Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a catalyst for rural tourism activation and growth
Author: Linda Tillman
Never underestimate the power of an anchor tourism product
to drive broad benefits across a destination and region.
As always in the Christmas break my family and I spent loads of time enjoying different regional and rural destinations and experiences. One of the great experiences we enjoyed was the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in NSW.
The rail trail is on track to welcome almost 200,000 users in its first year! The Tweed is a stunning part of regional NSW, and the trail has been developed with great thought and detail, down to the signage and the supporting experiences along its 24km length.
“The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has surpassed expectations
with data revealing an astonishing 108,829 guests have visited the trail since its opening in March ...532 daily.”
My husband and I rode the trail in mid-January on possibly the most humid day in history (even the locals commented on the humidity that day!) – thankfully I was on my e-bike.
As we cycled the 48km return trail from Murwillumbah I found myself thinking a lot about the impact that this project is having on the small towns and communities along the route, and the power of this type of development to grow and activate rural tourism.
As we started from the Murwillumbah railway station there was a group of around 25 people starting a guided tour on e-bikes, even non-cyclists who said they should have L plates on as they got used to riding. All along the way were small groups, walking, riding and jogging. I was shocked at how many people we passed and spoke with along the trail!
Our first stop was 9km in at Hosanna Farmstay for a quick coffee and toilet stop (and a chat with their alpacas!). Those that want to be more adventurous can participate in animal feeding, farm tours, and more. What a fabulous agritourism venture that is leveraging the rail trail as an opportunity to further grow and develop their offering!
Further along the trail we enjoyed the Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouses Cheeses (which was packed with families and groups enjoying lunch and cheese platters!) and then lunch at The Barn Burringbar. Before we left, we explored the little village of Burringbar, which has an antique store, and a great little boutique wine store that’s worth a visit.
After we made it to the end, we had a rest and a well-earned beer at Mooball, another village that is leveraging the rail trail development. Before we left, we managed to spend a few hundred dollars at the op shop and the bike shop.
I loved seeing the businesses cross promote each other, such as a sign we saw at Hosanna Farmstay, that said something like, ‘While you’re here enjoying the rail trail, check out these great nearby attractions.” We visited Husk Farm Distillery, Tweed Regional Gallery and M-Arts Precinct as well.
The reason why I’m sharing all of this is because of the positive impact the rail trail development is having on so many rural communities and small businesses of all shapes and sizes! The rail trail has catalysed rural tourism development and growth in this rural region, and with the future expansion through to Mullumbimby and Casino, these benefits are going to be extended and felt by many more rural communities in Northern NSW.
An anchor attraction Tilma Group had a hand in developing is Coolamon Cheese - a cheese factory and restaurant that transformed a small town.
Are you looking at opportunities to activate your rural communities?
Tilma Group can help you strategically plan regional and rural tourism development that can be leveraged and maximized by your local business community.