
Northern Rivers Rail Trail Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek
A scenic rail trail offering stunning countryside views, charming stops, and a unique tunnel adventure.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic rail trail offering stunning countryside views, charming stops, and a unique tunnel adventure.
"An amazing initiative! Not only a brilliant bike trail but also a stunning walk through beautiful countryside."

🚲 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Various farm stays along the trail
Pet highland cows, pigs, and lambs at charming farm stays for a delightful break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Surface & Conditions
Best Starting Points & Amenities
Best Times
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, the trail passes through several charming towns like Mooball and Stokers Siding, offering multiple access points and opportunities for breaks.
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.
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.
There is no entry fee for the tunnel. Remember to bring your own bike light as it can be dark inside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The rail trail is also a stunning walk, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside and enjoy the fresh air.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Stokers Siding is known for its excellent homemade carrot cake, making it a popular stop for a delicious snack during your ride.
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.
Cafes are available in the main towns like Murwillumbah. Planning your ride to coincide with cafe opening hours is a good idea.
Murwillumbah offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to pubs, providing a good selection for breakfast or lunch after your ride.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour shots of the landscape.
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.
The purpose-built bridges over waterways and the unique tunnel are great landmarks. The charming towns and rural scenery also provide excellent backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
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.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trail Surface and Accessibility
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.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
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.
Key Features and Stops
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.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit