access for all
Our aim is for the Rail Trail to be accessible and inclusive of everyone and all abilities. The trail offers a 24 kilometre continuous path of travel through rural and urban townships and stunning natural environment, however some sections of the rail trail are more accessible for people with disability than others, in terms of accessible amenities, toilets and parking nearby. This is because the rail trail project and construction budget was only tasked to deliver the shared-user path and related signage.
During the course of construction, Council conducted 2 audits on the rail trail and the Murwillumbah Railway Station to identify existing access features available and where improvements were needed. We are committed to continue to improve the access of the rail trail for everyone to enjoy, and as funding becomes available, we will work hard to make those improvements over time.
We suggest that anyone with a disability read the information below, plan your trip and consider travelling with a friend, family member, carer or supporter on your first visit.
Trail surface: The rail trail surface is a combination of sealed asphalt and compact gravel that is accessible and suitable for a wide range of users and mobility devices. The Tweed section is 24 kilometres and features 6 kilometres of sealed asphalt in 2 high traffic sections. One section is between the Murwillumbah Railway Station to the Tweed Regional Gallery and the second section is between Burringbar and Mooball townships. The remaining 18 kilometres is a solid compacted gravel, suitable for mobility scooters and devices.
Murwillumbah Railway Station: There is ground level access directly to the trail and 2 access ramps to the platform – each located at the northern and southern ends of the platform. There are 2 designated accessible parking bays adjacent to the trail entry at ground level. Direct access to the trail from the platform is via the access ramps and ground level trail entry point.
As a former Railway Station, there is a drop between the platform and the track below. The platform edge is clearly signposted, has tactile ground surface indicators and high contrast colour as a precaution. The helpful staff at the Visitor Information Centre at the Murwillumbah Railway Station can assist with trail related enquiries and information about amenities and access.
Rest stops and seating: There are 7 rest stop areas along the trail including the trailhead at Murwillumbah Railway Station, Tweed Regional Gallery, Stokes Siding, Upper Burringbar, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek.
The majority feature a shade structure, bike racks and a picnic table and bench style seating. Water is available at Murwillumbah Railway Station, Burringbar and Mooball.
Parking: At Murwillumbah Railway Station, there are 2 dedicated accessible parking bays at the northern end of the Station adjacent to the ground level entry for the trail and ramp access to the platform. There is also a dedicated set down/bus bay at the southern entry of the Station with an access ramp available to the platform.
At Burringbar, there is a designed accessible parking bay located at Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park for users to travel along the sealed asphalt section that connects to Mooball. The remainder of the trail has lots of general parking within the public road network.
Public toilets: There are existing public toilets located at Stokers, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek townships. All are heritage or older facilities, which are not compliant with current Australian Standards for disabled access and mobility, and may not be accessible for people with disability. We understand this presents a challenge for some people in community to access and enjoy the trail, and we are committed to make access improvements as funding becomes available.
A current priority is to construct an accessible toilet at the Murwillumbah Railway Station and this will be completed and opened as soon as possible pending the heritage approvals to do so. Council’s Rail Trail and Parks and Active Communities teams will actively seek funding to deliver improved village connections and public infrastructure along the trail.
Mobility and pathways: There are concrete pathways connecting the trail to the existing public toilets at Burringbar and Mooball townships. The pathway that connects the rail trail to the Tweed Regional Gallery is not accessible and features steep inclines and several sets of stairs. There are no other stairs on the rail trail.
Assistance animals: Are welcome on the rail trail within the existing trail rules that require all dogs on a short lead at all times. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
For all access enquiries to best plan ahead for your trip please call 02 6673 0404, email hello@northernriversrailtrail.com.au. We also encourage you to share your feedback so we can continuously improve the trail.
