30km of Gravel Adventure

Ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail: Casino to Lismore section

This blog post was written is partnership with Bicycle Queensland.

Gravel riders, rejoice. One of the most anticipated stretches of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is now open, offering nearly 30 kilometres of uninterrupted riding over farmland, across heritage bridges, and through unique landscapes of the Northern Rivers in NSW.

The southern section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail from Casino to Bentley Bridge opened in early 2024 by Richmond Vallley Council, giving riders their first taste of this scenic corridor. Then, in December 2024, Lismore City Council opened the Bentley to Lismore Station section, creating a fully connected route from Casino all the way into the heart of Lismore.
Whether you’re new to gravel or a seasoned bike adventurer, this ride offers a bit of everything.

Start in Casino: Big skies and open country

Rolling out from Casino, you immediately hit wide-open farmland. Paddocks that stretch to the horizon, framed by classic Northern Rivers scenery. It’s mostly smooth gravel, with gentle grades that let you settle into a rhythm early. You’ll cruise your way towards Bentley, a quiet rural community that has become a landmark stop for riders thanks to the beautifully restored Bentley Bridge.

Four people riding bicycles along a winding sealed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail through rolling countryside, with grassy paddocks, scattered trees, and fencing along the path, highlighting a scenic and shared-use trail experience across rural Northern Rivers landscapes.

Climb over Naughtons Gap Tunnel and enjoy the victory view

One of the trail’s signature moments is the climb over Naughtons Gap Tunnel. Because of the microbat colony that calls the tunnel home, the trail takes riders over the hill rather than through it, adding one of the few true climbs on this section. It’s short, punchy, and absolutely worth the effort. Make sure you take a moment for the big views and open skies before dropping down the other side.

Four people jumping in the air on a sealed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, with rolling countryside, trees, and distant hills in the background, capturing a fun group moment and highlighting the wide, shared-use path.

Historic rail heritage and farmland wonders

From Naughtons Gap all the way into Lismore, you’ll weave past:

classic grass trees
pockets of native flora and fauna
old railway formations
remnants of historic bridges and station sites
undulating farmland filled with birdlife

You feel the history beneath your wheels, which is a rare blend of nature, heritage, and adventure riding.

Cross the Bentley Bridge (A Photographers’ favourite)

The heritage-listed Bentley Bridge is one of the highlights of this section. Painstakingly restored, it showcases original craftsmanship and frames the surrounding landscape perfectly. Riders often stop here for a photo, a breather, or simply to soak up the view of rolling green hills. From here, you’re on smooth gravel, lush vegetation and fresh trail surfaces guiding you north toward Lismore.

Three people riding bicycles along a smooth, winding concrete path on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, passing beneath a historic желез желез railway bridge structure. The trail curves through green countryside with grassy paddocks, scattered trees, and rolling hills, highlighting a scenic and shared-use trail experience.

Roll into Lismore: Industrial edges and a grand station finish

As you near the end of the trail, the landscape shifts. You enter the industrial side of Lismore, a contrast to the rural scenes behind you. Follow the easy, well‑signed pathway right into Lismore Station, marking the official end of this route. Even in its industrial grit, this section tells its own honest story of Lismore’s working past and recovery journey.

Want a bonus challenge? Hit the Nesbitt Park Pump Track

If you’re not ready to unclip just yet, there’s one more option. Just south of Lismore Station is the Nesbitt Park pump track. It’s smooth, fun, and great for riders who want a quick adrenaline burst before turning back or heading home. It’s a perfect way to round out the day with a little extra play.

Why You’ll Love This Ride

Nearly 30 km of continuous gravel (or 60 km return)
Minimal road interaction
A mix of heritage, nature, and open country
Family‑friendly gradients (with one rewarding climb)
Spacious, scenic, and varied terrain
Perfect for gravel, MTB, and adventurous hybrid riders

Two older adults walking a small dog toward a historic steel railway bridge on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, while a cyclist rides across the bridge behind them. The gravel approach leads onto a wide, shared-use path surrounded by open countryside and warm afternoon sunlight, highlighting an accessible and multi-use trail experience.

Tips for Your Ride

Before you roll out, keep these trail essentials in mind:

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a shared, multi‑use trail. You may encounter walkers, dog owners, runners, families with small children, and even horses. Ride with awareness and courtesy at all times.
Review the safety rules before you visit. The trail has clear guidelines to help keep everyone safe.
Plan ahead using the official trip planner to check access points, facilities and conditions.
Download a map before you go. Mobile reception can be patchy in rural sections.
Carry water and snacks. Services are limited between towns.
Expect varied surfaces. Mostly gravel, with some compacted sections and occasional softer patches depending on recent weather.
Be wildlife aware. Native birds, wallabies and reptiles are common along the trail edges.

Read the original article on the Bicycle Queensland website, here.

Bicycle Queensland

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