National Parks
Nightcap National Park
A visit to Nightcap National Park promises an unforgettable experience with its ancient rainforests, enchanting waterways, and stunning vistas. As part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, this park shelters the rare Nightcap oak and several endangered species, such as Albert’s lyrebird and Fleay’s barred frog, known for its distinctive call after rainfall.
Easily accessible from Lismore and Nimbin, Nightcap offers a range of activities including picnicking, bushwalking, and camping amidst its escarpments, waterfalls, and clear creeks. Notable spots include Minyon Falls lookout, various walking tracks like Protesters Falls, and picnic areas at Terania Creek, Minyon Falls, and Minyon Grass. The Rummery Park campground, located in the adjoining Whian Whian State Conservation Area, is ideal for camping or picnicking, with koalas and abundant birdlife adding to the charm. From here, you can explore Boggy Creek to Minyon Falls, or take a short drive to the falls via Minyon Falls Road.
Local Tips: Cyclists, hikers, and horse riders will find a plethora of trails, including the Whian Whian mountain biking tracks. For a delightful outdoor experience, Rummery Park offers ample facilities and stunning surroundings.
Border Ranges National Park
Border Ranges National Park is a pristine expanse of rainforest and unique flora and fauna connected to the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. This vast wilderness, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, features panoramic views, towering forests, waterfalls, and gorges.
A highlight is the Pinnacle lookout, offering breathtaking views of the Tweed Valley and Wollumbin (Mt Warning) from over 100 meters above. The park’s attractions include Antarctic Beech, Brindle Creek, and Bar Mountain lookout picnic areas, along with numerous walking tracks like the Border Loop and Brindle Creek trails. Forest Tops and Sheepstation Creek campgrounds offer great bases for exploration.
Local Tips: The Pinnacle walk and lookout provide some of the most spectacular views, and the walking tracks offer a chance to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.
Bundjalung National Park
For those who love water-based activities, Bundjalung National Park combines river, beach, and freshwater lagoons for a perfect retreat. Enjoy canoeing on Evans River or Jerusalem Creek, mountain biking on the Macaulays Lead or Serendipity fire trails, or strolling along Ten Mile Beach. The park also features boat launching facilities, snorkeling on shallow reefs, and fishing opportunities.
The park’s highlights include Back Beach and Shark Bay picnic areas, Black Rocks and Woody Head campgrounds, and various walking routes along Jerusalem Creek and the Evans and Esk rivers. The Iluka Bluff picnic area and lookout, along with the Iluka Rainforest walking track in the Iluka Nature Reserve, offer scenic spots for relaxation.
Local Tips: The park’s combination of water activities and camping options makes it ideal for a full outdoor experience, with facilities catering to a variety of needs.
Wollumbin National Park
Wollumbin National Park offers a glimpse into Australia’s ancient rainforests and rich biodiversity. Home to a range of rare species, including whipbirds and the endangered Albert’s lyrebird, the park’s striking peak, Wollumbin (Mt Warning), is the remnant of an ancient volcano, rising 1,157 meters above sea level.
While the Wollumbin Summit walking track is currently closed to respect Aboriginal cultural values, visitors can still enjoy the Lyrebird walking track and the picnic areas at Korrumbyn Creek and Breakfast Creek. The park’s surrounding areas offer excellent vantage points, including those found in Border Ranges and Nightcap national parks.
Local Tips: Respect the cultural significance of Wollumbin by avoiding the summit track, and instead explore the park’s other walking tracks and picnic spots.
Mebbin National Park
Mebbin National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a chance to encounter rare and threatened species such as glossy black cockatoos, large owls, and the elusive giant barred frog. This park, serving as a crucial habitat link between Wollumbin and Border Ranges national parks, features dry eucalypt forests with pockets of rainforest and old growth.
Highlights include the Byrrill Creek walking track and Cutters Camp campground, where visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty.
Local Tips: The park’s serene environment is perfect for a quiet retreat, with ample opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings.
