Glow‑worm Tunnels and Cane‑field Pedals: Mooball to Earth Beer Co. via the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

From the quiet crossroads of Mooball in New South Wales, the Mooball to Earth Brewery & Rail Trail ride unfolds along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a purpose-built, off-road path that repurposes the old Casino to Murwillumbah Railway Line into one of the region’s most accessible adventures. Starting at Beyond Byron HQ at Mooball, riders set out on e-bikes for a mostly off-road journey through lowland cane fields, pockets of rainforest, and rolling hinterland before finishing at the eco friendly Earth Beer Company for a well-earned drink. The route threads across timber and steel bridges and through two characterful tunnels. One tunnel is 524 meters long; inside, glow worms speckle the dark and microbats flit on warm nights, turning a routine pedal into a close-quarters wildlife encounter you won’t find on ordinary bike paths. Between these engineered relics you’ll pass farmland, small creek crossings, and quiet country roads as the trail skirts Murwillumbah and the Tween cane fields. This is a rare combination of industrial archaeology and living landscape: the rail formation provides steady grades and clear sightlines while the surrounding cane country and hinterland offer a changing palette of greens and textures. The ride’s easy-to-moderate pacing suits electric bikes—available through the operator—so riders who can handle basic bike control can enjoy long views without excessive strain. The trip runs roughly five to six hours including stops, and there’s an option to wait for return transport from Earth Beer Company. Practical details are straightforward: all riders sign a waiver and must be at least 14 years old for on-road sections. Loss and damage waivers are offered with tiered coverage levels, and group sizes are kept small for a relaxed, unhurried cadence. Bring sun protection, a light waterproof, and cash or card for a brewery tab; food and extra stops are plentiful along the way. What makes this trip stand out in the Northern Rivers is how it stitches local flavor—cane farms, small-town Murwillumbah traffic, and a community-minded brewery—into a single, pedal-powered story. For travelers wanting a social half-day ride that’s rich in natural quirks (hello, glow worms) and low on technical challenge, the Mooball to Earth Brewery & Rail Trail offers an easy access, high-reward taste of hinterland life. Operators prepare bikes and give a briefing at Beyond Byron HQ before departure; groups are typically between Min 2 and Max 16 riders which keeps the pace sociable and manageable. Note the operator requires a signed waiver and there’s an excess for loss of up to $4,000 unless you select Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). LDW options include Basic (no cover), Damage ($10 per bike; covers damage up to $500), and Damage and theft ($25 per bike; reduces theft excess to $500).