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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the best of the Tweed Valley by Bike. Starting in Murwillumbah you’ll cycle the first section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, stopping on the way to sample the local food and enjoy the views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning). 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.
You will then spend two days cycling a full circuit around Wollumbin, cycling along rural roads with sweeping landscapes. You’ll spend a night in Tyalgum, 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.
24kg of CO2-e PP per day
(96kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrival day in Murwillumbah
On arrival in Murwillumbah, make your way to the joining hotel. Transfer options are available from Gold Coast Airport to Murwillumbah. 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
Day 2
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (49km)
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. Stop for lunch at the end of the trail and then head back up the Rail Trail to return to Murwillumbah. There are plenty of places to visit while cycling today and we highly recommending visiting the Margaret Olley Art Gallery, and the Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse. Ascent: 224m, Descent: 224m
Day 3
Cycle from Murwillumbah to Tyalgum Village (27km)
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. The cycle for this day is along country roads that are on a designated tourist drive. The road will be noticeably busier if you are cycling on a weekend or over the school holidays. Ascent: 380m, Descent: 334m
Day 4
Cycle from Tyalgum to Murwillumbah via Uki (51km)
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
Day 5
Departure day from Murwillumbah
The trip concludes this morning. If you haven't yet visited the Margaret Olley Art Gallery we recommend doing this before you leave.
What's included
What's not included
Electric Bikes are included in the trip cost. The electric bikes are built for comfort. With a soft seat, upright riding position, step-through frame and electronic assist, you’ll be riding further with ease.
The cycle tour travels through a variety of terrain and surface types from sealed rural roads to maintained unsealed forest and National Park roads. The rail trail is also a combination of sealed sections and maintained rail trail (gravel and dirt).
The National Park roads you travel on have low traffic but are part of a tourist circuit. Sometimes they will be corrugated which can be a little bumpy. Following excessive rain, the road may become rutted and/or muddy - care will need to be taken and short stages may require pushing your bike. During dry periods, the edges of the road may be soft and care will also need to be taken. Never cross flooded creeks.
A recently renovated hotel in the centre of Tyalgum on the cycle route (1 night). Rooms are fresh and clean with all new beds and linen (shared facilities). The hotel also has a swimming pool to refresh at the end of the day and has great country charm.
Our Murwillumbah accommodation is in a recently renovated motel (3 nights). Rooms are clean and comfortable and freshly renovated also. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom. Located right in the centre of Murwillumbah close to shops, cafes, restaurants and the cycle route.
This self guided trip involves 3 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. The cycle to Tyalgum is on country roads that are on a designated tourist drive. The road will be noticeably busier if you are cycling on a weekend or over the school holidays. 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
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. Alternatively, there is a bus service that operates once daily from Brisbane to Murwillumbah with a journey time of 2 hours 40min - operated by Premier Motor Service - tickets can be purchased online https://premierms.com.au/travel-routes/brisbane-to-sydney/
The accommodation in Murwillumbah (3 nights) is in a newly renovated hotel with renovated rooms which all have an ensuite bathroom, and the night you spend in Tyalgum is in a renovated hotel with renovated rooms (shared facilities).
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.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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.
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.
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.
4Days
Moderate
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Introductory to Moderate