Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley section

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) is converting the disused railway line that was abandoned in 2004 into a 132km trail, showcasing the diverse towns, villages and spectacular countryside between Casino and Murwillumbah.

November 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley

The wait is soon to be over. The much-anticipated launch date for the Lismore to Bentley section of the Rail Trail has been set for Saturday 14 December 2024. So, mark your diaries!

Over the past month, construction crews have worked hard to put the final touches on the trail.

Works are being completed at Bungabee car park, South Lismore car park, (at the Lismore Railway Station), and the shared path connection to Nesbitt Park.

A local South Lismore supplier has repurposed existing railway steel into various artifacts. First is a commanding Lismore sign at the Lismore Railway Station which features railway steel from sections of the original line. Seats at the trailhead have been constructed from historic bridge timbers with brackets made from repurposed railway steel, as have horse-hitching rails. Finally, a 4-metre-long bike rack made from railway steel will be installed for launch.

All rest areas (5) are now built and feature a shelter, picnic tables, bike racks, and a hitching rail and water trough (for horses).

The timber finishes at the crossings are being finalised in the coming weeks before the official launch. Likewise, external upgrades to the iconic heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station precinct, including new turf and pressure cleaning existing surfaces, will be completed creating a charming trailhead.

This project has been made possible thanks to funding provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

October 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley

It is great to see so many people eager to use the Lismore to Bentley section of the Rail Trail that is getting closer to opening. It won’t be long until we all have access to an incredible resource for locals and visitors to enjoy.

You might have seen signage going up in the past week, which has encouraged people to have a sneak peak, but safety is our first priority. Construction crews are still hard at work along the 16km section, working on bridges, road crossings, drainage, rest areas and improvements to the South Lismore Railway precinct. These works will continue until late 2024, leading up to the official opening which is soon to be announced.

The project team have also confirmed 10kms of the Lismore section between Kyogle Road and Back Creek Bridge will be open for horse riding. Sandstone blocks will be placed along this section to assist with mounting horses, with parking for horse floats to be made available at Bungabee Road. A review of horse riding on the Lismore section of trail is expected to be carried out mid-2025.

Consultation continues with our Aboriginal community and Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council to include signage for the trail showcasing the land, stories and significant sites.

The project team are working towards finalising all the elements that will make this a great trail, so please be patient. We know people are keen to use the trail, but it won’t be too much longer. As soon as an open date is confirmed, we will let you know!

This project has been made possible thanks to funding provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

Background

The project will convert the disused railway line which was abandoned in 2004. To be delivered in four stages, the 132km trail is expected to draw thousands of visitors each year to explore and discover the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers.

Funding has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for Lismore City Council to commence on Stage one. This 16.3km section will connect the former South Lismore railway station with Bentley via some of the most scenic rural landscapes in the Northern Rivers.

It will follow the route of the former rail line and be constructed in four stages as it passes through the local government areas of Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley Shire. The Tweed section was officially opened in March 2023 with the Casino to Bentley section due to be completed in March 2024.

The trail will be a safe and fun way for locals and visitors alike to explore and connect with the natural beauty of our environment. The project will tap into the rapidly growing hinterland tourism market and create exciting growth opportunities for new and existing businesses that support local jobs.