132km Northern Rivers Rail Trail a Step Closer
Riders enjoy a section of the NRRT near Lismore. Image: Nat Bromhead
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has moved a step closer to its full 132km vision after Byron Shire councillors voted to progress their section of the popular northern New South Wales corridor.
The long-awaited decision brings Byron Shire Council into alignment with the New South Wales and Federal governments, both of which support completion of the trail. Funding for the 54km ‘missing link’ through Byron Shire remains to be secured.
Spanning four local government areas, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has already proven a major success. Tweed Shire opened the first 24km section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek in March 2023.
Richmond Valley Council followed in March 2024 with the 13.4km Casino to Bentley section. In December 2024, Lismore City Council opened the 16.3km Lismore to Bentley Bridge section, connecting with Bentley to Casino and creating a continuous 29.7km journey between Casino and Lismore. Lismore is now working to secure funding for the next 20.9km stage from Lismore to Booyong.
Byron Shire Council is responsible for the Booyong to Crabbes Creek stretch (54.2km).
The small NRRT team continues to track usage through TRAFx counters and visitor surveys — and the numbers are compelling. As of December 2025, the Tweed section alone had recorded more than 315,000 users since opening.
Tweed Section Snapshot
- 315,505 users since March 1, 2023
- 9,280 monthly visitors | 2,130 weekly | 304 daily average
- 94% likely to return
- 65% started in Murwillumbah
- 90% rode return trips
Trail Users
- 51% bicycle riders
- 33% e-bike riders
- 15% walkers and runners
Peak time: 9am
Busiest day: Saturday
Satisfaction: 95% satisfied or very satisfied
Accessibility impact: 1,779 Cycling Without Age rides delivered since August 2024
For more on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, read our trip report here.
