Cabarita/Bogangar
Back in July we went down to Cabarita / Bogangar for a week. This time we didn't take the camper as we had a unit at Tamarind Sands so we had a bit of luxury and no need to bring the levels out or argue about putting the bed flies up.
Our aim was to ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail from Murwillumbah. The weather was pretty cool so we rugged up a bit (Aldi thermal top), packed plenty of snacks and a thermos as we weren't sure what to expect. From Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek return is 48 kilometres - one of my longest rides to date.
I do have a Tebco power-assist bike (just to be clear, that it is power-assist and I need to peddle all the time) but I wasn't sure how difficult the ride was going to be so I was very conservative with power on the first leg. I didn't need to be because it was a pretty easy ride although I was grateful on the home stretch that I had plenty of power up my sleeve so I cranked that baby up and glided back to Murwillumbah station. My bum knew about it though!
WOW!!! It was fantastic - the trail was clearly marked from Murwillumbah station that not even we could miss it. Plenty of parking at the station as well which is a real bonus.
At many stops they even had bicycle pumps as well as bike-repair stations - even toilets along the way which is a bonus. We went on a week-day so we missed some of the activities that are available on week-ends. I believe they sometimes have BBQs and music at the towns/stations along the way.
The ride went through light rainforest which was so picturesque. There is also a tunnel near Burringbar which is 500m long and you will need a light on the bike. Just a tip for newbies - take your sunglasses off as it is really DARK! I only realised that half way through. 🚲😎
We stopped for lunch at Mooball but there were plenty of places to buy food or picnic tables if you do a BYO.
During the week we also rode from Cabarita / Bogangar to Pottsville and Kingscliff which are both nice rides. Kingscliff has my favourite coffee shop, Zinc, which overlooks the ocean at Kingscliff.
There are a few golf courses around Cabarita - my favourite is Chinderah. I am no golfer but I do try and this course has many Par 3 holes and I even parred a hole. Woohoo! That may not be a big deal for everybody but it is for me. 🏌
We took a day trip to Byron Bay for brunch and the weather gods must have thought we had the camper because it absolutely bucketed down. Byron Bay is only about a 45 minute drive from Cabarita and if you haven't been that way it's worth the trip along with a stop at Brunswick Heads. I have been to Byron a number of times and for me, I find it too busy but that's just my opinion. I guess it's my blog so it can be my opinion. I know others love it.
The views over the headland at Cabarita / Bogangar are fantastic and there are always surfers - regardless of the weather. You will often see dolphins surfing the waves as well. There are so many beautiful spots to see in this area and we even saw whales at Fingal Head (no photos sorry - I really need to 'up' my photography skills)
We had a few meals at the Cabarita Beach Hotel - it wouldn't be my blog without a food photo. 😋😋😋🍷
