five TOP places to stay on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail you probably didn’t know existed

Exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a great day out. But staying nearby is where it really gets good.

Hidden heritage stays, luxe Queenslanders, farm retreats and character‑filled town rooms sit just minutes from the trail and most never realise they’re there. If you’re planning on turning your rail trail adventure into a relaxed weekend away, these five places are worth knowing about.

Glenelg, Murwillumbah

Heritage luxury with valley views

Covered verandah with two chairs and a small table overlooking the Tweed Valley at Glenelg Murwillumbah, a Northern Rivers Rail Trail Connect Business Partner.

If your idea of a rail trail weekend includes elegant surrounds and a sense of occasion, Glenelg is hard to top. This stately Queenslander, built in 1902, offers a refined boutique stay right in Murwillumbah. Set high above town, Glenelg looks out across the Wollumbin Caldera and the Tweed Valley, with sunsets that feel like part of the experience. It’s an ideal choice if you want:

A luxurious base close to the trail

Easy access to Murwillumbah cafés and dining

A stay that feels special without feeling formal

After a day on the trail, returning to calm surrounds and timeless charm feels well earned.

Coolamon Station, Palmvale

Spacious farm stay for families and groups

Exterior of Coolamon Station with corrugated iron cladding, timber sliding doors, and covered outdoor area beside the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Antique timber chair with a cushion and woven basket in a styled guest room at Coolamon Station beside the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

For those travelling as a family or group, Coolamon Station offers space, comfort and a true countryside reset. This award‑winning 105‑acre boutique farm retreat sits just 15 minutes from Murwillumbah and Cabarita Beach, making it easy to pair trail time with coastal or rural adventures. The beautifully restored three‑bedroom Woolshed sleeps up to ten guests and is perfect for:

Families riding sections of the trail together

Groups wanting flexibility and room to spread out

Guests who enjoy fresh air, open space and quiet nights

Wake to birdsong and rolling green hills, meet the farm animals, relax by the fire pit, or head out to explore the rail trail before returning to rural serenity.

The Imperial Hotel, Murwillumbah

Comfortable rooms right in the heart of town

Imperial Hotel accommodation in Murwillumbah along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, featuring a heritage streetscape with historic buildings, bottle shop frontage, and golden morning light on a quiet town street. Fresh seasonal salad served at Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah, a dining option along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, featuring roasted vegetables, leafy greens, feta, radish, and nuts plated in a modern restaurant setting.

If you like being right where the action is, the Imperial Hotel offers a practical and well‑located option in Murwillumbah. Recently renovated, the hotel features 29 comfortable rooms ranging from single to superior queen accommodation. Rooms are thoughtfully equipped with air conditioning, ensuites, kitchenettes, minibars and quality bathroom products. Why it works well for trail users:

Central location close to food, cafés and shops

Comfortable, no‑fuss rooms

Secure bike storage available off‑site

Accessibility‑friendly options included

It’s a great base if you want to roll off the trail and straight into town life.

Hosanna Farmstay, Stokers Siding

From camping to cabins, immersed in nature

Two children holding baby chickens at a farm setting with other visitors and animals visible in the background. Entrance path leading to Hosanna Farmstay with reception buildings, bike parking, and lawn areas beside the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Adults carrying stacked pizza boxes while children sit on their shoulders in front of farm buildings at Hosanna Farmstay near the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

For a stay that aligns closely with the trail’s gentle, rural rhythm, Hosanna Farmstay at Stokers Siding is a standout. Hosanna offers a variety of accommodation styles, including camping, huts, cabins and a homestead, making it easy to tailor your stay to your comfort level and travel style. It’s especially well suited to:

Nature lovers

Trail users wanting quiet evenings and open skies

Guests who enjoy simple comforts close to the land

With easy access to the trail and a peaceful setting, Hosanna makes slowing down feel natural.

Little River Cottage, Murwillumbah

A stone’s throw from the trail

The Little River Cottage accommodation near the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, featuring a classic Queenslander-style white cottage in Murwillumbah with elevated design, front steps, garden greenery, and a quiet residential street setting under a clear blue sky. Interior of The Little River Cottage near the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, featuring a bright enclosed verandah with cushioned window seat, vintage furniture, timber desk, upholstered armchair, natural light, and heritage cottage styling in Murwillumbah. Bedroom at The Little River Cottage near the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in Murwillumbah, featuring a timber bed with white linen, patterned cushions, bedside lamp, air conditioning, and soft natural light through window curtains in a cosy heritage cottage interior.

If convenience is key, Little River Cottage delivers. Located just moments from Murwillumbah, this spacious, recently renovated holiday home offers three bedrooms, a comfortable living area and a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances. With a private entrance and room to relax after a day riding or walking, it’s a great option for:

Small groups or families

Guests wanting a self‑contained stay

Those who like being close to the trail without staying right in town

Turning a ride into a weekend

The northern section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail lends itself beautifully to overnight stays. By choosing accommodation close to the trail, you give yourself permission to take your time. To stop often. To explore towns on foot. And to enjoy the journey as much as the distance. A weekend away makes the trail feel less like a route and more like an experience.

FAQs

Is the northern section suitable for a weekend trip?

Yes. The northern section runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and passes through villages like Stokers Siding and Burringbar, which makes it easy to structure a ride or walk with an overnight stay.

Where can I find official accommodation listings near the trail?

Start with the NRRT accommodation page, which lists places to stay near the trail including Glenelg, Coolamon Station, The Imperial, Hosanna Farmstay, and The Little River Cottage Riverfront Retreat.

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