Northern Rivers Rail Trail strengthens commitment to accessibility for all
29 October 2025
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) has completed a range of upgrades to support people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the trail.
The following improvements to the trailhead at Murwillumbah Railway Station have been completed:
- A new fully accessible public toilet at ground level.
- An addition of an accessible parking bay with better pedestrian crossings.
- A southern entry platform cut-through, providing another accessible way into the station area.
- A smoother, step-free path to Prospero Street for all visitors – whether walking, riding or using mobility aids.
- Installation of bike racks.
Works are being carried out as part of the $70 million Community Assets Program, under the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package for the repair, restoration or betterment of community infrastructure damaged in the 2022 floods. This package is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
These improvements build on earlier 2025 upgrades, including an accessible ramp connecting the station platform to ground level. This ramp allows easy access between the Visitor Information Centre, coffee shop and other nearby businesses.
Trail-wide access enhancements
Funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program has supported the following improvements along the 24km Tweed section of the trail:
- bench seats and picnic tables, designed to be accessible and safe for most visitors
- new seating at Murwillumbah Railway Station.
These changes were made in response to visitor feedback and reflect the needs of people using the trail.
Digital accessibility
NRRT is improving online accessibility. The website now includes tools to:
- Change contrast settings
- Use fonts designed to be easier for people with dyslexia to read
- Adjust the site experience to meet individual needs.
A new Accessibility Statement provides detailed information for people visiting the trail with a disability, reduced mobility, or sensory impairment.
These upgrades are just the start. NRRT is committed to ongoing improvements, guided by feedback from visitors and the Equal Access Advisory Committee, so that all users can access information and plan their visit with ease.
State Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:
“The award-winning Northern Rivers Rail Trail has fast become one of our region’s premier attractions for locals and visitors, so it’s important that as many people as possible can enjoy the adventure experiences it offers.
“I commend the NRRT team and Tweed Shire Council on how they have been improving accessibility for all at the Murwillumbah Railway Station trailhead, along the Tweed section of the trail and even on the NRRT website.
“I note that the Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee has endorsed these very practical measures, the trailhead ones funded by Council with support from a New South Wales-Australian government contribution of $273,000 under the Community Assets Program.”
Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot said:
“As your local MP I’m proud to have delivered $273,000 in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Governments towards improving accessibility for all on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
“The rail trail is an amazing showcase of our beautiful region and provides an important tourism boost for our local economy.
“These upgrades ensure that people of all ages and abilities can fully enjoy the rail trail.”
Community programs and feedback
In addition to physical and digital upgrades, NRRT partners with community programs such as Cycling Without Age Burringbar, which provides rides for people with limited mobility between Burringbar to Mooball section. This helps more people enjoy the trail.
The NRRT team invites all visitors and community members to share their feedback through a Guest Experience Survey. This feedback helps the team continue improving the trail and its facilities for everyone.
Commitment to inclusion
NRRT Regional Lead, Dean Cooper said:
“The Rail Trail is for everyone. These upgrades help more people of all ages and abilities enjoy the freedom, connection and wellbeing the trail offers. Accessibility is central to our vision.”
The Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee has formally endorsed these efforts, recognising the trail’s commitment to inclusion for all visitors:
“The Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee is proud to endorse and support increased access measures to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. We commend Tweed Shire Council’s staff who have put an enormous effort into thinking through and building more accessible experiences.
The ‘Cycling Without Age’ initiative at Burringbar is a fantastic step towards increasing the overall inclusivity of the Rail Trail. Members of the Committee met the ‘Cycling Without Age’ Burringbar project team and took their equipment for a trial run at Burringbar on 5 February 2024 — a great experience for people with reduced mobility.
We look forward to improved access to the Rail Trail as Council develops facilities. We also look forward to a wider cross-section of the community using what has proved to be a successful, well-used feature of our Shire.
Signatories: All members.”
For more information: To learn more about accessibility at the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, visit : Access for all | Northern Rivers Rail Trail