Northern Rivers Rail Trail recognised among world's top attractions

Tweed Shire Council has advised that the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has earned Tripadvisor’s coveted Travelers’ Choice Award - ranking it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

The award celebrates attractions that have consistently received positive traveller reviews on the global travel review website, Tripadvisor, over the past 12 months.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry acknowledged the great achievement which has put the Rail Trail on the world stage and enthused "it's absolutely thrilling to see our Northern Rivers Rail Trail recognised among the world's top attractions. It highlights how the Rail Trail has become a major visitor attraction for the Northern Rivers.

"It has certainly become part of our region's allure and now with the Richmond Valley section open, it is likely to bring even more visitation and economic benefit to the region."

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a shared recreation and nature trail, and the newest ‘must do’ experience in the region. It is free and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

The first 24 km section opened in the Tweed on 1st March 2023 (stretching from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek). Since opening, the Tweed section of the Rail Trail has welcomed more than 146,000 users including locals, domestic and international visitors.

The second section from Casino to Bentley in the Richmond Valley is 13.4 km and opened in March 2024 while construction of the 16.3 km section from Lismore to Bentley is moving ahead and working towards opening later this year.

Eventually the Rail Trail will connect with Byron and Lismore and will be 132 km long. The Rail Trail is free to use and provides a safe environment for walkers, cyclists and people of all abilities to explore the beautiful Northern Rivers region.

The establishment of the Rail Trail is part of Tweed Shire Council’s commitment to providing the community with opportunities to be active and healthy, while also making the Tweed a great place to live and visit.

For more information, visit northernriversrailtrail.com.au or to find out more about the Traveller’s Choice Award recipients, visit Tripadvisor. 

Image top: A young family enjoys riding bicycles along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has earned Tripadvisor’s coveted Travelers’ Choice Award, ranking it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. Credit: The Tweed Tourism Co.

Image below: An aerial image shows a couple cycling along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a shared recreation and nature trail, the newest ‘must do’ experience in the region. Free and accessible for all ages and abilities.