New South Wales • Australia

Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek

Ebike Ride Guide

Ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail through subtropical forest, farmland and small country villages from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.

Explore the route

24 kmDistance

1–2 hoursRide time

EasyDifficulty

Family friendlyRide type

The experience

Take your time with this one

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail takes you through a constantly changing landscape of subtropical vegetation, open farmland and small settlements, with reminders of the old railway appearing throughout the ride.

On an ebike, the gentle gradients make it easy to settle into the ride and enjoy what is around you. You will cross old railway bridges, ride through the dark Burringbar Range Tunnel and find plenty of places to stop along the way.

This is not a ride to rush. The scenery is what makes it special, so take your time, stop when something catches your attention and enjoy the journey from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.

Interactive route map

Know the route before you ride

See where the Northern Rivers Rail Trail takes you from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and plan where you would like to stop along the way.

Either DirectionStart in Murwillumbah or Crabbes Creek

Return RideRide back or arrange a pickup

Places to StopRest stops, villages, food and water along the trail

Easy to FollowKilometre markers help you track your progress

View route map

Along the way

Route highlights

These are some of the places worth stopping as you ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Along the way you will also find rest areas, country views and other places to explore at your own pace.

Murwillumbah Railway Station

Start at the historic Murwillumbah Railway Station before following the Northern Rivers Rail Trail south towards Crabbes Creek.

Dunbible Creek Bridge

Cross the restored Dunbible Creek Bridge, one of the impressive pieces of railway infrastructure preserved along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Stokers Siding

Ride through Stokers Siding, a small country village along the old railway line. Stop for a break and take a look around before continuing towards Burringbar.

Burringbar Range Tunnel

Ride through the Burringbar Range Tunnel, one of the highlights of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The tunnel is more than 500 metres long and has no lights, so make sure your bike light is on before entering.

Mooball

Stop at Mooball for food, coffee or a break before continuing towards Crabbes Creek. You can also refill your water here before riding the final section of the trail.

Crabbes Creek

Pass through the Crabbes Creek area as you approach the southern end of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

End of the Tweed Section

The trail continues beyond Crabbes Creek to the end of the 24 km Tweed section. Unless you have arranged a pickup or shuttle, turn around here and ride back towards Murwillumbah.

The return ride gives you another chance to enjoy the scenery and stop at places you passed earlier.

What makes it special

This is a ride worth taking your time to explore.

The scenery changes throughout the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, moving between subtropical trees, open farmland, small villages and reminders of the old railway line.

There is always something ahead to see, whether it is a bridge, a village, a place to stop or the Burringbar Range Tunnel. On an ebike, you can enjoy the distance without needing to rush through the experience.

Good to know

Plan your ride

Plan your return

Unless you arrange a pickup or shuttle from Crabbes Creek, you will ride back to Murwillumbah, making the full ride approximately 48 km.

On an ebike, the return ride is easy for many riders. Make sure your ebike has enough battery for the full ride and allow extra time if you plan to stop and explore.

Plan your stops

There are seven designated rest stops along the trail, with seating, picnic tables, bike racks and shade.

Drinking water is available at Murwillumbah Railway Station, Burringbar and Mooball, so carry enough water between stops. Public toilets are available at Murwillumbah, Stokers Siding, Burringbar and Mooball.

Easy terrain

Most of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail follows the gentle slopes of the old railway line. The trail has sealed sections and compacted gravel, with a few short steeper sections.

The surface is generally smooth and comfortable to ride, making the trail well suited to ebikes and riders who may be concerned about their fitness.

When to ride

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail can be enjoyed year round.

Much of the trail passes under subtropical trees and plants, providing shade and some shelter from the weather.

We rode on a day with cloud, sunshine and light showers at around 20°C. The temperature was comfortable for riding, the trees provided shelter along much of the trail and the compacted gravel handled the light rain well.

Check the weather and current trail conditions before you leave, especially after heavy rain.

Did you know?

The Burringbar Range Tunnel is more than 500 metres long and is kept dark to protect the animals that live inside, including microbats and glow worms. Turn on your bike light before entering and ride quietly through the tunnel.

Pack well

What to bring

Water bottle
Sunscreen
Camera or phone
Closed shoes
Light rain or windproof jacket
Bike light

Local tips

Take your time. There is plenty to see and plenty of places to stop along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Make sure you have a bike light before entering the Burringbar Range Tunnel.
Water is available at Murwillumbah Railway Station, Burringbar and Mooball, but the water points are spaced apart.
Burringbar and Mooball are good places to stop for food, coffee or a break.
Look for the kilometre markers along the trail. They make it easy to see how far you have travelled.
Check the weather and trail conditions before you ride, especially after heavy rain.

Easy and welcoming