Artist's impression of the exterior render of the proposed future Country to Surf Train

Our Mission

To return Trains to the Northern Rivers connecting towns between Lismore and Yelgun. The proposed Country to Surf Train will provide regular, non-road, low-emission public transport for our locals and our many visitors.

Artist's impression of the interior render of the proposed future Country to Surf Train

View the Draft Plan!

Northern Rivers Rail Ltd is leading the way to bring back a regular, low-emission train service to the Northern Rivers Line. This train service will vastly improve societal and economical outcomes in this region. This vision aligns with Transport for NSW’s North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) which seeks to understand the community’s desire for economic growth within the region through transport infrastructure. NRRL has provided a submission to the draft plan as we stride to protect our tracks. Transport for NSW will release the final plan later in 2026 but we urge the community to continue providing feedback to Transport for NSW and to your local members of parliament.

Benefits of a Northern Rivers Daily Rail Service

Provide much needed public transport.
Decrease traffic congestion.
Regular train service.
Decrease DUI rates.
Safer mode of public transport.
Economical mode of transport.
Low-emission trains are better for the environment.
Increase tourism.
Benefit the large population who do not have private modes of transport.

Map with the various stages of the proposed future Country to Surf Train route.

Stage 1 in Planning from Byron Bay to Mullumbimby!

All Stages

Stage 1 from Mullumbimby to Byron Bay.
Stage 2 from Byron Bay to Bangalow.
Stage 3 from Bangalow to Bexhill and from Billinudgel to Yelgun.
Stage 4 from Bexhill to Lismore.

This train won't leave without you slogan alongside an artist's impression of the exterior of the Country to Surf Train.

Our Focus

Our focus is to get our trains back to the Northern Rivers through the Country to Surf Train. In principle, we support having bike paths alongside our train tracks, however we do not support ripping up our rails to have a sole rail trail.

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Partnerships

A long-standing advocate for regional rail services, the Northern Regional Railway Company is a cornerstone partner in our mission. Their decades of operational knowledge, network planning experience, and commitment to regional connectivity have been instrumental in getting our trains back to the region.

Censcert has partnered with us to deliver and sponsor our revitalised website. They will also assist our organisation with our broader digitalisation, and modernisation strategy.

Updates on Latest Business Support!

Maria Lovesey and Gabriel Grimaldi, avid supporters of bringing trains back to the Northern Rivers.

Maria Lovesey and partner Gabriel Grimaldi strongly support the initiative, citing key benefits like environmental protection, better town connections, reduced driving, and improved commuting for locals and visitors. Check out our full galleries here to see more individuals and businesses supporting the return of rail services in the Northern Rivers.