NEW
Family Friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail

A family friendly cycle along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and to the Tweed Coast

Family cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Enjoy great cycling on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Family cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Enjoy great cycling on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Family cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

10 Epic Australian Cycling DestinationsSee the list

Introductory

Activities

3 days self guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights motel accommodation and 1 night hotel acommodation

Price

4 daysfrom

$1420AUD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: NRF

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Family Friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail Trip highlights

Experience the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Visit a farm just off the rail trail where your children can feed the animals while you enjoy a coffee break
Discover the superb beaches and coastline of the Tweed Coast
Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you

This trip has been created to allow families to experience the timeless majesty of the Tweed Coast and to cycle the Murwillumbah to Crabbe Creek section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Most of the cycling on this trip is on either the rail trail or dedicated cycle paths, with only a short linking section on the road.

The cycle distances aren't too far so the younger members of your family can easily achieve the distance each day. The provided electric bikes will provide an extra boost when needed. We do also have tag-a-long options and bike trailers for those under 7.

We'll book you in comfortable family rooms, provide bike hire and will transfer your luggage between hotels. This gives you the freedom to cycle at your own pace and enjoy the ever-changing landscape.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrival day in Murwillumbah

On arrival in Murwillumbah, make your way to the joining hotel. Transfer options are available from Gold Coast Airport to Murwillumbah. This afternoon you can take some time to explore the town, with its colourful and creative atmosphere typical of the Northern Rivers. Sample creamy Brie at Kat Harvey Cheese, Ben Leonardi's pastries at Ben's Patisserie and dine in style at Bistro Livi.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle the full length of the NRRT to Crabbes Creek, transfer back to Murwillumbah (24km)

Today's ride starts by completing the recently opened and initial stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, currently running from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek. It is a relatively short but enjoyable journey as you cycle through farming regions, small towns and native bushland. There are also a couple of tunnels to keep things interesting. We recommend stopping at Hosanna Farmstay to feed the animals and for a coffee break. The farm is located just off the rail trail at Stokers Siding. At the end of the NRRT we will transfer you back to Murwillumbah where you will spend the night.

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Morning transfer to Pottsville, cycle towards the coast to Salt Beach (15km)

No visit to the Tweed would truly be complete without a visit to the coast, and that is exactly where you will be heading today. This morning we will transfer you back to Pottsville. From here you will follow a dedicated coastal cycleway up to Salt Beach. The cycleway is often along elevated platforms, taking you through melaleuca groves with nothing between you and the ocean but a small sand dune. The cycleway has sole access to the beachfront side of our selected quality accommodation for the night. The accommodation has beach frontage so you can easily enjoy the wide sandy ocean beaches the Tweed Coast is renowned for.

Meals: Nil

Day 4
Continue on the cycle path to Fingal (11km), transfer to Murwillumbah where the trip concludes

A late check out to enjoy a swim and relaxed breakfast is recommended. You have an optional cycle today, continuing on the Cycleway up to Tweed Heads. You will be transferred back to Murwillumbah with the pick up point being either your accommodation in Kingscliff or Fingal. If you prefer we can remove this transfer and you can cycle back to Murwillumbah, though most of this route is along the road. To start you head south on the Tweed Coast Cycleway before turning west and cycling over the Cudgen Red Soil Plateau. If you choose to cycle back there are a couple of great places to stop for lunch today including the Farm & Co Organic Farm and Restaurant or perhaps slip into the Earth Beer Company, a local craft brewery for a quick refreshment. It is a great day of cycling with plenty of time for leisurely breaks along the way, finishing with a lovely downhill run for most of the afternoon back into Murwillumbah.

Meals: Nil

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

3 nights in family rooms with ensuite facilities. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a family room with 1 or 2 children
E-bike hire with panniers and repair kit
Navigational app and route maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Transfers to and from the rail trail
A return transfer to Murwillumbah (this can be removed if you are comfortable cycling on the road back to Murwillumbah)
Day visit pass to Hosanna Farmstay
Child prices include either e-bike hire (for children over 7 years and 133cm) or tag-a-long options

What's not included

Travel to/from Murwillumbah
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
Travel insurance
Meals

Bike information

Electric Bike

Electric Bikes are included in the trip cost. The electric bikes are built for comfort. With a soft seat, upright riding position, step-through frame and electronic assist, you’ll be riding further with ease.

Trail Surface

The majority of the trip is on dedicated cycle paths. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is also a combination of sealed sections and maintained gravel/dirt. The cycling on day 3 involves a small section of road cycling, and then follows the coastal cycle path. Day 4 continues on this cycle path.

Accommodation

Murwillumbah Accommodation

Our Murwillumbah accommodation is in a centrally located motel in Murwillumbah. Rooms are clean and comfortable and freshly renovated also. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom. Located right in the centre of Murwillumbah close to shops, cafes, restaurants and the cycle route.

The rooms booked here a family rooms with a double bed and 2 single beds.

Tweed Coast Accommodation

You spend a night at either Peppers Resort or the Mantra on Salt Beach to add a touch of comfort after three days of cycling in the Tweed Valley.

Grading

Introductory
3

This self guided trip involves 3 days of cycling on a variety of surfaces. Day 2 is along a dedicated rail trail. Day 3 is along the Kingscliff Coastal Path. This is another dedicated cycle path. The last day includes the option of continuing on the Kingscliff Coastal Path to Tweeds Head, before being transferred back to Murwillumbah. If you prefer we can remove this transfer and you can cycle along quiet roads which may have some traffic, including trucks, back to Murwillumbah. Daily activity is usually between 4 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace. Being a self-guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you. If you decided to bring your own bike and it is not an e-bike, the overall grading of the trip changes to moderate to hard. Please ensure that your bike is fit for purpose - road bikes are not suitable for this trip unless they have been fitted with wider tread tyres. The best bike is a hybrid, gravel bike or mountain bike. We provide an e-mountain bike as part of this tour.

Departure dates

Daily departures Friday to Tuesday

Notes

Note:

Please note, a high season accommodation tarrif may apply during peak season and some hotels/motels may request a deposit/full payment to secure your booking. This amount will be payable, in addition to the Australian Cycle Tours deposit. Any extra payments, along with the $400 deposit, are non-refundable.

DN2

It is possible to start the trip on a Wednesday or Thursday. A second night will need to be booked in Kingscliff (min 2 night stay applies) and an additional supplement will apply.

DN3

Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a family room with 1 or 2 children. If travelling with only 1 adult or more than 2 children, prices will change.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1420AUD

Options & Supplements*

Discount for bringing own bikeAUD$-213
Discount for no transfer between Kingscliff and MurwillumbahAUD$-29
Child price - using own bikeAUD$150
Child price - for children using tag-a-long bikes or trailersAUD$260
Child price - for children using kids electric bikesAUD$460

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Family Friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?Do I have to cycle on the road?

Most of this trip is on dedicated cycle paths that avoid the road.

?How do I get to Murwillumbah?

The easiest way to get to Murwillumbah is by car. The drive from Sydney is 9 hours, Brisbane 2 hours, Gold Coast 1 hour. A flight to Coolangatta (Gold Coast) and a transfer to Murwillumbah is also possible.

?What is the accommodation like?

During the trip you will be accommodated for two nights in a motel in Murwillumbah, and one night in a hotel in Kingscliff. The trip prices are based on 2 adults travelling with 1-2 children and we will book you in family rooms throughout.

If you are travelling with only 1 adult or more than 2 children prices and the room type booked will change to accommodate your family.

?Does the trip include bike hire?

Yes, e-bike hire is included in this trip cost. If you'd like to bring your own bike a discount of tour cost is available. We can provide a few kinds of kids bikes. There is an electric bike available for children who are over 133cm tall. We can also hire a tag-a-long trailer, a tag-a-long bike, a baby seat, or a shot-gun kids bike seat. There are two different child prices to reflect the different bike hire available.

Family Friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail Trip reviews

Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.