Susanna Freymark
The railway line between Casino and Murwillumbah closed in 2004. Its tracks remained unused and over the years the likelihood of trains returning grew dimmer.
In 2014, Richmond Valley Council started a scoping study and in 2019 more detailed planning was done to convert the rail line into a rail trail that people could walk, run or ride.
This Saturday, March 23, the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opens. This section is 13.5km. When the entire trail is completed across Lismore, Bryon and Tweed it will be a 132km trail through the countryside with stunning scenery.
The State Government retains ownership of the rail line, councils are only leasing the land, in case a return to trains is required in the future.
The rail trail journey includes seven bridges and panoramic views from the rest area above the railway tunnel. A children’s play park is planned for the Bentley end of the trail.
Financial support for the trial came from $ 7.5 million funding from the Federal Government.
Everyone is invited to the official opening this Saturday from 9am-3pm at the Old Casino Station Precinct, behind Richmond Dairies.
Park on Spring Grove Road or Dyraaba Street. There is plenty to do at the event. The official opening is at 10am.
The Lions Club is putting on a barbecue. There will be performances by the Byron Taiko drummers throughout the day.
Bike enthusiasts can join in the Bike and Blend at the Old Casino Station site, and get their bike checked by a professional mechanic at the Transport for NSW’s pop-up site at Spring Grove Road car park.
There will be shaved ice and ice creams at various locations.
Come along and ride, walk and enjoy the 13.5km trail between Casino and Bentley.
Mayor Robert Mustow said he has tried the Tweed Rail Trail and was impressed.
The recreational trail in Richmond Valley uses a section of the disused Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridor from Old Casino Station in Casino to Back Creek Bridge at Bentley.
The council is calling out to any horse riders who would like to try out the bridle trail on the Casino to Bentley section.
Starting from Naughtons Gap Carpark, this segment offers ample parking for trailers and floats to make it easy for horse riders.
The Tweed section has officially graduated from its trial phase. The 2.2km horse section remains open as a dedicated horse-friendly area.
The Richmond Valley Rail Trail is still exploring the length and use of the bridle trail next to the main trail.
Anyone who does ride a horse will need a permit.
For anyone who already applied for a horse permit during the trial phase, there’s no need to reapply for the Casino section.
The council is running a competition to encourage people to take photos on the Casino to Bentley section of the trail;,
Take a pic and share it on social media. Tag @discoverrichmondvalley in your post and use the hashtag #drvcapturecompetition
You could win away a Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Discover Casino merchandise bundle. Winners will be announced April 8.
Find out more @northernriversrailtrail.
Come join the celebration and opening of the Richmond Valley Rail Trail. Yes you can bring your dog but they must be on a lead.
