Eltham to Byron Bay

This section of the trail will be one of the last sections to open but will also be fantastic when it does!  It’ll stretch 32kms all the way into Byron Bay via Bangalow.

The landscapes on this part of the trail can only be described as amazing with green pastures, shady tree-lined sections, century-old tunnels, wooden trestle viaducts and big steel bridges. This section is arguably the defining part of the Rail Trail, a palpable echo of days gone by.

After leaving Eltham the trail heads east towards Booyung following the Wilsons River as it weaves up the valley floor. You then pass through Nashua, leaving the Wilsons River and joining the upper reaches of the Byron Creek. This shady section of the trail then makes its way in a downward sloping path heading through Binna Burra on its way into the magical Bangalow Village.

Bangalow has always been a place of pilgrimage for those seeking beauty, tranquillity and community and today this vibe remains. There’s a range of restaurants and bars to choose from as well as a number of accommodation options for those wishing to stay the night.

A good meal or beverage isn’t the only reason the Bangalow to Byron Bay section of the trail is likely to be popular. It also features a 13km ‘speed run’ section as the trail navigates its way out of the hill country down to the coast. The scenery will now incorparate ocean views  to complment the amazing country side.

The trail then passes through Talofa and and Hayters Hill before passing a golf course at the bottom,  then joining the coastal fringe Byron Bay sits on. The final part of the ride is a flat section across a spectacularly biodiverse swamp forest before arriving at the centre of Byron Bay itself.

It’s expected this section of the trail will form a hub to join all the other cycle trails on offer with links to the Lennox and Ballina trail to follow a short time after.

This section of the trail also joins our depot located at U2/11 Grevillea Street, Byron Bay in the Arts and Industrial Estate. Here you’ll find us along with full bike service and repair operations.