Just in time for the holidays

November UPDATE: Unfortunately the soft opening in December has been postponed due to bridge program being delayed. It will happen early in the New Year, not too long to wait!

The [bike] bells will be ringing this festive season on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT), with construction of the Casino to Bentley section planned to finish in time for the holiday period. Plan ahead and be the first to explore the scenic farmlands of the Northern Rivers.

The 132 km Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridor in northern New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s most diverse and picturesque landscapes. In 2013, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters community group formed to rally Tweed Shire, Richmond Valley, Byron Shire and Lismore City local government authorities, to convert the abandoned railway into a valuable community asset and unique tourist attraction.

In 2019, following the release of the business case, Richmond Valley Council (RVC) secured $7.5 million from the Australian Government’s National Tourism Icons Program to build the first 13 km between Casino and Bentley. The plans include refurbishment of the old Casino railway station, surface and crossing safety improvements, establishing rest point amenities and honouring cultural heritage.

With justifiable excitement, RVC recently announced on their facebook page that there will be a ‘soft launch’ Sunday 17th December for the opening of the Casino to Bentley section of the NRRT, just in time for the holiday season. The announcement was accompanied by a drone video, revealing a sneak peak of the leafy rural landscape the trail will have to offer.

Ahead of the soft launch, Building Business Success with the Northern Rivers Rail Trail workshop will be held Thursday 9th November at the Casino Golf Club. Leading regional tourism expert Meredith Wray will deliver the session, which aims to help businesses leverage opportunities the NRRT possesses. Registration for the event can be made through the RVC website.

The next section of the track from Bentley to Lismore is not far behind, with the Lismore Council tender seeking a principal contractor for the construction of the trail due to close on the same date as the aforementioned workshop (Thursday 9th November).