light is needed! Numerous stops en route enable you to read some of the history of the rail line as well as top up on water, pump your tyres or a longer pitstop for sustenance - best at either Burringbar or Mooball. The old rail tracks have basically been filled over with either gravel or sealed with asphalt which allows pretty smooth riding all the way. If you need to hire a bike, it is recommended to book early online with Murwillumbah Cycles who have shopfronts at both Murwillumbah Station and the town of Mooball. It is also possible to hire a shuttle dropoff if cycling end-to-end is...
Read moreA must do for all, there were walkers, runners, pedal bikes(mtb, cross, road), electric bikes, scooters inc mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams. Great to see so many families out n about due to the perfect weather and lots of sights and sounds for the kids to take in. Take some coins/notes to buy from some of the local stalls, we got some passion fruit and 🥑 s, and not a word of a lie, the passion fruit were the best I've tasted ever! It's worth traveling back just to get some more. For the first 8-9ks it's a pretty flat ride and then for the next 2-3ks there is a d gradual incline which peaks just before entering a 200-300mtr tunnel, I highly recommend taking a small flash light as it quite dark when you get to the middle, if cyclists are zooming through it can get a little dicey, but if your lit up everyone is very courteous and passes by without incident. Another highlight is Hosanna farmstay and tours, the setup is makes for a great day out, with delicious food and beverages to choose from, souvenir shop and a selection of farm tours for all. Whilst we were there on Sunday there was a pretty handy musician keeping all entertained. We will definitely be back again and many of our friends and family have said they are keen to give it a go. Google Northern Rivers rail trail to find...
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