Beaches, rainforest, rail trails and river towns
The Northern Rivers packs an extraordinary amount into one small corner of New South Wales, and this nine-day ride is the relaxed way to see it. Starting at Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast, you'll ride beneath Wollumbin (Mt Warning), roll along sections of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, pause at the lookouts and waterfalls of Nightcap National Park, and wander the streets of Nimbin and Mullumbimby before following the Richmond River down to Ballina.
Daily distances are modest and the terrain is, for the most part, gently undulating. The schedule leaves room for long cafe stops, a night of ten-pin bowling at the Kyogle pub, and a full rest day at Brunswick Heads with the option of a day trip to Byron Bay. Come on your own, as a couple, or with a group of friends - good company is built in.
Let us take care of everything so you can relax, ride and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE
Dates: 1 - 10 Sep 2027 (9 nights)
Start & Finish: Kingscliff (Gold Coast Airport) / Ballina (Ballina-Byron Airport)
Distance: 363km approx
Average Daily: 52km
Bike Type: Gravel or Hybrid bike is best
Expected Average Speed: 20km/h on flat, sealed terrain
E-bikes: Welcome (e-gravel bikes available for hire)
Surface: 70% sealed asphalt, 30% unsealed (fine gravel rail trails and gravel backroads).
Terrain: Mostly undulating, with a few small hills. One day includes an optional climb
Group Size: Small group tour, approx 15-20
Difficulty Rating: 6/10
Accommodation: Motels with a coastal surf-hip vibe at the beach towns and genuine country charm inland
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 5 morning teas and 7 dinners, plus water, snacks and fruit on the road
Average daily temps: Low 20’s Celsius - mild early Spring on the Far North Coast
Pricing (AUD)
Twin Share: from $5790 pp
Single Room: from $6880 pp
Full pricing on ‘Tour Brochure’ PDF (button below)
Tour Details and FAQs
Our ‘Tour Brochure’ PDF, contains the daily itinerary, distances, map, answers to common questions and full pricing details.
The Northern Rivers Cycling Tour is a 9-night, fully supported small-group ride from Kingscliff to Ballina through the Tweed Valley, Byron hinterland and Richmond River country of northern New South Wales, running 1 to 10 September 2027. Riders cover 363km at an average of 52km a day on bike paths, rail trails and quiet country roads, with a full rest day at Brunswick Heads and an optional side trip to Byron Bay, making it a relaxed, moderate-paced tour for cyclists who want variety over challenge.
Why We Love It (and We Think You Will Too)
Fingal Head's basalt headland on day one
Minyon Falls and Scarabelotti's Lookout
Mt Warning watching over the Tweed Valley
Smooth Northern Rivers Rail Trail riding
Mostly gentle terrain with one optional climb
A rest day with an optional Byron Bay trip
Cafe stops and warm country town hospitality
Ten-pin bowling night at the Kyogle pub
Full support crew and vehicles throughout
Nimbin, the famously alternative small town
The unmistakable AllTrails group camaraderie
A ride to the historic Burns Point ferry
Byron Bay Lighthouse - rest day visit (photo: Hugh Stewart; Destination NSW)
Hidden gems in the hinterland
Fully supported tour with unmatched camaraderie
Who is this tour for?
This tour is for cyclists who want variety and a relaxed pace rather than a physical challenge. Daily distances average 52km on mostly undulating terrain, there is a full rest day at Brunswick Heads, and the one real climb is optional - with the choice of a bus ride up if you would rather just enjoy the descent. A gravel or hybrid bike suits the mix of sealed roads and rail trail, and e-bikes are welcome. It is a good fit for riders newer to multi-day touring, and for anyone who wants as much time off the bike as on it.
Quick FAQs
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A moderate level of fitness is enough. This is a 6/10 difficulty tour averaging 52km a day over seven riding days on mostly undulating terrain, with just one optional climb. Expected average speed is 20km/h on flat, sealed terrain, with more time allowed for hills and unsealed roads, and a support vehicle is available if you'd like a break.
What type of bike should I ride?
A gravel or hybrid bike with puncture-resistant tyres is best, given the mix of sealed roads and fine-gravel rail trail. E-bikes are welcome, and AllTrails has a small fleet of e-gravel bikes available for hire.
What's the terrain and surface like?
About 70% of the route is sealed asphalt and 30% is unsealed, mainly fine-gravel rail trails and gravel backroads. The terrain is mostly undulating with a few small hills, plus one optional climb on the Brunswick Heads out-and-back day.
What's included in the tour price?
Nine nights of accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 5 morning teas and 7 dinners, plus water, snacks and fruit on the road. You also get luggage transfers, a ten-pin bowling night in Kyogle, support vehicles, a tour guide and mechanical assistance, maps and GPS files, and a Rider Pack with clothing merchandise, a drink bottle and a day bag. Lunches are not included, so you can choose from the cafes along the route.
What's the deposit and payment schedule?
A deposit of $400pp secures your place, with a progress payment due 30 days later and the balance due 60 days before the tour departs.
What time of year does this tour run, and what's the weather like?
The tour runs in early September, as spring arrives on the Far North Coast - typically mild days in the low 20s Celsius, well before the summer heat and humidity.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers can pay the single room rate, or join the Twin Share Request List to be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Can I skip sections of the ride if I need to?
Absolutely. Our support vehicle meets the group at points along the route each day, so you can hop in for a break or a lift whenever you'd like.
What Our Cyclists Say
"My first ever bike tour - interstate, on an electric bike for the very first time... Simply put: fabulous, fun, testing, great company, great food and great accommodation. Safety was always paramount and the crew had us covered from beginning to end during our daily rides. Riders cycled at their own pace, either solo or with buddies. The trails were wonderfully varied - gravel, bumpy sections, bitumen, quiet back roads and sealed paths." Teresa (VIC)
"Great riding with quiet roads (1/3 gravel) and varied scenery... Thanks to the crew for excellent organisation and support." David (VIC)
"Thank you so much for helping me celebrate my retirement after 45 years of nursing. What a great way to celebrate life on the other side. The group were fantastic and the ride has left me with many memories. I will highly recommend this ride to my friends." Lorraine (NSW)
"We really enjoyed the tour and were very impressed by the organisation and attention to detail provided by the crew. The final dinner was excellent. We would not hesitate to recommend AllTrails to our friends." Ainslie (NSW)
ALLTRAILS NORTHERN RIVERS CYCLING TOUR GALLERY
If you have any further questions regarding this tour, we would love to hear from you.