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Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Tweed Coast Short Break

Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and to the Tweed Coast - perfect for those short on time

Cyclists at the end of the first stage of the Rail trail at Crabbes Creek | Kate Baker

Exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail by bike

Couple on rail trail viewing Wollumbin | Kate Baker

Start of Rail Trail at Murwillumbah | Kate Baker

Discover the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

bridge crossing river on rail trail | Kate Baker

A happy group of cyclists enjoying the local cuisine. | Shawn Flannery

Tweed River with Wollumbin in background | Kate Baker

Cyclists at the end of the first stage of the Rail trail at Crabbes Creek | Kate Baker

Exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail by bike

Couple on rail trail viewing Wollumbin | Kate Baker

Start of Rail Trail at Murwillumbah | Kate Baker

Discover the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

bridge crossing river on rail trail | Kate Baker

A happy group of cyclists enjoying the local cuisine. | Shawn Flannery

Tweed River with Wollumbin in background | Kate Baker

10 Epic Australian Cycling DestinationsSee the list

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

2 days self guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights hotel

Price

3 daysfrom

$990AUD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: NRB

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Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast Short Break Trip highlights

Cycle on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek
Explore the superb beaches and coastline of the Tweed Coast
Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
Enjoy an active and varied short break in the Tweed Valley

This is a perfect trip for those who are short on time but who want to experience both the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the Tweed Coast. This short cycle journey heads out along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek, before turning east to the Tweed Coast and the sparkling beaches and coastline for which this region is renowned where you'll spend the night in premium accommodation by the beach. The last stage takes you back into Murwillumbah through the red soil farmlands of the Cudgen Plateau and the floodplains of the Tweed River which still supports significant cane farming operations.

We’ll provide you with electric bikes 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, including a boxed cycle option if required. 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 Northern Rivers Rail Trail then head to the coast and Kingscliff (54km)

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 suggest you hit the trail relatively early and stop for breakfast or coffee at one of the small towns. And of course, no visit to the Tweed would truly be complete without a visit to the coast. You will cycle across to the coast, a relatively short distance from Crabbes Creek, then you'll follow a dedicated coastal cycleway. 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. Ascent: 465m, Descent: 460m

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Tweed Coast to Murwillumbah via Cudgen Plateau (30km)

A late check out to enjoy a swim and relaxed breakfast is recommended. The cycle begins with the morning sun and the coast behind you. With a relatively easy day of cycling you have plenty of time to enjoy a little more of the sparkling coastline before heading inland. If you're feeling extra energetic there is an option to add an additional 30km of cycling, with an out-and-back route to Tweed Heads. You’ll begin by heading south on the Tweed Coast Cycleway before turning west and cycling over the Cudgen Red Soil Plateau. The departure from the coast sees a remarkably quick transition from the coastal glitz and high density development back to rural landholdings. The Cudgen Plateau has a special appeal as you cycle along relatively quiet roads, dotted with small farms. 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. The trip concludes in Murwillumbah. Accommodation is not included tonight but our staff can assist if you would like to book an additional night in Murwillumbah. Ascent: 274m, Descent: 262m

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

2 nights in hotel accommodation with ensuite facilities
E-bike hire with panniers and phone holder and repair kit
Navigational app and route maps
Daily luggage transfers

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 cycle tour travels through a variety of terrain and surface types from sealed rural roads and National Park roads. The rail trail is also a combination of sealed sections and maintained rail trail (gravel and dirt).

Forest and National Park roads

The National Park roads you travel on have low traffic but are part of a tourist circuit. Sometimes they will be corrugated which can be a little bumpy. Following excessive rain, the road may become rutted and/or muddy - care will need to be taken and short stages may require pushing your bike. During dry periods, the edges of the road may be soft and care will also need to be taken. Never cross flooded creeks.

Accommodation

Murwillumbah Accommodation

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

Please note the rooms here do not have the option to twin share. Groups who require separate beds will need to book 2 rooms for these nights.

Tweed Coast Accommodation

You spend a night at either Peppers Resort or the Mantra on Salt Beach to add a touch of comfort to your stay on the Coast.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

This self guided trip involves 2 days of cycling on a variety of surfaces. The first 24km of day 2 is along a dedicated rail trail, followed by a short section on quiet roads before joining the Kingscliff Coastal Path. This is another dedicated cycle path. The last day of cycling is along quiet roads which may have some traffic, including trucks. Daily activity is usually between 4 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace. There are sections of road riding and at times there is no verge. You will need to be comfortable and confident cycling on the road. 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 Saturday to Wednesday

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

Twin rooms are not possible for the night in Murwillumbah. Two clients wanting separate beds on this night will need to pay a single supplement.

DN3

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

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

$990AUD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementAUD$260

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Tweed Coast Short Break 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?

Yes. Most of day 2 is on the rail trail and a dedicated coastal bike path, with a road section linking the two. Otherwise, you will be cycling on the road and at times there is no verge. You will need to be comfortable and confident cycling on the road. There are sections on roads with passing traffic, including sections where you are ascending. These roads can be busy at times, particularly on the weekend or during school holidays, but they are not main roads.

?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?

The accommodation in Murwillumbah is in a newly renovated hotel with renovated rooms which all have an ensuite bathroom. The night at Salt Beach is in one of two of our selected 4 star quality motels.

?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.

Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast Short Break 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.