Usage data released on Tweed section of Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Posted on 11/07/23

Tweed Shire Council Rail Trail Managers have released the data from counters placed in various locations for the first four months since the March opening of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) and numbers have far exceeded what was expected.

Mayor of the Tweed Council Chris Cherry said there had been significant interest in the trail since opening and numbers have been recorded at approximately 70,551 people which is an amazing achievement.

This was no surprise to many rail trail supporters who had been claiming for a long time that the Northern Rivers has one of the best climates and scenery and to expect visitor numbers to be more than anticipated. These numbers should have the neighboring shire of Byron re-evaluate its thinking about the return of a train within the shire and to start the process of building the Byron section of the rail trail. The Casino to Bentley section is presently under construction by the Richmond Valley Council and due to open in January 2024, followed later in that year by the opening of the Bentley to Lismore section.

The popularity of bicycle tourism is a growth sector, and the record sales of eBikes is living proof for the need of all levels of government to invest in this type of infrastructure. At a recent business breakfast, a talk was given by Amelia Evans, CEO of Queensland Airports Ltd, about the Gold Coast International and Domestic Airport. Amelia said the company saw itself as the gateway to the Tweed and the NRRT and said they wanted to see a lot more connectivity from the airport to the trail.

While there may be a limit to government funding being available (and many other rail trails in NSW are worthy of funding), the building of the entire NRRT should be a priority given the location of the rail trail to the major population areas of Southeast Queensland and rail services from Sydney and Brisbane to Casino.

Surely NSW should have at least one multi day ride as the two pilot trails have been built and proven their success.

A media release from Tweed Shire Council can be found HERE.

4 comments on “Usage data released on Tweed section of Northern Rivers Rail Trail”

My wife and I rode this Trail on Fathers Day in September, so it easy to see why this Trail is so popular and its user numbers so high. As Rail Trail junkies, we have ridden most Rail Trails in Victoria and South Australia and we find that this has to be one of the nicest Trails to ride. Hopefully, the proven success of this Trail and the Tumbarumba Trail will encourage the NSW government and local authorities to invest in more Rail Trails in that state.

My husband and I recently cycled this trail and loved it. We parked the car at Mooball and cycled to Murwillumbah for lunch and returned to car. I cycled to the end of the trail before we drove back to our caravan at Brunswick Heads. The only other comment I would make is there could be a map on the walls of the Murwillumbah station to show non locals the best way to cycle to the cafes etc. The guy at the Visitor Information was lovely and helpful. Thanks for all your hard work. We had a great day.

Massive success for this section of the Northern Rivers rail trail.
It shows great support for rail trails in NSW – this was one of the "test" trails designated by the NSW state government. Along with the Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail in southern NSW, the message is clear. Rail trails have big community support!

"These numbers should have the neighboring shire of Byron re-evaluate its thinking about the return of a train within the shire and to start the process of building the Byron section of the rail trail." The rail trail will do so much more for Byron than any boutique railway ever will!