Comments on: Northern Rivers Rail Trail

By: Mike B.

Mike B. — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:30:42 +0000

We ride rail trails throughout Oz. Previously we had ridden the M’bah section. Today we rode the casino to naughtons gap lookout and return. An amazing trail worth more than 5 stars. The infrastructure,signage surfaces etc are second to none.
When the rural land owners start self contained RV farm stays they’ll cash in on the flow of tourists.
We stayed in Discovers van park in Casino. They’re gearing up for bike hire and are located a very easy ride to casino trail head.
Top effort by all who contributed. We’ll be back annually to ride expanded sections. One day M’bah to Grafton?

By: Marty R.

Marty R. — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 01:05:10 +0000

Rode the Lismore Station to Back Creek Bridge No.1 (Bentley Road access point) return today.

I had not ridden this section of the NRRT before.

Congratulations to the Committee's and Volunteers for such great work.

The NRRT standards continue to lead the way.
– Great Trail Markers
– Great interpretative signs
– Great decking on available bridges and concrete bypasses on others
– Great Surface throughout
– Great Road Crossing(s) Infrastructure (perfectly measured)
– Great rest Areas

Thanks also for leaving as much Railway Heritage as has been left.

Cheers,
Marty

By: Wolter K.

Wolter K. — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 08:00:42 +0000

43/70 Great to ride the new section from Back Creek Bridge No.1 to Lismore yesterday. It's all in pretty good condition, despite the cyclone. The roads are in a much worse state than the trail. The concrete approach to one of the low-level crossings is being extended uphill so there's a short detour and there's more bench seats going in. New toilets being built in Lismore. Perhaps they could have provided less carparks and built more trail? Big crowd at Mooball today (saturday) and lots of hire bikes on the trail. The blue metal seems to have settled

By: Joe M.

Joe M. — Sat, 03 May 2025 06:59:55 +0000

Really excellent rail trails. The trail environments are completely different to each other. Early morning rides on the southern section are recommended outside of the cooler months as it is much more 'open' than the northern section which has more of a 'green tunnel' feel as it offers a lot more shade. I was initially a little bit sceptical about the choice of surface for the Bentley to Lismore section (blue metal type material) but it has settled down fantastically well since opening and the ride comfort/experience is now very similar to the Bentley to Casino section. Really looking forward to the trail being extended towards the Byron Shire. The section between Lismore and Eltham in particular with its many timber trestle bridges will be spectacular.

By: John O.

John O. — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:56:07 +0000

We rode this trail from Casino to Lismore and return this afternoon for a total of 61km. This trail is amazing, smooth surface, lots of rural views, as well as many points of interest. Plenty of rest areas along the way, water stations, toilets and bike repair stations. The two bridges across the Back Creek are fantastic. The only downside on this trail is the tunnel bypass near Bentley. The super steep climb is a real drag.

By: Ruth D.

Ruth D. — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 22:02:12 +0000

I am a local and have ridden the northern section many times. This is definitely a 5-star experience. I have also ridden the Casino to Lismore section. From Casino to Bentley is enjoyable, the hill over the tunnel no problem. However, I was very disappointed with the trail surface from Bentley to Lismore. It is very rough and black and in the hot weather makes the ride even hotter. I understand that Lismore council used this because they have a nearby quarry, but it was a poor choice. You wouldn't build a sub-standard swimming pool or football field, so why do a sub-standard surface for the rail trail. Let's hope the section from Lismore to Crabbes Creek will be the same surface as from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.

By: John O.

John O. — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 07:10:59 +0000

Rode the new section between Lismore and Bently on 14th December. He surface is a crushed blue metal that is a bit loose in some sections. I think it will settle down after a bit of rain and plenty of users. The highlights of this section is the two large bridges at the Bently end. One bridge has been bypassed with a new low level bridge, giving you a fantastic view if the old bridge as you ride underneath. The other large bridge has been decked and fitted with hand rails, beautifully done.

By: Bill P.

Bill P. — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:29:38 +0000

Can't fault the trail ride, well maintained, a 520m tunnel, a couple of great towns to vist and good facilities at Murwillumbah. For a mid-week ride there was a little bit of traffic but the majority of riders appear to have forgotten how to use a bell when overtaking.

By: Kathy F.

Kathy F. — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 23:29:39 +0000

What a fantastic trail. Great surface, although disappointing that the rail tunnel was not used. I have been on other trails where bats and humans live harmoniously. Can't wait for the next section to be completed

By: Chris S.

Chris S. — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 10:54:24 +0000

Rode the trail over 3 days with my 7yo daughter in October 2024, staying at Hosanna along the way.
The trail is peaceful, and shady, with plenty of points of interest along the way and varied scenery. Good surface. Will be great when it's finished.
Only issue is that none of the three bike hire shops offers multi-day hire of trekking/hybrid bikes. They cater mostly to people doing day trips on e-bikes. Hopefully that will change after the trail is extended.