Get off the beaten track and head for the hills to discover the real charms and natural wonders of the region. Just 30 minutes meandering along pretty country lanes will reach most of the region’s attractions – World Heritage-listed rainforests and National Parks, unspoiled beaches fringed with pandanus palms, colourful country markets and curio stores and picture-postcard villages surrounded by neat rows of coffee and macadamia plantations.
This scenic hinterland drive will take you through beautiful villages of Lismore. Before heading out on your journey be sure to take adequate water, wear appropriate footwear, apply sun protection & wear a hat. (more)
This scenic hinterland drive will take you through beautiful villages of Lismore. Before heading out on your journey be sure to take adequate water, wear appropriate footwear, apply sun protection & wear a hat.
Lismore to Bexhill
Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn right at the 3rd roundabout (crn Woodlark & Molesworth St) & left at the 2nd roundabout (crn Dawson & Woodlark St) & follow the road until you reach Bexhill which is a 10km from Lismore.
Turn left over the bridge opposite the Bexhill General Store & follow the signs to the Bexhill Open Air Cathedral. The panoramic view from the Open Air Cathedral makes it a popular spot for outdoor weddings, a picnic or just a quiet place to ponder. Bexhill’s tiny church is renowned for its outstanding organ with recitals sometimes attracting organists from Sydney and Brisbane.
The Bexhill General Store on the main street has some of the best home-made Indian Curries and the Bexhill Hall (a few doors down) is renowned for its "pop-up" pizza nights every Friday night (details on Facebook). Return to Bangalow Road & turn left towards the village of Clunes 10km from Bexhill.
Clunes
Once a staging post on the Lismore to Bangalow Rd, Clunes is said to be the birth place of the regions' dairy industry. The village is named after a pioneering engineer called Robert Mortimer Clunes. It is fitting that Clunes is a Gaelic word for ‘pleasant place.’ There are some beautiful examples of North Coast federation houses and early Australian church architecture in Clunes.
The Clunes Store is a handy little place encompassing a post office, liquor store & serves delicious take away pizza and food delights. The Clunes Cafe located next door prides itself on friendly & personalised service, offering great coffee with a large range of cakes & slices many of them gluten free. They offer a fabulous breakfast and lunch menu. Opening Hours: 7 days a week - check the Clunes Store website for exact details regarding the Store, Cafe and Cellar. Stroll across the road & enjoy the views across the valley towards Alstonville.
If you need another coffee hit or fresh produce, then make sure you stop in at The Old Shed which specialises in organic and spray free produce both from their gardens and local suppliers. Open from 6.30am Monday to Friday and 7am on Saturdays.
Booyong Nature Reserve
Just a little after the general store, take the first right hand turn into Booyong Rd. Follow Booyong Rd, past Stewarts Rd through the Eucalypt plantations. After you cross the Wilson River Bridge you will see Booyong Nature Reserve on your right and Booyong Flora Reserve a further 50m on your left.
A remnant of the “Big Scrub” the flora reserve is home to a colony of fruit bats which can be clearly seen & heard from the entrance to the reserve. A short circuit walk meanders through this slice of natural history. Look out for the giant River Gum in the nature reserve. Please be aware that the walking track is overgrown in some areas. Continue through Booyong and follow the signs to Eltham, a 6.5km drive from Booyong turn right into Eltham Rd. Once you drive over the bridge look for the gallery & pub on your left.
Eltham
The historic railway village of Eltham is nestled in a lush & picturesque valley. The Eltham Village Gallery provides a relaxing opportunity to browse through an amazing range of local arts, craft & produce.
Next door to the gallery is The Eltham Hotel a quaint country pub with a wonderful restaurant that serves delicious ‘home style’ food. The Eltham Hotel is the perfect place for a refreshing ale and if you are lucky there may be some great local live entertainment. The Hotel trades 7 days a week, 12pm until late. The bistro is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm.
Eltham to Lismore
If you are heading back to Lismore turn right onto Boatharbour Rd which eventually connects to Bangalow Rd, turn left onto Bangalow Rd, it is 10km back to Lismore.
Eltham to Bangalow & Byron Bay
If you are heading back to Bangalow or Byron Bay turn right onto the Bangalow Rd. Once you arrive at the roundabout in Bangalow if you are heading North turn left to connect back onto the Pacific Highway. Alternatively if you prefer to take the scenic route to Byron Bay continue straight through town & stay on the Bangalow Rd which eventually connects to Byron Bay Rd. This road is narrow and quite windy in places and has stunning views of the Byron Bay hinterland.
Bangalow to Lennox Head & Ballina
To visit Ballina or Lennox Head from Bangalow, continue straight through the village until you see the Ballina turnoff on the right hand side of the road, this will connect you to the Pacific Hwy. Ballina is 27km & Lennox Head is 21km from Bangalow.
Eltham to Lennox Head & Ballina
Turn left onto Boatharbour Rd & follow it to Eltham Rd and turn right onto Eltham Rd. Stay on Eltham Rd which flows onto Teven Rd, you will see the Teven Golf Course just before you get to the intersection where you turn left onto Tintenbar Rd. This road will connect you to the Pacific Hwy, where you will follow the signs to Ballina or Lennox Head. Ballina is a 27km Drive & Lennox Head is a 28km drive from Eltham.
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This 90km full day tour will take you into the world renown village of Nimbin exploring facinating and funky places of interest. There are so many great things to see and do along this drive, you will spoilt for choices. Make sure you check out the monthly markets for that extra special experience. (more)
This 90km full day tour will take you into the world renown village of Nimbin exploring facinating and funky places of interest. There are so many great things to see and do along this drive, you will spoilt for choices. Make sure you check out the monthly markets for that extra special experience.
Lismore to Nimbin
Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street.
If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Community Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiatve dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. (Opening Hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm). Turn left into Terania Street which turns into Nimbin Rd, look out for the signposts to Nimbin a 30km drive from Lismore.
Nimbin Rocks
Keep your eyes open for Nimbin Rocks, there is a viewing area on the left just before you arrive into town. The towering Nimbin Rocks are estimated to be 20 million years old & are of great significance to the traditional owners from the Bundjalung nation and for this reason access is restricted.
Nimbin
Nimbin was once a sleepy little dairying village. Today Nimbin is known and famous for being a hippy destination and alternative lifestyle capital. Nimbin shot to fame when it hosted the 1973 Aquarius Festival, attracting students, hippies and visionaries from all over Australia. Many of them stayed on to live the dreams and ideology of Aquarius and to sow the seeds for today’s vibrant community.
Nimbin is intriguing and quirky with its unique mural streetscape of indigenous, rainforest and psychedelic facades and colourful local characters. Cullen Street has an amazing array of cafes, craft shops, galleries and retail outlets.
Nimbin Candle Factory
For over 30 years, this family-run business has been making beautiful traditional, non-toxic candles using essential oils and vegetable dyes. Their water powered dipping deck was inspired by similar equipment used in ancient monasteries. Open daily, located at The Old Butter Factory on Mulgum Creek.
Djanbung Gardens Permaculture Centre
Djanbung Gardens is a living ‘learnscape’ of working permaculture systems and sustainability in action. What was once a 5 acre cow pasture has been transformed into amazing organic gardens of herbs, exotic spices, orchards, tropical fruit, bush foods, aquaculture, creative water systems, innovative natural building technologies, wildlife and bush regeneration. Open Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Contact the team for appointments outside these hours.
Rainbow Power Company
The Rainbow Power Company is one of Australia’s largest renewable energy companies, specialising in the installation and distribution of electrical systems using the power of nature, solar, wind and water. The Rainbow Power Company has been in the forefront of this industry for the last 23 years. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Hemp Embassy
At Nimbin’s Hemp Embassy you will find information and alternative hemp based products such as building materials, fashion, body products and vitamin supplements.
Nimbin Markets
Held on the 4th & 5th Sundays of the month in the Nimbin Community Centre, the Nimbin Markets are a treasure trove of arts & crafts, local food & produce, exotic & second-hand items, massages, alternative therapies & live music.
Nimbin Skate Park
Includes a snake run along the side of the park, which drops down into a larger bowl secon that contains four different heights ranging from advanced vertical sections to lower beginners level.
Blue Knob to Uki
Once you have experienced the sights of Nimbin, drive through town & out along Blue Knob Rd, look out for Blue Knob Hall Gallery & Café which is the perfect place to stop for lunch, a snack or a peek at some truly gifted local artists work.
Nestled below the sacred landmark of Lillian Rock, this quaint co-operative gallery & café offers a changing exhibition program & a beautiful outlook over Blue Knob Mountain & Nightcap National Park. Continue on Blue Knob Rd to Kyogle/Murwillumbah Rd. Turn Right towards Uki & Murwillumbah & continue on the Kyogle Rd.
Clarrie Hall Dam
3.5km before the village of Uki is Clarrie Hall Dam. Activities permitted on the Dam include canoeing, boating (electric motor, sail or paddle only) & fishing. The Dam is stocked with Australia Bass & also supports several significant bird species. The recreation area is perfect for photography, bird watching, picnics & bushwalking.
Uki
This little village nestled at the base of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) is home to an eclectic group of friendly locals. The village consists of a small number of shops, a renowned café, a country style pub, galleries, studios & holistic health centres, old wares, a great bookshop & the Uki Cafe. The Uki markets are held every 3rd Sunday of the month. Check out the trash & treasure bargains, it is a great morning out & if you are lucky you can listen to the hillbilly sounds of the local but famous ‘Perch Creek Jug Band’. Every Saturday morning the same hall is buzzing with locals buying their weekly fresh produce at the weekly Farmers Market. Continue out of Uki for 4km to the Mt Warning turnoff.
Mavis’s Kitchen & Cabins
Located at 64 Mt Warning Rd, 600m from the corner (first right after the 2nd bridge) is Mavis’s Kitchen. Set within a beautiful 25 acre farmland, where they use fresh & local produce to serve simple, home cooked meals. Located in the private surrounds adjacent to the kitchen are cabins and farm house accommodation suitable for couples or families. The venue is also sought after for weddings and events.
Mt Warning National Park (Wollumbin)
Mt Warning (Wollumbin) is the central plug of a huge, shield-shaped volcano surrounded by a rim or caldera. Wollumbin is a sacred & spiritual place to the Bundjalung people, traditional inhabitants of the region. Under Bundjalung law, only chosen people are allowed to climb Wollumbin. Out of respect for their culture, the Bundjalung ask that you consider not climbing. Visitors are however, welcome to take a walk among the palms & breathtaking forest giants on the 200m Lyrebird track. Mt Warning is the spot where the first rays of sunlight hit the Australian mainland. Heading back along Mt Warning Road turn left onto Kyogle Rd & follow the signs to Murwillumbah.
Murwillumbah
Entering Murwillumbah you will be following the Tweed River. Follow the signs down Wollumbin Street, to the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre which is located over the bridge on the left hand side of Alma Street. Stop in & have a chat to the friendly staff who will be more than happy to provide you with any information you require.
Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
Before leaving Murwillumbah take time to visit the Centre which offers stunning views of Mt Warning from the panoramic windows inside the gallery & from the deck of the gallery’s gourmet café. It is a short 3km drive from the Visitor Information Centre. Once leaving the information centre head South along the Tweed Valley Way, turn right into Scott St & left into Mistral Rd. Exhibitions change regularly throughout the year & cover various artistic mediums. The building has an educational/workshop centre, four exhibition spaces, performance space, library & gallery café which serves delicious local food, coffee & cake. Opening Hours are Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for patrons.
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Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street. If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Community Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 9am to 5.30pm, Thurs & Fri 10am to 5.30pm. (more)
Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street. If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Community Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 9am to 5.30pm, Thurs & Fri 10am to 5.30pm.
Turn Left into Terania Street which turns into Nimbin Rd, look out for the signposts to Nimbin a 30km drive from Lismore.
Nimbin Rocks
Keep your eyes open for Nimbin Rocks, there is a viewing area on the left just before you arrive into town. The towering Nimbin Rocks are estimated to be 20 million years old and are of great significance to the traditional owners from the Bundjalung nation and for this reason access is restricted.
Nimbin
Nimbin was once a sleepy little dairying village. Today Nimbin is known and famous for being a hippie destination and alternative lifestyle capital. Nimbin shot to fame when it hosted the 1973 Aquarius Festival, attracting students, hippies and visionaries from all over Australia. Many of them stayed on to live the dreams and ideology of Aquarius and to sow the seeds for today’s vibrant community. Nimbin is intriguing and quirky with its unique mural streetscape of indigenous, rainforest and psychedelic facades and colourful local characters. Cullen Street has an amazing array of cafes, craft shops, galleries and retail outlets.
Nimbin Candle Factory
For over 30 years, this family-run business has been making beautiful traditional, non-toxic candles using essential oils and vegetable dyes. Their water powered dipping deck was inspired by similar equipment used in ancient monasteries. The factory is open daily and is located at The Old Butter Factory on Mulgum Creek.
Djanbung Gardens Permaculture Centre
Djanbung Gardens is a living ‘learnscape’ of working permaculture systems and sustainability in action. What was once a 5 acre cow pasture has been transformed into amazing organic gardens of herbs, exotic spices, orchards, tropical fruit, bush foods, aquaculture, creative water systems, innovative natural building technologies, wildlife and bush regeneration. Open Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Contact the team for appointments outside these hours.
Rainbow Power Company
The Rainbow Power Company is one of Australia’s largest renewable energy companies, specialising in the installation and distribution of electrical systems using the power of nature, solar, wind and water. The Rainbow Power Company has been in the forefront of this industry for the last 23 years. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Hemp Embassy
At Nimbin’s Hemp Embassy you will find information and alternative hemp based products such as building materials, fashion, body products and vitamin supplements.
Nimbin Markets
Held on the 4th & 5th Sundays of the month in the Nimbin Community Centre, the Nimbin Markets are a treasure trove of arts & crafts, local food & produce, exotic & second-hand items, massages, alternative therapies & live music.
Nimbin Skate Park
Includes a snake run along the side of the park, which drops down into a larger bowl section that contains four different heights ranging from advanced vertical sections to lower beginners level.
Blue Knob to Barkers Vale
Once you have experienced the sights of Nimbin, drive through town & out along Blue Knob Rd, look out for Blue Knob Hall Gallery & Café which is the perfect place to stop for lunch, a snack or a peek at some truly gifted local artists work. Nestled below the sacred landmark of Lillian Rock, this quaint co-operative gallery & café offers a changing exhibition program & a beautiful outlook over Blue Knob Mountain & Nightcap National Park. Continue on Blue Knob Rd to Kyogle/Murwillumbah Rd. Turn left towards Kyogle & continue on the Kyogle/Murwillumbah Rd. Turn right into Williams Rd & then turn into Creegan Rd which becomes Tweed Range Scenic Drive.
Border Ranges National Park
Tweed Range Scenic Drive is a gravel road which traverses the eastern Plateau of this World Heritage Rainforest area. This 64km drive from Lillian Rock to Wiangaree takes a leisurely 3-4 hours. Located on the western rim of the ancient Mt Warning caldera, the Border Ranges National Park offers spectacular views, pristine rainforest walks, waterfalls, stands of Antarctic Beech trees and a variety of camping and picnic areas. The park’s highlight is the amazing view from The Pinnacle Lookout. The Pinnacle Walk is like no other in the region (0.2km 10 minutes return) & offers dramatic views of the Mt Warning Caldera. The track finishes at a lookout platform with spectacular views of Mt Warning & the Tweed Valley 1000 m below. For more information please ask the Visitor Centre staff for a copy of the Border Ranges National Park brochure. Exit the park at Wiangaree & travel along the Summerland Way southwards towards Kyogle, a scenic 13km drive.
Kyogle
Kyogle is referred to as the ‘Gateway to the rainforests.’ Take the opportunity to stop in at the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre and have a chat to the friendly staff who will be more than happy to share with you all the information you need to explore this historic township before your return trip to Lismore, just a short 30km drive.
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Get off the beaten track and explore the enchanting rainforests and hinterland along the Rainforest Way. Stretching from Woodburn (NSW) in the south to Beaudesert (QLD) in the north, the Rainforest Way touring route is the perfect way to experience the landscape, lifestyle and diversity of the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland. (more)
Get off the beaten track and explore the enchanting rainforests and hinterland along the Rainforest Way. Stretching from Woodburn (NSW) in the south to Beaudesert (QLD) in the north, the Rainforest Way touring route is the perfect way to experience the landscape, lifestyle and diversity of the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland.
The Rainforest Way links 14 magnificent World Heritage National Parks and offers easy access to walking trails, waterfalls and breathtaking lookouts.
From Murwillumbah follow Tourist Drive 32 to Mt Warning National Park for a rainforest boardwalk and then onto the historic village of Uki. Leaving Uki towards Kyogle turn right into Byrrill Creek Road and head towards Tyalgum (there is a 10km section that is unsealed) the entrance to Mebbin National Park is on the left. Continue on the road to Tyalgum following the signs as you go and then on to Chillingham. At the Chillingham bridge the option is to turn left to Natural Bridge (16km) and Nerang or turn right to return to Murwillumbah.
Things to Do
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Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street. If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. Opening Hours are Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm. Turn left into Terania Street, then take the first turn right after the railway bridge into Tweed Street and continue along Dunoon Road. Dunoon is a 20 minute drive from Lismore. (more)
Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street. If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. Opening Hours are Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm. Turn left into Terania Street, then take the first turn right after the railway bridge into Tweed Street and continue along Dunoon Road. Dunoon is a 20 minute drive from Lismore.
Dunoon
Dunoon is known as the Macadamia Capital of Australia, the village is also the gateway to Rocky Creek Dam. As you approach Dunoon, lookout for and visit the processing plant of Macadamias International Australia. Although factory tours are not available to the general public, there are a wide variety of macadamia products available for sale in the reception area of the factory. Macadamias can also be purchased at the Dunoon General Store and Nut in Shell from roadside stalls. If you are looking for somewhere to eat and like dining in style the Dunoon and District Sport & Recreation Club is the perfect location. Maroochi on the Field have a wonderful menu that offers something for everyone, including vegetarians and gluten intolerant. Dine inside or alfresco on the large timber deck while watching the sun go down over the fields and children's play area. Opening Hours are Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to 8pm. Be sure to check if Tanglefoot Gallery located on James Street is open, they have a unique range of locally handcrafted arts, crafts and food products. To continue on to Rocky Creek Dam proceed through Dunoon Village and take the Rocky Creek Dam turnoff to the left about 5km out of town.
Rocky Creek Dam
This is Lismore’s primary water supply and provides a favourite picnic spot for travellers and local residents. The area offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a range of walking tracks to explore the lush environment. There are three different tracks to choose from, ranging from 10 to 60 minutes in duration. There are also barbecue facilities and a children’s playground. You may even be lucky enough to view a platypus from the elevated boardwalk.
Nightcap National Park
Retrace your steps along Rocky Creek Dam Road and turn left into Dorroughby-Repentance Creek Road. Continue through Dorroughby and turn left into Nightcap Ranges Road which will take you through the centre of the Nightcap Ranges National Park. At the Southern Rim of the ancient Mt Warning (Wollumbin) shield volcano, the Nightcap National Park is one of the lushest and best preserved expanses of subtropical rainforests in NSW, 5000 hectares of which is World Heritage listed. The sheer cliffs, lush green gullies and spectacular waterfalls are relics of the area’s volcanic past and well worth exploring.
Rummery Park
An idyllic spot for camping or a picnic. The regrowth forest around the Park is home to a colony of Koalas. You can take a short walk up Boggy Creek to Minyon Falls or drive a further 300m, turn left and travel along the Forest Drive to spectacular Minyon Falls.
Minyon Falls
From the top of the rhyolitic cliff (extruded as lava flows many millions of years ago), these beautiful falls plunge 100 metres into the deep palm shaded gorge below. Minyon Falls Picnic Area is situated on Minyon Drive above Minyon Falls. On clear days there are views to the ocean from the waterfall’s edge, which is accessed from a wheelchair accessible platform. The Minyon Loop Walk can be accessed from the Minyon Falls picnic areas, this walk takes visitors through changing vegetation to the base of the falls past a large Brushbox stand and along the escarpment edge. This walk has a steep climb out.
Minyon Grass
Continue along Minyon Falls Road another few km to Minyon Grass Picnic area which offers the most spectacular views of Minyon Falls from a wheelchair accessible platform. You can walk from Minyon Grass to the base of the falls, it is a 4km return walk taking around 2 hours. This walk has a steep climb out.
Rosebank to Bexhill
Return to Lismore via Rosebank, on the edge of the rainforest the tiny village of Rosebank is dotted with macadamia and coffee plantations and home to Rosebank Gold, the very first coffee plantation in the region. Continue along Rosebank Road to the village of Corndale and then follow Corndale Road to the village of Bexhill. The panoramic view from the Open Air Cathedral makes it a popular spot for outdoor weddings, a picnic or just a quiet place to ponder. Bexhill’s tiny church is renowned for its outstanding organ with recitals. The little general store on the main street has some of the best home-made Indian Curries and the butcher shop is renowned for its quality meats. Follow Bangalow Road back to Lismore.
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Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street. If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Community Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. Turn left into Terania Street, then take the first turn right after the railway bridge into Tweed Street and continue along Dunoon Road following the signposts to The Channon, a 20 km scenic drive through macadamia and stone fruit orchards. (more)
Depart Lismore's Heritage Park turning left along Molesworth Street. Turn left at the Woodlark Street roundabout crossing over the Wilson River. Turn right at the first roundabout onto Bridge Street. If you have an interest in art be sure to stop in at Serpentine Community Gallery located at 17A Bridge Street. The gallery is a local artist initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. Turn left into Terania Street, then take the first turn right after the railway bridge into Tweed Street and continue along Dunoon Road following the signposts to The Channon, a 20 km scenic drive through macadamia and stone fruit orchards.
The Channon
This pretty little village is set in the foothills of Nightcap Ranges. The Channon is home to the original North Coast craft market and for over 30 years their ‘make it, bake it or grow it” philosophy has held firm. The market is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month and many locals and visitors come to enjoy wonderful homemade cuisine & hand crafted goods. With up to 250 stalls, the market is one of the biggest & most popular in regional NSW. Great times to visit the market are between 9am and 3pm. The old butter factory on the banks of Terania Creek has been transformed into the heritage-listed Channon Tavern, a bar where visitors & locals mix.
Check out the village general store for any supplies you may need from beer to Blundstone boots. The Channon Gallery, located at 52 Terania Street, just across the street from The Channon Tavern showcases the works of regional artists with diverse styles and content. Take the time to stop and enjoy the regional works being exhibited. Gallery Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Protesters Falls
Travel 15 km along the winding Terania Creek Road to the World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park (15km of unsealed road, approx 30 minutes drive). Terania Creek Picnic Area, the scene of the historic protests to stop logging, is located at the end of Terania Creek Rd. From the main car park take the easy 1.4km walk that winds its way through Bangalow Palms to the base of Protesters Falls (45 minute return). The falls are named after the protesters whose anti-logging campaign in the late 1970s led to the declaration of the National Park in 1983 and generated world wide awareness of the need to preserve our natural environments. Swimming is not permitted in the area as it is the home to the endangered Fleay’s Barred Frog. Backtrack to The Channon, turning right towards Nimbin along Tuntable Creek Rd. Look for signs to Mt Nardi and the TV towers.
Mt Nardi
Take one of the beautiful nature walks including Mt Matheson (3km, 1.5 hours) this walk heads out through the lush rainforest encircling Mt Matheson. The Pholis Gap and Historic Nightcap tracks split off from this walk. Pholis Gap walk (4km 1.5 hours) meanders through the rainforest for 1km before splitting off the Mt Matheson Loop and descending towards the escarpment edge. Drier vegetation dominated by grass trees & New England Blackbutt typify this walk which also offers views of Mt Warning and surrounding valleys. Please note that this section of the park has received less maintenance than other sections.
Nimbin
Nimbin was once a sleepy little dairying village. Today Nimbin is known and famous for being a hippy destination and alternative lifestyle capital. Nimbin shot to fame when it hosted the 1973 Aquarius Festival, attracting students, hippies and visionaries from all over Australia. Many of them stayed on to live the dreams and ideology of Aquarius and to sow the seeds for today’s vibrant community. Nimbin is intriguing and quirky with its unique mural streetscape of indigenous, rainforest and psychedelic facades and colourful local characters. Cullen Street has an amazing array of cafes, craft shops, galleries and retail outlets. Make the Nimbin Visitor Information Centre your first stop - the friendly and informative staff will be more than happy to let you know the locations of Nimbin's attractions.
Nimbin Rocks
Once you have taken in the sites of Nimbin return to Lismore (30km) via Nimbin Road, where you can view Nimbin Rocks on the right as you leave the town. The towering Nimbin Rocks are estimated to be 20 million years old & are of great significance to the traditional owners from the Bundjalung Nation and for this reason access is restricted.
Nimbin Candle Factory
For over 30 years, this family-run business has been making beautiful traditional, non-toxic candles using essential oils and vegetable dyes. Their water powered dipping deck was inspired by similar equipment used in ancient monasteries. Open daily, located at The Old Butter Factory on Mulgum Creek.
Djanbung Gardens Permaculture Centre
Djanbung Gardens is a living ‘learnscape’ of working permaculture systems and sustainability in action. What was once a 5 acre cow pasture has been transformed into amazing organic gardens of herbs, exotic spices, orchards, tropical fruit, bush foods, aquaculture, creative water systems, innovative natural building technologies, wildlife and bush regeneration. Open Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Contact the team for appointments outside these hours.
Rainbow Power Company
The Rainbow Power Company is one of Australia’s largest renewable energy companies, specialising in the installation and distribution of electrical systems using the power of nature, solar, wind and water. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Stay and experience some country hospitality... check out our accommodation options here.
