Woman bitten by snake on Northern Rivers Rail Trail
It got tangled in her bike spokes!
A ride along one of New South Wales’ most popular rail trails has served as a timely reminder for bushwalkers and cyclists alike to stay alert for snakes.
A woman in her 60s is recovering after being bitten by an eastern brown snake that became entangled in her bicycle chain while riding the Northern Rivers Rail Trail near Burringbar, in the Tweed Shire, on Wednesday 15 July.
According to NSW Ambulance, the incident occurred near Upper Burringbar Road at about 1pm after the cyclist accidentally rode over the two-metre reptile. The snake became caught in the bike before biting the woman on the thigh.
Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before transporting her to Tweed Valley Hospital in a stable condition. Despite eastern brown snakes being among the world’s most venomous, the bite fortunately proved to be a “dry bite”, meaning no venom was injected. In a remarkable twist of timing, the incident occurred on World Snake Day. The Northern NSW Local Health District later confirmed the woman was discharged from hospital the following day.
The incident is a reminder that snakes are active across many walking and cycling trails, particularly during warmer conditions, and that giving wildlife plenty of space is the safest approach.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail follows a disused railway corridor through the picturesque landscapes of northern New South Wales, linking rainforest, rolling farmland, heritage villages and restored railway tunnels.
Popular with bushwalkers, cyclists and families, the traffic-free trail offers spectacular hinterland scenery, the impressive Burringbar Range Tunnel and plenty of cafés and small towns to explore.
Just remember to keep an eye on the trail as well as the scenery.
