The much-anticipated Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is set to officially open this Saturday and the community is invited to come along to explore this enchanting new experience.
Well-known local musician Luke Vassella will provide entertainment between 8.30am and 12.30pm, with lots of family friendly activities such as creating pedal-powered smoothies and trishaw rides.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the opening of this section meant people could now ride or trek all the way from Lismore to Casino.
"The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a game changer for tourism right across our region," he said.
"It stands as a reminder of a bygone era and tells the story of how the railway once connected all our communities.
"The outstanding success of the already opened Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and Casino to Bentley sections highlights the real economic and social benefits this new section will bring to Lismore.
"One of the key considerations while constructing the trail was sustainability, including salvaging more than 1600 tonnes of cast iron steel rail line.
"I would like to thank the Federal Government for funding the trail and happily report that although we received the grant prior to the COVID-induced inflation, we managed to deliver the project on time and on budget."
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the completion of the Lismore to Bentley section marked a significant step forward in the connection of the whole 132km trail.
"I was able to secure the entire $9.9 million needed to build this section of the rail trail, because I knew it would become a world-famous tourist landmark," Mr Hogan said.
"This trail provides a fantastic opportunity to attract visitors, boost local businesses, and offer a healthy, exciting way for people to explore our beautiful region."
"I'm proud to have supported this project and look forward to seeing locals and tourists enjoying everything the trail has to offer."
The Lismore to Bentley section is the third section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to open. It connects seamlessly to the Richmond Valley section (13.4 km) which opened in March 2024, together forming the almost 30 km southern section of the Rail Trail.
Work is underway to secure funds for the remaining 20.9 km of the Lismore section between Lismore and Booyong.
When completed, the 132km trail will start at Murwillumbah before tracking south through the Tweed Valley to Crabbes Creek, through Byron Shire to Booyong, and on through Lismore and Bentley, finishing at Casino.
The 16.3km Lismore to Bentley section begins at the iconic heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station and connects to Nesbitt Park. The trail then moves west through rich agricultural lands linking the hamlets of Tuncester and Leycester where it passes beneath the historic Back Creek Bridge. It continues through Fernside and over the Oakey Creek Bridge at Bungabbee to finish at the Back Creek Bridge at Bentley.
Preserving key heritage infrastructure, the Lismore to Bentley section features 29 railway bridges and celebrates the local history and picturesque natural environment.
The section is constructed using compacted gravel for durability, with asphalt and concrete sections at key entry points for improved accessibility. It can be explored on wheels, horse, or foot offering an active and alternative form of transport for locals and visitors.
Large expanses of original tracks, culverts, distance markers (kms from Sydney), and bridge structures line the wildlife and native landscaped corridor, creating many striking pause points along the trail. Six formal rest stops featuring a shelter, table and bench-style seating offer the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in a stunning natural environment.
