Byron Bay: Northern Rivers Rail Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle

The best part of this outing is the 520-metre Burringbar Range tunnel, where a bike light helps you find glow worms in the dark. You ride an old railway route through rainforest and farmland, then stop in small communities for food, galleries, ice cream, cheese, or a look at local craft.

I like the excellent Moustache e-bikes, which take the sting out of a long ride, and the door-to-door shuttle from Byron Bay and nearby towns. The main catch is the weather: the company runs rain or shine, and there is no food or water supplied, so you need to pack both.

Key points to know before you book

• The 24km rail trail links Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek, with shuttle support at both ends.
• The Burringbar Range tunnel is the signature stop, with a supplied bike light and possible glow worm sightings.
• Moustache e-bikes come ready to ride, with a helmet, gel seat, panniers, map, and tunnel light.
• Pickup covers eight locations, including Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Kingscliff, Pottsville, Ocean Shores, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, and Mount Warning.
• Food stops add real character, with the Margaret Olley Gallery, Tweed Valley Dairy, ice cream, cheese, and local artisans along the way.
• Rain does not automatically cancel the ride, so bring cycling clothes, sunscreen, water, and weatherproof layers.

A quiet ride through the Northern Rivers

This is not a guided sightseeing bus tour with a quick photo stop. It is a self-guided cycle ride along the newly opened Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

You start with a pickup in a white Better By Bike van. The transfer to Murwillumbah takes about 20 minutes, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Byron Bay or one of the nearby coastal towns. At the trailhead, the crew fits your bike, gives you a safety briefing, and explains how the e-bike works.

From there, you set your own pace. You can ride the full route toward Crabbes Creek or return toward Murwillumbah, depending on the arrangement and timing for your departure. The route takes you past ancient temperate rainforest, open countryside, and small settlements, with time to stop rather than race from one end to the other.

I like this format because the rail trail gives you room to notice small things. You hear birds, see the changing vegetation, and get a closer look at the Tweed and Byron hinterland than you would from a car. You also have the freedom to pause at a café, gallery, dairy, or village shop.

The five-hour schedule includes transfers, so this is best viewed as a half-day outing rather than five full hours in the saddle. Your actual riding time depends on how often you stop and how far you go.

Murwillumbah: the practical starting point

Murwillumbah is the inland base for the ride and the point where the cycling portion begins. The town gives you a useful change of scene from the coast. Instead of starting among beach traffic and resort businesses, you set off in the Tweed Valley, surrounded by farmland and forest.

The local team handles the practical details here. Your Moustache e-bike is personally adjusted, and you receive a Giro helmet, panniers, a map, and a light for the tunnel. You also get instructions on the controls and a safety briefing before leaving.

That preparation matters. An e-bike is easy to use once you understand the power settings and brakes, but it is still a bicycle on a shared trail. The briefing helps you get moving without spending the first few kilometres wondering which control does what.

The bikes are a strong part of the value. They are described as high-end Moustache models, and the supplied gel seat is useful on a ride of this length. The panniers mean you can carry water, a camera, a light layer, and small purchases without putting everything on your back.

Do not mistake electric assistance for a motorised tour. You still pedal, steer, and manage the bike yourself. The motor simply makes hills and distance less demanding. That suits mixed-ability groups, though the activity is not designed for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

The trail itself: rainforest, farms, and old rail country

Once you leave Murwillumbah, the appeal is the steady change in scenery. The route cuts through rainforest and open country, so you get both shade and wider views. The old railway setting also gives the ride a sense of purpose. You are following a former transport corridor rather than simply riding on a random country road.

The surface and exact riding conditions are not described in detail, so you should expect a proper outdoor cycling experience rather than a paved promenade. Wear closed-toe shoes and cycling clothing if you have it. Loose clothing and bare feet are not allowed.

The self-guided arrangement works best for people who enjoy setting their own rhythm. You might stop often for pictures, take your time through the forest, or keep a steady pace and leave more time for a gallery or food stop. A map with suggested stops helps you make those choices.

One practical point: carry your own water. Water, food, and drinks are not included, and the warm Northern Rivers climate can make a ride feel harder than expected. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also sensible, even with rainforest sections providing shade.

Burringbar Range tunnel and its glow worms

The 520m Burringbar Range tunnel is the clear highlight. Inside, the trail becomes dark and cool, and the supplied bike light lets you see where you are going. This is one of the moments when the old rail route feels most distinctive.

You may see glow worms in the tunnel. They are not guaranteed as a timed show, so keep expectations realistic. The reward is the setting itself: a long railway tunnel, a beam of light from your bike, and the chance to look up and notice small points of natural light.

Slow down here, but keep aware of other riders. The tunnel is long enough to feel atmospheric, yet you are still cycling through a shared route. A camera is worth bringing, though low-light photos can be difficult. Your phone may capture the tunnel entrance better than the glow worms.

This is also why the bike light is more than a small extra. It is supplied as part of the setup, so you do not need to arrive with specialist cycling equipment. You still need to follow the safety instructions and use sensible care in the dark.

Villages, galleries, cheese, and ice cream

The ride is not only about trees and tunnels. Stops along the way bring in the local flavour of the Northern Rivers, with small businesses and artisans adding variety to the day.

The Margaret Olley Gallery is one suggested stop worth keeping in mind. The gallery connects the outing to the area’s creative side and gives you a break from riding. It is particularly useful if you enjoy art and want the day to include more than outdoor scenery.

The Tweed Valley Dairy is another memorable option. Ice cream and cheese make an easy reward after some time on the trail, though you will need to manage your stops carefully within the five-hour schedule. Your map helps, but you are responsible for watching the clock and reaching the meeting point for the return transfer.

Local artisans are also part of the appeal. The experience gives you a chance to see regional products and small-scale businesses rather than spending the whole day at a major attraction. The exact stops you make will depend on opening hours, your pace, and the day’s timing, so treat them as opportunities rather than guaranteed timed visits.

I would not try to visit every possible stop. Choose one or two that match your interests, then leave enough time for the tunnel and the ride itself. The route works best when you allow for unhurried pauses.

The shuttle from Byron Bay and nearby towns

Pickup is available from Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, Mount Warning, Kingscliff, Ocean Shores, Pottsville, Brunswick Heads, and Tweed Heads. Drop-off is available at the same group of locations.

For anyone staying in Byron Bay, this is a major convenience. You do not need to arrange a rental car, find the trailhead, or work out how to return after a one-way ride. The transfer takes about 20 minutes each way, and the new shuttle bus provides a comfortable link between the coast and the trail.

Look for the Better By Bike white van at pickup. The team members who may handle your transport include Campbell, Rin, and Leo. Campbell has been especially helpful with the area’s scenery and history, while Rin and Leo are noted for making the transfers friendly and smooth.

The shuttle also makes this activity easier for couples or groups with different cycling preferences. You can ride without worrying about leaving a vehicle at one end of the trail. The trade-off is that you need to stay aware of the agreed meeting time. A self-guided trip gives you freedom, but not unlimited freedom.

What the e-bike package really adds

At $112 per person, this is not a basic bicycle rental. The price includes accommodation pickup and drop-off, return transport, a high-end Moustache e-bike, helmet, panniers, tunnel light, map, fitting, and safety instructions.

That package offers good value if you are staying outside Murwillumbah. A separate taxi or rental car, bike hire, and one-way transport could quickly become complicated. The included equipment also means you do not need to bring a helmet, pannier, or bike light.

The value is less clear if you already have easy access to the trail and your own bike. In that case, the shuttle and fitting service may not matter as much. For most visitors based in Byron Bay or the coastal towns, though, the convenience is a central part of what you are paying for.

The bikes also make the day accessible to people who are comfortable cycling but do not want a strenuous ride. You can go at your own pace, and the motor assistance helps reduce effort. You still need enough balance, coordination, and stamina to ride for part of the day.

Rain, clothing, and the small things to pack

The company operates rain or shine. That is good news if you want a firm outing rather than a weather-dependent booking, but it means you should prepare properly.

Bring:

• Water
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A camera
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Cycling clothing if available
• Closed-toe shoes

Avoid loose clothing, alcohol, drugs, and bare feet. The supplied panniers are useful for carrying your water and extra layer, so you do not need to travel heavily.

Rain can change the feel of the ride. The rainforest may look especially atmospheric in wet weather, but heavy rain can make the day colder, messier, and less comfortable. If the weather forecast is poor, contact the operator before the outing. A change of date may be possible, and flexibility has been offered when conditions were particularly wet.

Do not count on food or drinks being provided. Plan to buy something along the route if suitable, or pack snacks and water before setting off.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this outing to anyone who wants a quieter day in the Northern Rivers and likes mixing light activity with small local stops. It works well for couples, friends, and families with riders who can manage a standard bicycle.

It is particularly suited to:

• Visitors staying in Byron Bay or nearby coastal towns
• Riders who want electric assistance without joining a tightly guided group
• People interested in rainforest, old railway routes, and local art
• Anyone who likes stopping for food and regional products
• Cyclists who prefer a supported one-way route

It is less suitable if you need fully accessible transport or cannot ride a bicycle. It may also disappoint you if you expect a fully guided tour with constant commentary. The team provides instructions, transport, and support, but the trail portion is self-guided.

The five-hour duration is enough for a satisfying outing, but it is not an open-ended day trip. If you stop at every suggested point, you may feel rushed. Pick your priorities before you set off.

Should you book the Northern Rivers Rail Trail e-bike experience?

Book it if you want to see the Byron and Tweed hinterland at bicycle speed, with the hard parts handled for you. The combination of a well-equipped Moustache e-bike, hotel pickup, and the Burringbar Range tunnel makes this more than a simple rental.

I especially like it for visitors without a car. You get forest, countryside, village stops, and a memorable tunnel without arranging several separate transfers. The Margaret Olley Gallery and Tweed Valley Dairy give you useful targets along the way, while the self-guided format lets you keep the day relaxed.

Skip it if you dislike cycling in uncertain weather, need wheelchair access, or want a guide beside you for the entire route. Otherwise, $112 is a fair price for the equipment and transport included. Pack water, check the weather, and leave room in your schedule for the tunnel and one good local stop.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The activity lasts five hours, including the shuttle transfers. The cycling route is the 24km Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Is pickup from Byron Bay included?

Yes. Accommodation pickup and drop-off are included from Byron Bay and seven other locations: Murwillumbah, Mount Warning, Kingscliff, Ocean Shores, Pottsville, Brunswick Heads, and Tweed Heads.

Is the rail trail ride guided?

The cycling portion is self-guided. You receive a safety briefing, e-bike instructions, a map with suggested stops, and support from the Better By Bike team.

What equipment is provided?

You receive a high-end Moustache e-bike, Giro helmet, gel seat, weatherproof panniers, a tunnel light, map, bike fitting, and safety instructions.

Do I need to bring food and water?

Yes. Food, drinks, and water are not included. Bring your own water, and pack snacks or plan to purchase food along the route.

What happens if it rains?

The company operates rain or shine. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and prepare for wet conditions. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and booking can be changed under the stated conditions.