AllTrails Heads to the Northern Rivers — Introducing a New NSW Cycling Tour for 2027

We have been doing cycle tours around Australia for nearly 30 years and we have covered a whole lot of the country. So when we find a new region to create a tour in, we get pretty excited. The location has to be worth a proper multi-day cycling itinerary — somewhere with the roads, the scenery, and the character to justify many days on the bike.

The Northern Rivers of New South Wales fits that description, and our new tour runs for the first time in September 2027, and bookings are now open.

Kingscliff to Ballina — via the Back Roads of Northern NSW

The route starts at Kingscliff on the far north coast of NSW and finishes in Ballina, 363 kilometres later. In between: Murwillumbah in the Tweed Valley, the creative towns of Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads, a rest day with the option to visit Byron Bay, a crossing of the ranges into the hinterland, Nimbin, Kyogle, a two-night stop in Casino with a day ride out to Lismore, and a transfer into Ballina to finish.

It covers ground that most touring cyclists don't make it to. That's part of the appeal.

The Tour at a Glance

  • Dates: 1–10 September 2027 (9 nights)

  • Distance: 363 km total — 52 km average per day

  • Surface: 70% sealed roads, 30% rail trail and gravel backroads

  • Bike type: Gravel or hybrid (e-bikes welcome; e-gravel bikes available for hire)

  • Difficulty: 6/10 — mostly undulating, one optional climb with a bus option

  • Group size: Approx 15–20

What This Part of Australia Is Like to Ride

The Northern Rivers sits in an interesting middle ground — surf coast towns in the east, hinterland country as you push inland. The coastal stretch through Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads has a particular rhythm to it; relaxed, a little bohemian, good food and coffee stops. Further west, the character changes. The Channon, Kyogle, Casino — that's old-fashioned country NSW, and it's worth seeing.

The roads through the region are not busy. At 52 kilometres a day on average, there's time to stop and actually take it in.

What's Included

Support and safety vehicles travel with the group throughout, luggage is transferred each night, and most meals are taken care of — five breakfasts, five morning teas, and seven dinners are included. A rider pack (jersey, water bottle, day bag) is included in the tour price.

Gravel or hybrid bikes are the right tool for the route. AllTrails has a small fleet of e-gravel bikes available for hire, subject to availability.

Full Details and Bookings

This is a new tour — September 2027 will be the first time we've run it. If the Northern Rivers is on your radar, full information and online bookings are on the tour page.

https://www.alltrails.com.au/northern-rivers-nsw-cycle-tour-2027

AllTrails runs fully supported, guided bicycle and walking tours across Australia.

AllTrails Tours