10 Epic Australian Cycling DestinationsView list
4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 4 days self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/ 1 night motel accommodation

Price

6 daysfrom

$1970AUD

 
 
Trip Code: TWD

Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley Cycle Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the independence of self guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
  • Cycle a loop around Wollumbin (Mt Warning)
  • Experience the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail
  • Discover charming rural towns and villages of the creative Tweed Valley
  • Cycle to the superb beaches and coastline of the Tweed Coast

From the moment you arrive in Murwillumbah and the Tweed Valley you realise this is a special place. In a landscape where the ocean shores rise to the verdant ranges and the worlds largest expanse of sub tropical rainforest, the natural beauty of this region is breathtaking. The whole Tweed Valley was formed by an extinct volcano leaving behind a caldera. Right in the very centre of this timeless landscape sits Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the vent of this ancient volcano. Wollumbin stands like a sentry over the region and is a defining landmark that can be viewed from almost every location in the Tweed. Interestingly, the first rays of morning light on the Australian mainland are cast on the peak of Wollumbin, and as you may expect, this towering peak at almost 1200 metres is held with due reverence by the Bundjalung Indigenous people. This cycle journey combines the timeless majesty of the Tweed Valley and Tweed Coast with Wollumbin and sections of the new and much acclaimed Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Beginning with a full circuit around Wollumbin, cycle along rural roads with sweeping landscapes and the dramatic backdrop of ranges that border the valley, then forest trails through the rainforest of National Parks, to follow rivers and creeks as you loop back to Murwillumbah. The second part of this cycle journey heads out along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail before turning east to the Tweed Coast and the sparkling beaches and coastline for which this region is renowned where you'll spend the night in premium accommodation by the beach. The last stage takes you back into Murwillumbah through the red soil farmlands of the Cudgen Plateau and the floodplains of the Tweed River which still supports significant cane farming operations. This is a cycle journey with breadth and depth from rainforest to superb beaches, dramatic landscapes carved in ancient times as well as a contemporary and colourful community that seems to thrive surrounded by nature's best. During this journey you will be supported with e-bike rental and luggage transfers between towns, giving you the freedom to cycle at a relaxed pace and take in the ever-changing landscape.

Itinerary

On arrival in Murwillumbah, make your way to the joining hotel. Transfer options are available from Gold Coast Airport to Murwillumbah, including a boxed cycle option if required. This afternoon you can take some time to explore the town, with its colourful and creative atmosphere typical of the Northern Rivers. Sample creamy Brie at Kat Harvey Cheese, Ben Leonardi's pastries at Ben's Patisserie and dine in style at Bistro Livi.

Meals:  Nil

This morning's cycle to Tyalgum is fairly leisurely allowing plenty of time in the morning to enjoy the café culture of Murwillumbah. After breakfast head west through the Crystal Creek area, open farmland and babbling brooks to Chillingham. The township of Chillingham sits with the towering ranges of Springbrook and Lamington National Parks as a backdrop. This is a great place to stop for lunch or a coffee break, or a visit to Buck’s Farm for a tour of native, exotic and tropical fruits. You can even do a tasting of the fruit that's in season. You’ll start to head south west from here, with views of the ranges to the right. You’ll pass dairy farms, view the ranges and National Parks to the west, and enjoy glimpses of Wollumbin to the east before arriving in Tyalgum. This is a small village but it's well worth exploring, with a number of quality curiosity and gift shops, along with some great dining options. If you feel like stretching your legs a little more there are plenty of loop cycle options by heading further into a number of small valleys to the west of Tyalgum. Ascent: 380m, Descent: 334m

Meals:  Nil

Today you’ll cycle out of Tyalgum and head into some of the forested areas to the south of Wollumbin. After cycling through open farmland with sweeping views across to the ranges and with glimpses of the ocean, a canopy of native forest begins to envelope you as you enter the rainforest of Mebbin National Park. Here paved roads give way to gravel forests roads. This is cycling at its best, as you move through forests that have withstood the test of time and remain largely as they stood before European arrival in Australia. You’ll cycle down shaded roads and have opportunities to lean the bike on a tree and take a dip in crystal clear creeks that flow straight from the forests above. Take the time to stop, relax, experience and reflect. The afternoon cycling heads down through the forest, alongside Byrill Creek in parts, and along some beautiful tree lined countryside, before arriving in Uki. Uki Village is a hub of arts, culture, organics and alternative lifestyles. The old buttery has been converted into an arts precinct with a delightful river walk nearby. From here it is a short ride across to Stokers Siding and the first taste of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. You will join the Rail Trail at Stokers Siding and head back to Murwillumbah, completing the entire loop around her majesty, Wollumbin. An alternative route takes you via Mavis Kitchens, a superb place to stop for lunch (bookings required). Ascent: 679m, Descent: 725m

Meals:  Nil

Today's ride starts by completing the recently opened and initial stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, currently running from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek. It is a relatively short but enjoyable journey as you cycle through farming regions, small towns and native bushland. There are also a couple of tunnels to keep things interesting. We suggest you hit the trail relatively early and stop for breakfast or coffee at one of the small towns. And of course, no visit to the Tweed would truly be complete without a visit to the coast, which is just as much part of the Tweed identity as the mountains, rivers and streams. You will cycle across to the coast, a relatively short distance from Crabbes Creek, then you'll follow a dedicated coastal cycleway. The cycleway is often along elevated platforms, taking you through melaleuca groves with nothing between you and the ocean but a small sand dune. The cycleway has sole access to the beachfront side of our selected quality accommodation for the night. The accommodation has beach frontage so you can easily enjoy the wide sandy ocean beaches the Tweed Coast is renowned for. Ascent: 465m, Descent: 460m

Meals:  Nil

A late check out to enjoy a swim and relaxed breakfast is recommended. The cycle begins with the morning sun and the coast behind you and Wollumbin standing large on the horizon in the distance. With a relatively easy day of cycling you have plenty of time to enjoy a little more of the sparkling coastline before heading inland. You’ll begin by heading south on the Tweed Coast Cycleway before turning west and cycling over the Cudgen Red Soil Plateau. The departure from the coast sees a remarkably quick transition from the coastal glitz and high density development back to rural landholdings. The Cudgen Plateau has a special appeal as you cycle along relatively quiet roads, dotted with small farms still standing against the pressures of development ambitions in the region. There are a couple of great places to stop for lunch today including the Farm & Co Organic Farm and Restaurant or perhaps slip into the Earth Beer Company, a local craft brewery for a quick refreshment. It is a great day of cycling with plenty of time for leisurely breaks along the way, finishing with a lovely downhill run for most of the afternoon back into Murwillumbah. Ascent: 274m, Descent: 262m

Meals:  Nil

The trip concludes after breakfast. Take the morning to have a stroll around Murwillumbah or walk across the bridge to the old Murwillumbah Train Station where there is a great little café on the platform.

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Inclusions

  • 5 nights in twin share accommodation - 3 nights in hotel rooms with ensuite, 1 night in hotel room with shared bathroom, and 1 night in a premium motel with ensuite facilities
  • E-bike hire with panniers and phone holder and repair kit
  • Navigational app and route maps
  • Daily luggage transfers

  • Travel to/from Murwillumbah
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals

Bike information


Trail Surface


Accommodation


Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

This self guided trip involves 4 days of cycling on bitumen or well graded dirt roads with daily ascents ranging from 274m to 679m. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic, including trucks. Daily activity is usually between 4 and 6 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding an ebike. There are sections of road riding and at times there is no verge. You will need to be comfortable and confident cycling on the road. Being a self-guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you. If you decided to bring your own bike and it is not an e-bike, the overall grading of the trip changes to moderate to hard. Please ensure that your bike is fit for purpose - road bikes are not suitable for this trip unless they have been fitted with wider tread tyres. The best bike is a hybrid, gravel bike or mountain bike. We provide an e-mountain bike as part of this tour.


Departure dates

Daily departures Thursday to Monday

Notes

Note:
Please note, a high season accommodation tarrif may apply during peak season. If your stay at Kingscliff is over 20 December to 1 February then a 3 night minimum stay will be required. Additional costs will apply.
DN2
Twin rooms are not possible for the 3 nights in Murwillumbah. Two clients wanting separate beds on this night will need to pay a single supplement.
DN3
It is possible to start the trip on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. A second night will need to be booked in Kingscliff (min 2 night stay applies) and an additional supplement will apply.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1970AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • discount for no bike rentalAUD$-360
  • Airport Transfer Coolangatta to Murwillumbah trailerAUD$110
  • Airport Transfer Coolangatta to MurwillumbahAUD$150
  • Single Supplement all nightsAUD$560
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Tweed Cycle Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There are small sections on the rail trail and a dedicated coastal bike path. Otherwise, you will be cycling on the road and at times there is no verge. You will need to be comfortable and confident cycling on the road. There are sections on roads with passing traffic, including sections where you are ascending. These roads can be busy at times, particularly on the weekend or during school holidays, but they are not main roads.

The easiest way to get to Murwillumbah is by car. The drive from Sydney is 9 hours, Brisbane 2 hours, Gold Coast 1 hour. A flight to Coolangatta (Gold Coast) and a transfer to Murwillumbah is also possible.

The accommodation in Murwillumbah (3 nights) is in a newly renovated hotel with renovated rooms which all have an ensuite bathroom, the night you spend in Tyalgum is in a renovated hotel with renovated rooms (shared facilities) and the night at Salt Beach is in one of two of our selected 4 star quality motels.

Yes, e-bike hire is included in this trip cost. If you'd like to bring your own bike a discount of tour cost is available.


Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley Cycle Trip reviews


Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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