Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley section

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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.

August 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley

Lismore’s 16.3km Rail Trail section achieved another milestone this month with 80% of the twenty bridges and ten bypasses now complete. Lismore City Council is pleased to share the time-lapse construction of Back Creek Bridge Leycester, showcasing the progress achieved, moving Lismore closer towards opening its section later this year.

Construction crews continue to focus on bridges, road crossings, drainage and rest areas.

The project team have welcomed input from community, historical and Aboriginal groups into the development of interpretive signage for the Rail Trail that is currently under development.

A project update and lunch was held with landowners, residents and construction crews on Friday 23 August to thank everyone for their involvement, provide future updates and discuss plans for opening the Rail Trail.

Business education workshops were also held in Lismore on Wednesday 28 August to help businesses gain the most from the Rail Trail, to understand the opportunities, as well as provide practical advice on how the Rail Trail can transform Lismore and provide greater benefits for local businesses.

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

July 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley


Construction of the 16.3 km Northern Rivers Rail Trail section from Lismore to Bentley is moving ahead and working towards opening later this year.


The Lismore section trail surface is now complete and construction crews are focussing on bridges and road crossings with good progress being made on the construction of the Bungabee and Back Creek bridges. Work is also continuing on the groundwork and drainage, with many of the rest stops now in place.

Many of the stockpile sites are being cleared and cleaned up, and planning is underway to construct the bridle trail and parking area near Bungabee.

The project team is currently working with the Aboriginal Advisory Group, local historical and national railway heritage groups to develop the interpretive signage along the trail. Anyone wishing to contribute ideas to the signage can email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au

A project update and lunch will be held with landowners and impacted residents in August, to discuss progress and plans for opening the Rail Trail. This face to face consultation will provide an opportunity to ask any questions and ensure all concerns are addressed. If you are a landowner, or resident on the Rail Trail and did not recieve this invitation, please email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au


Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.


June 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley

NRRT June Update

Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is moving ahead.

Construction crews are focussing their work on bridges and road crossings with good progress on the construction of the bridges at Bungabee and Back Creek, along with groundwork and drainage also continuing.

Existing bridges and structures are being utilised in various ways in the construction of the Rail Trail. Following an evaluation of all the bridges and structures, some bridges were identified for restoration to be included as part of the trail, while other bridges were too dilapidated or not suitable to meet safety standards and are therefore being replaced with suitable structures depending on the topography of the land. Where bridges were unable to be utilised on the trail itself, they are being referenced with signage and provide a structural feature to be admired while on the trail. The project team is currently working on the development of interpretive signage along the trail.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail continues to be a key driver of visitation to both the Tweed and Richmond Valley sections. Lismore businesses are encouraged to get ‘Rail Trail Ready’ with the Lismore section opening later this year. If you have a business that offers visitor experiences, services, or products, there are opportunities to leverage off the rail trail.

If you would like to understand how your business or idea can benefit, please contact business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been 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.

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.

August 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley

Lismore’s 16.3km Rail Trail section achieved another milestone this month with 80% of the twenty bridges and ten bypasses now complete. Lismore City Council is pleased to share the time-lapse construction of Back Creek Bridge Leycester, showcasing the progress achieved, moving Lismore closer towards opening its section later this year.

Construction crews continue to focus on bridges, road crossings, drainage and rest areas.

The project team have welcomed input from community, historical and Aboriginal groups into the development of interpretive signage for the Rail Trail that is currently under development.

A project update and lunch was held with landowners, residents and construction crews on Friday 23 August to thank everyone for their involvement, provide future updates and discuss plans for opening the Rail Trail.

Business education workshops were also held in Lismore on Wednesday 28 August to help businesses gain the most from the Rail Trail, to understand the opportunities, as well as provide practical advice on how the Rail Trail can transform Lismore and provide greater benefits for local businesses.

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

July 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley


Construction of the 16.3 km Northern Rivers Rail Trail section from Lismore to Bentley is moving ahead and working towards opening later this year.


The Lismore section trail surface is now complete and construction crews are focussing on bridges and road crossings with good progress being made on the construction of the Bungabee and Back Creek bridges. Work is also continuing on the groundwork and drainage, with many of the rest stops now in place.

Many of the stockpile sites are being cleared and cleaned up, and planning is underway to construct the bridle trail and parking area near Bungabee.

The project team is currently working with the Aboriginal Advisory Group, local historical and national railway heritage groups to develop the interpretive signage along the trail. Anyone wishing to contribute ideas to the signage can email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au

A project update and lunch will be held with landowners and impacted residents in August, to discuss progress and plans for opening the Rail Trail. This face to face consultation will provide an opportunity to ask any questions and ensure all concerns are addressed. If you are a landowner, or resident on the Rail Trail and did not recieve this invitation, please email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au


Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.


June 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley

NRRT June Update

Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is moving ahead.

Construction crews are focussing their work on bridges and road crossings with good progress on the construction of the bridges at Bungabee and Back Creek, along with groundwork and drainage also continuing.

Existing bridges and structures are being utilised in various ways in the construction of the Rail Trail. Following an evaluation of all the bridges and structures, some bridges were identified for restoration to be included as part of the trail, while other bridges were too dilapidated or not suitable to meet safety standards and are therefore being replaced with suitable structures depending on the topography of the land. Where bridges were unable to be utilised on the trail itself, they are being referenced with signage and provide a structural feature to be admired while on the trail. The project team is currently working on the development of interpretive signage along the trail.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail continues to be a key driver of visitation to both the Tweed and Richmond Valley sections. Lismore businesses are encouraged to get ‘Rail Trail Ready’ with the Lismore section opening later this year. If you have a business that offers visitor experiences, services, or products, there are opportunities to leverage off the rail trail.

If you would like to understand how your business or idea can benefit, please contact business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been 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.

  • Northern Rivers Rail Trail Media Release: NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL SET TO TAKE SHAPE!

    Share Northern Rivers Rail Trail Media Release: NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL SET TO TAKE SHAPE! on Facebook Share Northern Rivers Rail Trail Media Release: NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL SET TO TAKE SHAPE! on Twitter Share Northern Rivers Rail Trail Media Release: NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL SET TO TAKE SHAPE! on Linkedin Email Northern Rivers Rail Trail Media Release: NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL SET TO TAKE SHAPE! link

    This year will be a big one for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, with 54km of the planned 130km set to become a reality.

    Not for profit community group the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters has been working closely with councils and communities to revitalise the neglected and abandoned rail corridor from Murwillumbah to Casino.

    A car-free pedestrian connection for locals and tourists alike, the Rail Trail will be used for all active eco transport and recreation, including walking, running, bikes, riding, mobility scooters, prams, and multi-day adventures.

    With support from all levels of government, three sections of the Rail Trail are fully funded and ready for construction. These are Tweed to Crabbes Creek, Casino to Bentley and Bentley to Lismore.

    “The significance of this project from a community and visitor perspective will be felt for generations to come,” Northern Rivers Rail Trail vice president Cameron Arnold said. “Reinvigorating the disused corridor for all to use, whilst ensuring it remains in public ownership, is a huge win.”

    The cycling community injected $16.8 billion into the Australian economy last year, according to the Australian Cycling Economy 2021 Report by We Ride Australia. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail will draw such dollars inland, creating supplemental profit, every day of the week, for local businesses and beyond.

    Rail trails have been a huge success in many other parts of the world, including New Zealand and Victoria. The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail in the NSW Snowy Valley, which opened in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen several new businesses opening and many existing businesses thriving, due to its ongoing popularity as a tourist drawcard.

    “That is overwhelmingly the case in every country, in every state where a Rail Trail has been built,” Cameron said.

    Cafes and hospitality venues, bike hire and repair, accommodation and experience-based businesses will all have access to new customers.

    Eltham Hotel owner/operator Matt Rabbidge said the Rail Trail offered an exciting opportunity for small towns that are outside of the regional hubs. “It’s a really good way for small businesses to encourage new eyes on the place, be that people stopping through walking or riding on their bikes — to stop in and support the businesses,” he said.

    The 24km Tweed section, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, is full steam ahead, with a 200m test section currently under construction. “Murwillumbah locals may have seen the main site office set up at the Murwillumbah Station and people may start to see crews preparing for the first construction works,” project director Iain Lonsdale said. The 24km Tweed section is on track to be completed by December 2022.

    Casino to Bentley (16.3km), which is managed by Richmond Valley Council, has begun vegetation clearing, while detailed design work is beginning on Bentley to Lismore (13.5km), which is managed by Lismore City Council.

    “We believe these sections will be an overwhelming success, which will then further strengthen the support for the completion of the rest of the trail,” Cameron said.

    The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters believe the Byron Bay section, which is still being debated, would provide huge benefits — especially as the small town battles issues including overtourism, visitor management and traffic bottlenecks. The Rail Trail project would provide an alternative car-free path for low impact tourism, inject additional profit for local businesses, and entice visitors to travel out to other scenic villages in the hinterland.

    The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters believe that, once completed, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be something very special. It will be the longest in NSW, and the third longest in Australia*, linking 12 schools, villages and towns, beaches, native bushland and working farms. It will help create deeper connections between the region’s unique smaller communities, business and tourism opportunities, health and wellness, and eco conservation and historical elements.

Page last updated: 28 Aug 2024, 10:03 PM