BEST BIKE RIDES MURWILLUMBAH
A renowned area of the Northern Rivers for bountiful cycling trails, Murwillumbah is definitely the spot for you to dust off those chains and break out those tires for some of the best rides this nature filled area has to offer. These rides will take you into a bit of an unknown rather than those standard city loops which can be a bit monotonous. We’ve put together a bit of an inside scoop on some of the better rides you can take while in this beautiful part of the world.
WHAT IS MURWILLUMBAH ABOUT?
Embracing the rich heritage of the local Bundjalung dialect, Murwillumbah beckons visitors with its intriguing translation as the "place of the bleeding big nose." Steeped in history, this charming town emerged as a prominent hub in the 1880s, when Tumbulgum held sway in the Tweed Valley.
The transformative arrival of the rail line to Lismore in 1894, coupled with the inauguration of the Murwillumbah Bridge in 1901, propelled Murwillumbah into its role as the primary center in the Tweed. Today, with a population exceeding 9,000, Murwillumbah captivates residents and visitors alike with its captivating art deco architecture, a dynamic arts community, and an array of inviting cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Murwillumbah remains an agricultural nucleus, maintaining its significance in dairying, sugarcane cultivation, and banana growing. Immerse yourself in the town's vibrant tapestry, where history, culture, and modern charm converge in a delightful celebration of Murwillumbah's enduring allure.
A DAY AROUND MT. WARNING
Get off the beaten track with this one and into wilderness. Definitely built better for mountain bike riders, you can definitely tackle this with an e-bike such as a Super73 RX with ease to get over some of the dirt terrain. Start off in Uki and travel East and then North along the Kyogle Road following the Tweed River. At around 10k, you will turn left onto the Tyalgum Road which follows the Oxley River. Definitely a good move to stop at Tyalgum for morning tea. Some of our favourite spots are Flutterbies Cottage Cafe or Double Or Nothing Cafe. You will then head South on Brays Creek Road. At 33k, veer left onto Byrrill Creek road, where you will steadily climb though bushland on an unsealed road. At the 38k mark, you’ll start to descend with glimpses of the Byrrill Creek on the right and Mount Warning on the left. At 49.8k, you will turn left into the Kyogle Road which then follows to Uki. If you packed some lunch, why not enjoy it at the park in Uki, or either hit up one of the top stops, Mount Warning Hotel or Village&Co.
THE NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL
Starting in Murwillumbah and ending in Casino, this is the newest hot spot for tourists and cycling enthusiasts alike.
Extending over 24kms of countryside in Tweed’s lush valley, the trail connects via several towns and villages of Crabbes Creek, Mooball, Burringbar, Stokers Siding, Dunbible, and Murwillumbah, all once train station stops along the original railway line, which was originally built in 1894.
The Tweed trail is the first section of the full 132km Northern Rivers Rail Trail to open and welcomes walkers, runners, and cyclists to breathe in nature, explore country towns, and immerse in the region’s rich agri-tourism offerings, from farm gates, cafes, and foodie hot spots.
The trail itself is smooth and quite the photogenic journey with both sealed and gravel sections, passing through landscapes of lush tropical settings to local farm animals greeting you in tall grass, as well as heritage sites such as bridges, tunnels, restored train station, and indigenous cultural hubs. We definitely recommend not passing this one up and it is 100% worth every penny to book an experience with Freedom Machine Byron Bay.
MURWILLUMBAH TO KINGSCLIFF LOOP
This is one of our favourite ways to spend a day. It takes in the countryside and scenery of the coastal ranges then joins the coastal cycleway. You can smell the salt air as you ride along past the beautiful coastal fauna and there are plenty of places to stop for a coffee break and/or lunch at Cabarita Beach or in Kingscliff.
We have done a variation to the better-known route as we like to avoid Clothiers Creek Road which often has a lot of traffic. This route takes you along Reserve Creek Road and joins Round Mountain Road.
We suggest you leave Murwillumbah reasonably early. You can stop for coffee at Cabarita Beach, and lunch at Farm & Co (our favourite) or one of the many restaurants in Kingscliff, with plenty of time to make it back to Murwillumbah before the day is out.
Following the Tweed Valley Way, head north out of Murwillumbah at the first roundabout and turn right into Quarry Road and the next left into Reserve Creek Road into Keilvale. Passing Kielvale Village you start climbing the coastal range at the top stop for a break to admire the Tweed Valley with Condong Sugar Mill and the Border Ranges in the distance.
When the gravel road approaches, turn onto it leaving Reserve Creek Road and joining Round Mountain Road. After the gravel section of Round Mountain Road you will again join the sealed section. This is a quiet road and a time to kick back for some flat riding to join the Tweed Coast Cycleway between Cabarita and Hasting Point.
Out of Kingscliff to Cudgen Road, pass the new Tweed Valley Hospital site. Pass the traffic lights and along Cudgen Road so you can stop at Farm & Co. This is a great spot to stop if you love paddock to plate organically grown produce.
Before passing Farm & Co, you could drop into the Earth Beer Company for a drop. If not, continue along Cudgen Road to turn left and pass by Tropical Fruit World for the downhill run into Murwillumbah.
Not a bad day out, right?! And stay in Murwillumbah for longer if you want to explore some beautiful countryside including around Mt Warning.
MURWILLUMBAH TO TOMEWIN
Experience breathtaking vistas and tranquil routes, including some gravel paths, meandering through pockets of exquisite rainforest—a refreshing escape on scorching summer days. While ideally tackled on a mountain bike, a wide-tired road bike or a fat-tire e-bike is perfectly suitable.
This ride is designed for capable riders with average skills and fitness, spanning 2 to 5 hours depending on your pace and fitness level. As with any cycling adventure, it's essential to carry water, food, and a tire repair kit.
The route encompasses diverse road conditions and terrains, featuring a swift, exhilarating downhill stretch and culminating in a challenging five-kilometer uphill climb. Conveniently, cars can be parked at the NSW/QLD border gate.
For a customized experience, the starting point can be adjusted to your preference. If conquering a lengthy hill at the ride's end isn't your ideal finish, consider commencing from Murwillumbah. Head out of town, passing the showground and following signs to Tomewin. Ascend the hill to the border gate and conclude your journey by returning to Murwillumbah via Glengarrie Road.
