Community campaign launched to finish award-winning Northern Rivers Rail Trail
15 April 2026
Original media release issued by Barefruit Marketing on behalf of Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters Group
Real Northern Rivers locals unite to show support for completing the 132km trail linking Murwillumbah to Casino.
A new community campaign featuring real Northern Rivers locals is set to launch this month, calling on the NSW and Australian Governments to grant the funding needed to complete the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, unlocking the full benefits for all communities across the region.
The campaign is being led by Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters, a passionate volunteer group that has championed the project for “for over 14 years since the idea was first launched”.
Since 2013, the group has shared a vision: transforming 132 kilometres of disused rail corridor between Murwillumbah and Casino into a world-class, car-free walking and cycling trail, through some of the most spectacular landscapes in NSW.
Two sections of the trail are already complete and attracting strong use from locals and visitors. However, a 74km section through Byron and Lismore Shires remains unfinished, preventing the trail from connecting communities across the region.
The success of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has already been recognised at both state and national level; taking home Silver in the Tourist Attractions category at the prestigious 2026 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, and Gold in Tourist Attractions and Silver in Adventure Tourism at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards.
Once completed, the 132km Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be one of the longest rail trails in Australia, linking the places we love across the Northern Rivers and providing a safe, car-free path for walking, cycling and exploring the region.
A joint funding application from Byron and Lismore Councils to complete the missing section has now been awaiting a decision from the Federal Government for around 16 months.
With Byron Shire Council recently reaffirming its support for the project, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters are now turning to the community to help demonstrate the strength of local backing for finishing the trail.
The campaign centres around real people from the Northern Rivers; families, cyclists, walkers, business owners, visitors and locals, who want to see the trail completed for the benefit of the whole region.
A large community photo featuring local supporters forms the centrepiece of the campaign, alongside a public call for residents, businesses and visitors to add their names in support of completing the Rail Trail.
With strong council support now in place and growing community momentum, the Supporters say the ‘missing link’ in the Rail Trail is now simply a matter of government funding.
Pat Grier, President of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters, said the success of the completed sections shows the project’s potential for the entire region.
“The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the most exciting regional projects we’ve seen in decades. The completed sections prove how popular it is with locals and visitors, with the trail recently gaining national recognition at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. Now we simply need to finish the missing link so communities across the Northern Rivers can share in the benefits”, said Pat.
The campaign will launch late March and run across the region in the coming months, encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to add their name in support of completing the rail trail Please show your support by adding your name at www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/SUPPORT
About Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters
Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters is a volunteer community group made up of residents, business leaders, tourism leaders, community advocates and industry experts, who have been advocating for the creation of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail since 2013.
Their vision is a 132km car-free walking and cycling trail connecting Murwillumbah to Casino, creating a major recreational and tourism asset, and connecting communities in the Northern Rivers region.