Northern Rivers Rail Trail Murwillumbah To Crabbes Creek

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail's Tweed section is the ultimate day trip destination from Brisbane or the Gold Coast offering a blend of lush scenery and history.

Cyclists on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail stretches a manageable 24 kms or 48 kms return along a converted railway line that winds right through the historic heart of the Tweed Valley delivering spectacular views and charming village stops along the way.

The trail itself is perfect for casual riders, walkers, and families alike, featuring a welcoming blend of sealed and compacted gravel surfaces. It’s accessible for e-bikes, mountain bikes, and even prams and wheelchairs ensuring everyone can soak up the scenery without needing Tour de France legs.

View of Mount Warning from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Prepare to have your breath taken away by the majestic vistas of the ancient Caldera, particularly the iconic Wollumbin/Mount Warning, with this segment of the Northern Rivers offering a completely unique and elevated perspective as you cross 16 historic railway bridges, some spanning impressive creeks below.

What truly elevates this experience from a simple ride to a full-blown adventure is the historical architecture waiting to be explored, with the undisputed highlight being the 500-metre-long Burringbar Range Tunnel. Cycling through this cool, dark space is exhilarating, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few tiny micro-bats and the magical twinkle of glow worms illuminating the walls.

The beauty of the route lies in the charming village pit-stops it connects where you'll find the quirky village of Stokers Siding with its creative community and print studio housed in the old pottery building. A little further on is the slightly larger village of Burringbar, an absolute essential for a refuel. Here, you’ll find friendly country cafes, a vintage shop, and The Barn, a great general store where you can grab a coffee and truly absorb the peaceful, slow-paced country life that defines the Northern Rivers.

Finally, you arrive at the quiet, historical community of Crabbes Creek, providing the perfect turnaround point for your 24km round trip (or 48km return). While Crabbes Creek offers a quaint taste of rural life, the village of Mooball, just before it, often steals the show with its famous black and white cow-printed power poles, and the opportunity to grab a thirst-quenching drink at the original 1930s pub. Whether you decide to turn back from Crabbes Creek or arrange a handy shuttle service (highly recommended for a one-way trip!), the end of the line feels like a well-earned reward.

The Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek Rail Trail isn't just a bike ride; it's a seamless blend of natural beauty, local heritage, and small-town charm wrapped up in a perfectly accessible package. Whether you’re a history buff, a keen cyclist, or a family just looking for an easy, scenic day out, this must do northern NSW trail provides an unbeatable escape.