The Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, is a hidden gem known for its natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant communities. It has some stunning beaches, very lush hinterlands and some beautiful Waterfall’s. This region is located as you first enter NSW from Queensland. It includes towns such as Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Nimbin and Murwillumbah.
Murwillumbah
Northern River trail
The Northern River trail is 24km one way trail. This section starts at the state heritage listed Murwillumbah Railway Station. It connects to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and continues through to the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar and Mooball before concluding at Crabbes Creek. along the way you will go under 2 tunnels and one of the tunnel’s is 500m long where you do need to make sure you have a torch.
Explore the beaches
Around abouts 20 minute drive from Murwillumbah is the Casuarina Foreshore trail which is a beautiful trail along the foreshore and you can stop for a swim along the way. We did take the Fat bike along the beach all the way to Fingal Head. The trail is around 7k each way starting from Norrie’s headland. You can also walk parts of this trail too. Other beaches to visit, Kingscliff, Cabarita beach, Pottsville and Hastings Point.
Byron Bay
Cape Byron Trail
You will enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Walgun Cape Byron walking track that takes you on a hike through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse. You can also bring your swimmers and stop past Wategos beach along the way. You can park at the Palm Valley carpark which is $5 an hour. We did stumble past a free carpark along Lee Lane which seemed empty compared to the car park and it’s free all day parking.
Broken Heads- Three Sister’s trail
This is a stunning coastal trail to King’s Beach. It’s a 1.6km return trail with beautiful ocean views out to broken head beach. You will also be able to view the lighthouse from the trail on a clear day.
Nightcap National Park.
Minyon Fall’s
You do have the option to walk to the base of the waterfall, although when we arrived it was raining so we opted to stay up the top. We first went to the main fall’s lookout. We found a second lookout which we would definitely recommend heading to but the trail is quite sketchy. You head to the start of the base of the fall’s walk, cross over the river and after about 300m down a set of stairs you will see a small path down the cliff. This is where you can get the best view of the waterfall and no one was around. The walk to the base of the fall’s starts from Minyon fall’s lookout. it is a 7.7km return walk and allow 2 and half hours. This walk also passes Condong waterfall.
Boggy creek walk
If you are camping at Rummery Park campground. Boggy Creek walk is a great option to get to Minyon Fall’s It is 2.2km each way and is a beautiful trail along the creek and out to the waterfall. Allow around 1 hour to complete the trail also keep your eyes out as their is a fair few leeches. To camp at Rummery Campground it is from $25 per night for 2 people.
Rocky Creek Dam
The dam is located in Dunoon about 50 minutes from Byron Bay. The dam wall is 27 metres high, 187 metres above sea level and, when full, the dam holds 14,000 mega litres of water. There is 4 walking trails around the dam. The Platypus walk is a beautiful walk along a boardwalk right by the creek, keep your eyes out or platypus along the way. The trail is 1.5km one way. You can then join the water dragon walk which takes you to a lookout over the dam and spillway, you then head back along the dam wall to the carpark.
Whian whian Fall’s
The walk to Whian Whian waterfall is around 500m return. there is a small parking area after you cross over rocky creek dam. We visited after rainfall and it was flowing very well. Its worth the detour as you head towards Nimbin or Lismore.
Protestor’s Fall’s
The walk to protestor’s falls is 1.4km return. It does say grade 4 after the boardwalk but it wasn’t to sketchy at all and was a beautiful walk along the creek along a well maintained trail to the cascading waterfall. Swimming is not permitted in this area due to the threatened Fleay’s Barred Frog and Pouched Frog.
Ballina
Ballina is located 30 minutes from Byron Bay. It’s a short 30-minute drive from Byron, with the same beautiful beaches but without as many crowds. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, this is the place to visit.
Discover the trails
You can ride along trails from Boulder beach to Ballina and up the Richmond river. You will get spectacular ocean views along the way and can stop along the way at many of the beaches.
Visit one of the many beaches
Walk along the Lennox head point headland, you get spectacular views out to the ocean and looking over Lennox head beach. Which is a great beach for surfers. Other great beaches to visit are Angels beach, Skennars head beach, seven mile beach, Shelley beach and light house beach near Ballina town.
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