Self Guided E Bike Tour – Unicorn Falls, Rainforest & Rail Trail

If you’re looking for a way to explore New South Wales beyond the usual coastal hotspots, this self-guided e-bike tour offers a refreshing, immersive experience into the region’s lush landscapes, historic rail corridors, and quiet villages. While it’s not a guided tour with a guide talking your ear off, that’s part of its charm—this journey is all about discovering at your own pace, riding through some of the area’s most picturesque spots.

What we love about this trip is its balance of adventure and relaxation—you get to pedal (or let the e-bike do the heavy lifting), explore ancient rainforests, and dip into waterfalls, all while having the flexibility to stop wherever your curiosity takes you. Plus, the mix of coastline, hinterland, and small-town charm makes it a genuine taste of regional NSW. The only catch? Riders should have some moderate fitness and cycling experience, as there are gravel roads and a downhill section that might challenge less experienced riders.

This tour is perfect for active travelers who appreciate scenic beauty, independence, and a touch of adventure. It suits those aged 14 and up, with a weight limit of 120 kg, and offers a fantastic day out for families, couples, or small groups looking to escape the crowds and see a side of Australia that many miss.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided format: Ride at your own pace without a guide, making it ideal for independent explorers.
• High-quality e-bikes included: The premium e-bike makes hill climbs easier and extends your riding range.
• Diverse scenery: From rainforest and waterfalls to historic tunnels and rural countryside, the scenery is varied and captivating.
• Authentic regional experience: Stops in small towns like Uki and Main Arm give a real sense of local life.
• Balanced itinerary: About 3-3.5 hours of cycling with plenty of time for eating, swimming, and sightseeing.
• Great value: For $114.04, you get bike rental, safety gear, and some thoughtful extras like a phone powerbank and simple first aid.

A Detailed Look into the Experience

Starting Point: Mooball and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Your adventure begins at the Moo Moo Roadhouse in Mooball, where you can fuel up with coffee or breakfast before hitting the trail. Located right next door, the café offers a cozy start, and onsite parking makes logistics simple. From here, the ride kicks off on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which is the backbone of this tour.

This trail, built on old railway corridors, is a smooth, scenic route that guides you through the region’s green corridors. You’ll pass under the 524-meter-long Burringbar Range Tunnel, an impressive relic of the area’s railway past, and cross the Mills Creek bridge, a perfect spot to pause and admire the view. The trail’s gentle grade and well-maintained surface make it accessible for most cyclists, though some gravel sections and a downhill stretch should be noted.

Stopping in Uki: Quirky Countryside Charm

After about 50 minutes on the trail, you’ll arrive in Uki, a quirky little town known for its artistic vibe and relaxed lifestyle. It’s a great spot to grab a snack, with recommendations including Village & Co Café, Bastion Coffee, or Uki Pies. This break allows you to stretch your legs, chat with locals, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. It’s one of the tour’s highlights, giving you a taste of rural life away from tourist crowds.

Heading into the Rainforest and Unicorn Falls

From Uki, the ride turns slightly more adventurous as you weave through sleepy Rowlands Creek before starting the ascent into Mount Jerusalem National Park. The klim is gentle but persistent enough to warrant your attention, especially with the e-bike making hills feel like a breeze. Your ultimate goal is the hidden Unicorn Falls, a striking waterfall tucked away in the forest. The climb is partly rewarded with a refreshing dip and the chance to enjoy the sounds of nature—an experience many reviewers find well worth the effort.

Midpoint Refreshments and Village Life

After descending from the rainforest, you’ll stop at Main Arm, a small village where the local store acts as a hub of community life. Here, you can indulge in ice cream, snacks, or simply relax and chat with residents. It’s a genuine touchpoint that adds a layer of authenticity to your day.

The Final Stretch: Countryside and Historic Billinudgel

The last leg takes you through The Pocket, a peaceful rural area dotted with farms, cows, and even the occasional alpaca—if you’re lucky. The ride through this lush countryside offers plenty of scenic photo opportunities and a sense of rural serenity. Your final destination is the Billinudgel Hotel, a historic pub where you can unwind with a drink and reflect on your day’s adventure.

Practicalities and What’s Included

The tour includes a premium e-bike, helmet, lights, lock, pannier or backpack, and extras like a phone powerbank, multitool, simple first aid kit, and pump. These thoughtful provisions mean you’re well-equipped for the journey, and the e-bike’s assistance makes tackling climbs enjoyable rather than exhausting.

You’ll need to bring your own water bottle (they recommend bringing a fully charged smartphone with the Ridewithgps app pre-installed for navigation), and the total activity lasts around 6 hours, with about 3 hours of actual cycling. The remaining time is for eating, swimming, and exploring—making it a well-paced day.

Riding Conditions and Group Size

Some gravel roads and a downhill section mean riders should have moderate cycling experience and good fitness. The tour limits to 10 participants, ensuring a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and personalized attention if needed. This small group size also guarantees that you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and your experience can adapt to your pace.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

One enthusiastic rider noted, “Bike trail was the best!” and appreciated the combination of challenge and scenic beauty. The same rider recommended extending the adventure by stopping at local farms like Hosanna Farms for a taste of regional produce. Another reviewer emphasized the value, saying, “Great experience and service!” highlighting how smooth the logistics and bike quality made the day.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just over $114 per person, this experience packs in a lot—quality bikes, scenic diversity, authentic small-town stops, and the freedom to explore at your own speed. The flexibility means you get to customize your day, whether you want to linger at Unicorn Falls, take endless photos, or have a quick swim. The inclusion of safety gear and extras like a powerbank also adds to its practicality.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This ride suits active travelers with some cycling experience who want to get off the beaten path and see the true character of New South Wales’ hinterland. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and small-town charm and don’t mind a few gravel patches. Families with teenagers, couples seeking a leisurely yet adventurous day, or small groups of friends will find it an enriching, memorable outing.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided e-bike tour offers a rare chance to explore NSW’s lush hinterland at your own pace. The combination of stunning scenery, historic rail features, and authentic villages makes it a rewarding day out. The e-bikes remove much of the physical strain, so even those with moderate fitness can enjoy the ride, while the small-group, self-guided format ensures flexibility and a personalized experience.

The route’s highlights—reaching Unicorn Falls, passing through ancient rainforests, and crossing old railway tunnels—are unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a curious traveler eager to explore beyond the coast, this journey promises a genuine taste of regional Australia’s natural beauty and quiet charm.

FAQ

Do I need to have cycling experience for this tour?
Yes, you should have good general cycling experience, as the tour involves gravel roads and some challenging sections. Moderate fitness is recommended to enjoy the ride comfortably.

What’s included in the cost?
The price covers a premium e-bike, helmet, lights, lock, pannier or backpack, and extras like a phone powerbank, multitool, simple first aid kit, and pump.

Can I stop along the way?
Absolutely. This is a self-guided tour, so you can stop wherever you want and go at your own pace, as long as you finish by 4 pm.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Participants should be at least 14 years old, over 150cm in height, under 120 kg, and capable of handling moderately challenging terrain.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with 3-3.5 hours of cycling, plus time for eating, swimming, and exploring.

What are the start and end points?
It begins at Mooball (next to Moo Moo Roadhouse) and finishes at the Billinudgel Hotel.

What should I bring?
Bring a water bottle (they recommend filling it beforehand), a fully charged smartphone with Ridewithgps for navigation, and suitable clothing for the weather.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s self-guided, giving you independence to explore at your own pace. Support is available in terms of equipment and route info.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This self-guided e-bike tour promises a balanced mix of active adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural charm. It’s a fantastic way to see more of New South Wales’ hinterland in a relaxed, personal style.