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Northern Rivers Rail Trail Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek

4.8
·443 reviews·South Murwillumbah, Australia

A scenic rail trail offering stunning countryside views, charming stops, and a unique tunnel adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning rides

Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

CrowdLow
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Family riding in Burringbar on the Tweed section

Northern Rivers Rail Trail Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek

Best Time

Morning rides

Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic rail trail offering stunning countryside views, charming stops, and a unique tunnel adventure.

4.8
(443 reviews)

"An amazing initiative! Not only a brilliant bike trail but also a stunning walk through beautiful countryside."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike Lights Essential

Don't forget your bike light for the long tunnel! It's a must-have for safety and visibility. :flashlight:

📍 Park at Mooball

Mooball offers convenient parking right next to the trail, making it a great starting point. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sweeping Countryside Vistas

Sweeping Countryside Vistas

Between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek

Experience rolling green hills, sugar cane fields, and grazing cows against stunning mountain backdrops.

Murwillumbah's Charm

Murwillumbah's Charm

Murwillumbah

Enjoy flowering jacarandas and poincianas, and explore the town after your ride.

The Long Tunnel

The Long Tunnel

On the trail

A unique feature of the trail, remember to bring your bike light for this dark passage.

Farm Stay Animal Encounters

Farm Stay Animal Encounters

Various farm stays along the trail

Pet highland cows, pigs, and lambs at charming farm stays for a delightful break.

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Trail Surface & Conditions

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers a mix of bitumen and fine-packed gravel surfaces, making it accessible for most bikes. Be prepared for some sections to be busier, especially near towns. Always use a bike light for the tunnel!

Best Starting Points & Amenities

Mooball and Murwillumbah are popular starting points, offering parking and amenities. Consider stopping at Stokers Siding for homemade treats or a farmstay for animal encounters. Plan your ride length, as the full out-and-back is approximately 48km.

Best Times

When
Morning rides
Why
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Stop for lunch at a local pub.
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring (Jacaranda season)
Why
See beautiful flowering trees.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚲 Bike Lights Essential

Don't forget your bike light for the long tunnel! It's a must-have for safety and visibility. :flashlight:

📍 Park at Mooball

Mooball offers convenient parking right next to the trail, making it a great starting point. :car:

🍰 Delicious Farm Treats

Stokers Siding has excellent homemade carrot cake – a perfect trailside snack! :cake:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The vistas are incredible! Stop often to take photos of the rolling hills and farms. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike Lights Essential

Don't forget your bike light for the long tunnel! It's a must-have for safety and visibility. :flashlight:

📍 Park at Mooball

Mooball offers convenient parking right next to the trail, making it a great starting point. :car:

🍰 Delicious Farm Treats

Stokers Siding has excellent homemade carrot cake – a perfect trailside snack! :cake:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The vistas are incredible! Stop often to take photos of the rolling hills and farms. :camerawithflash:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially on longer rides, as amenities can be spread out. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(443 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, highlighting its beautiful scenery, well-maintained surfaces, and charming stops. The mix of bitumen and gravel makes for an enjoyable ride or walk, with many appreciating the rural vistas and opportunities for animal encounters. Some note the need for bike lights in the tunnel and suggest planning for busier sections.

"What an awesome ride!
Parked up at Mooball right next to the rail trail.
Beautifully presented, bitumen surface often near country road crossing.
Multiple purpose built bridges over waterways.
Fine packed gravel surfaces passing through sweeping vistas of sugar cane fields, black jersey cows grazing on beautiful green pastures, amazing mountain views in the distance. Flowering jacaranda and poinciana over the path near Murwillumbah. Long tunnel to pass through (use headlight), just so well kept railtrail and relatively new.
We are in our 70s and we loved the approx 70 min ride that much we rocked up 2 days later and rode in early and enjoyed breakie in Murwillumbah that is only 10min across the bridge to town."

Doug Nichols

"Great trail ride out and back...48km.
It is a nice ride, plenty of shady spots.
Can get busy so need to take it easy in parts and make sure you have your bike light for the tunnel..."

Darren Jones

"This was a great experience. We grabbed the bikes and after a short intro, we started down the trail. The scenery was fantastic, even in the light rain. We stopped at the pub for lunch and headed back. We stopped for cheese and chocolate, at the farmstay to pet the highland cows, coat, piglets and lambs. Great place to camp too! Got some great photos."

David Lowe

What People Like

Beautiful countryside vistas
Well-maintained trail surface
Charming farm stays and treats

What People Dislike

Tunnel requires bike light
Can get busy in parts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is accessible from various points, with popular starting locations including Murwillumbah and Mooball. Driving is the most common way to reach the trailheads, with parking available at these locations. Reddit

Public transport options are limited directly to the trailheads. It's recommended to drive or arrange a shuttle service if you don't have your own vehicle. Check local bus routes for towns near the trail.

Parking is available at Mooball, right next to the trail, and in Murwillumbah. These are good starting points for exploring sections of the trail. Reddit

Yes, the trail passes through several charming towns like Mooball and Stokers Siding, offering multiple access points and opportunities for breaks. Reddit

Having a car is generally the most convenient way to explore the Northern Rivers region and access different parts of the rail trail. Consider car hire if you're flying into a nearby airport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is generally free to access and use. It's a public pathway for cycling and walking. Reddit

The rail trail is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. However, it's advisable to plan your ride during daylight hours for safety, especially for the tunnel. Reddit

There is no entry fee for the tunnel. Remember to bring your own bike light as it can be dark inside. Reddit

Bike rental services are available in some of the nearby towns, particularly Murwillumbah. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

For casual group rides, no specific permits are usually required. However, for larger organized events, it's best to check with the local council or trail management authority.

🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience

The trail features a mix of bitumen and fine-packed gravel surfaces, making it suitable for most types of bicycles. It's well-maintained and offers a smooth ride. Reddit

The section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek is a significant portion of the trail. An out-and-back ride can cover approximately 48km, offering a substantial cycling experience. Reddit

Yes, there is a notable long tunnel on the trail. It's essential to have a bike light for this section due to the darkness. Reddit

Expect beautiful vistas of sugar cane fields, green pastures with grazing cows, and distant mountains. You'll also see flowering trees like jacarandas and poincianas near Murwillumbah. Reddit

Absolutely! The rail trail is also a stunning walk, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside and enjoy the fresh air. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you can find dining options in towns like Murwillumbah and at places like Stokers Siding, which offers homemade treats. Some farm stays might also offer refreshments. Reddit

Stokers Siding is known for its excellent homemade carrot cake, making it a popular stop for a delicious snack during your ride. Reddit

You can certainly stop at pubs in towns along the route for lunch. This is a great way to break up your ride and experience local hospitality. Reddit

Cafes are available in the main towns like Murwillumbah. Planning your ride to coincide with cafe opening hours is a good idea. Reddit

Murwillumbah offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to pubs, providing a good selection for breakfast or lunch after your ride. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The trail offers stunning photo opportunities with sweeping vistas of sugar cane fields, green pastures, grazing cows, and distant mountains. Don't miss the flowering jacarandas and poincianas near Murwillumbah. Reddit

Yes, there are many safe places to pull over and take photos. Be mindful of other trail users and always ensure you are completely off the main path when stopping. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour shots of the landscape. Reddit

You can take photos inside the tunnel, but ensure you have adequate lighting (your bike light!) to capture anything. It can be a dramatic shot. Reddit

The purpose-built bridges over waterways and the unique tunnel are great landmarks. The charming towns and rural scenery also provide excellent backdrops. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a fantastic option for families. The smooth, mixed-surface trail is generally easy for children to navigate on bikes, and the relatively flat terrain makes it less strenuous. The opportunity to see grazing cows and farm animals at various points adds an exciting element for younger visitors. Reddit

Consider starting at Mooball for easy access and parking. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and plan for stops at charming locations like Stokers Siding for a treat. The tunnel is an adventure, but ensure children are comfortable with enclosed spaces and have their own lights if possible. The shorter out-and-back rides are ideal for younger families to manage energy levels. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts

For cycling enthusiasts, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers a well-maintained and scenic route. The combination of bitumen and fine-packed gravel provides a good riding surface, suitable for various bike types. The 48km out-and-back option offers a solid distance for a rewarding ride, with beautiful countryside views to keep you engaged. Reddit

Pay attention to the tunnel, which requires a bike light for safe passage. Exploring the full length from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (and beyond) allows for a comprehensive experience of the region's natural beauty. Consider an early morning start to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people on the trail. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is not just for cyclists; it's also a stunning walk through beautiful Australian countryside. The well-kept path makes for an enjoyable hiking experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rolling green hills and charming rural landscapes. Reddit

Walking allows you to appreciate the details of the scenery, from the sugar cane fields to the distant mountains, at a more leisurely pace. Stopping at local cafes or farm stays for refreshments adds to the experience. It's a perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the Northern Rivers region. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Trail Surface and Accessibility

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is celebrated for its excellent trail surface, primarily consisting of bitumen and fine-packed gravel. This dual surfacing ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride for a variety of bicycles, from road bikes to hybrids. The trail is designed to be accessible, with multiple purpose-built bridges over waterways and well-maintained paths. While generally smooth, some sections might be busier, especially closer to towns, so riders are advised to be aware of their surroundings and other users. Reddit

For those concerned about accessibility, the relatively flat gradient of a former railway line makes it a good option for many. However, it's always wise to check for any temporary closures or maintenance notices before your visit. The presence of both sealed and gravel paths means that even after rain, the trail often remains passable, though caution is advised on any damp surfaces. Reddit

Scenic Beauty and Wildlife

The journey along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a feast for the eyes, offering sweeping vistas of the picturesque Northern Rivers countryside. Riders are treated to views of lush sugar cane fields, vibrant green pastures dotted with grazing cows, and the majestic presence of distant mountains. Near Murwillumbah, the trail is further enhanced by the seasonal beauty of flowering jacaranda and poinciana trees, adding bursts of color to the landscape. Reddit

Beyond the flora, the trail provides opportunities for delightful wildlife encounters. Visitors have reported seeing highland cows, pigs, and lambs at farm stays along the route, offering a charming and interactive experience. The natural beauty of the area makes it an ideal spot for photography, with ample opportunities to capture the essence of rural Australia. Reddit

Key Features and Stops

A standout feature of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is the long tunnel that riders must pass through. This adds an element of adventure to the journey, but it is crucial to remember to bring a bike light for visibility and safety. Reddit

Popular stopping points include Mooball, which offers convenient parking and direct access to the trail, and Stokers Siding, famous for its delicious homemade carrot cake. For those looking for a more immersive experience, farm stays along the route provide opportunities to interact with animals and enjoy the rural atmosphere. The approximate 70-minute ride to Murwillumbah and back from Mooball is a popular option for a shorter excursion, while the full out-and-back can cover around 48km. Reddit

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