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.
Discover charming hinterland villages to the creative hub of the Northern Rivers – Lismore. From Lismore, follow the winding course of the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers, through historic riverside villages, with experiences around every corner. (more)
Discover charming hinterland villages to the creative hub of the Northern Rivers – Lismore. From Lismore, follow the winding course of the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers, through historic riverside villages, with experiences around every corner.
Take the Bangalow exit off the Pacific Highway or the Hinterland Way to this pretty town, rich in Federation charm. Its main street is lined with historic buildings, a very cool country pub, galleries, excellent local cafes and boutique shopping.
Local tip: Bangalow Parklands (Deacon Street) is a large shady park set alongside Byron Creek and the Bangalow Weir, with a charming rotunda, picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, and a wonderful natural playground for the kids.
Bangalow Markets is held on the fourth Sunday of every month. Wander the hundreds of stalls beneath the huge camphor laurel trees at the Bangalow Showground.
Clunes
Head west along Bangalow Road for the 12-minute drive to the village of Clunes. Clunes boasts beautiful examples of Federation homes and early Australian church architecture. The Clunes Village Park is a great spot to stop with its lush trees and views across the valley towards Alstonville.
The general store and cafe, houses a boutique cellar, post office, grocery and gift store. The shop offers local, sustainable and specialty produce and provisions, while the cafe prides itself on its seasonal, locally sourced menu. The nearby second-hand bookshop stocks around 25,000 books at reasonable prices, you’ll also find a gift and curios shop inside the store.
Local Tip: Clunes is home to a number of pottery and artist studios that typically open over the holidays and on weekends. Enquire at the general store to find out more!
Local tip: 4 kms west of Clunes, turn left onto Johnston Road to Eltham. You’ll findan art gallery and the Eltham Hotel, a wonderful country pub with a great menu, boutique accommodation and outdoor beer garden. From Eltham, continue west along Eltham Road to Bangalow Road, turning left to Bexhill.
Bexhill boasts they have the “friendliest general store” in the Northern Rivers, also famous for its homemade Indian curries and samosas. They also serve excellent coffee and have a great range of affordable local gifts. The deli next door is a must-see for foodies, especially cheese lovers. It boasts 100 varieties of cheese, along with salamis, hams, Continental groceries, meats and antipasto. They also make up hampers and delicious picnic baskets to enjoy on your travels. Stop in to sample their free cheese tastings offered daily!
Local tip: Visit the Bexhill Open Air Cathedral to enjoy the panoramic view. It’s a popular spot for outdoor weddings and picnics, or a quiet place to ponder.
Continue along Bangalow Road to the City of Lismore, the dynamic and artistic heart of the Northern Rivers. The historic, leafy city centre houses an array of fascinating boutiques, antique and curio shops, galleries, street art, and diverse dining scene.
Park alongside the Lismore Regional Gallery (Rural Street) and The Quad, a beautiful greenspace in the heart of Lismore that’s a gathering place for the community.
Lismore Regional Gallery presents energetic and thought-provoking exhibitions and events for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. For what’s on visit www.lismoregallery.org.
Lismore Laneways, Back Alley Gallery and Listening Booth (Carrington Street, Eggins Lane and Larkin Lane)
Walk the colourful laneways and marvel at the 60-plus artworks by local and national artists, or step inside a funky vintage phone booth to hear local stories and music. Some of the beloved public art includes In the Heart,‘you are here’ landmark by Holly Ahern and Eden Crawford-Harriman. Have your photo taken with the heart, then share and tag #visitlismore.
Lismore boasts numerous leafy, family-friendly parks, nature walks, skateparks, bike tracks and public gardens. Standouts include:
Lismore is also the entertainment capital of the region, the city has everything from unique festivals and events to arts and culture, live music, performance and so much more. Check out ‘What’s On’ at visitlismore.com.au.
Local Tip: The Koala Care Hospital (23 Rifle Range Rd) conduct free educational tours where you can see koalas being rehabilitated at the centre. Tours operate Monday to Thursday at 2pm. Bookings essential, phone 02 6621 4664.
Depart Lismore and head south along Wyrallah Road, stopping at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens (313 Wyrallah Road, East Lismore). The gardens showcase rainforest species native to the Northern Rivers and are a wonderful place to explore and spot koalas, wallabies and birdlife.
Continue along Wyrallah Road, Wyrallah Ferry Road and Coraki Road towards Coraki.
Local Tip: About 5.5km south of Wyrallah village, on Wyrallah Road, stop off at the Aboriginal Bora Ring at the back of the Tucki Tucki Cemetery. This sacred ceremonial site for the Bundjalung tribes of the region is estimated to be at least 300 years old. A further 2km down the road is the Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve, a koala haven that was planted out in the 1950s by concerned locals to preserve the natural koala habitat. Look high in the trees to spot one of the sleepy locals.
Coraki
Set at the junction of the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers, Coraki means “meeting of water” in the local indigenous language. Its riverside position makes the village popular for boating, fishing and water sports.
Once the busiest inland port in NSW, it’s now a peaceful stopover for tourists keen to camp by the river and relax. Coraki also boasts a popular nine-hole golf course that provides a challenge to players of all levels.
Woodburn
Follow the Woodburn-Coraki Road to Woodburn, known as “the traveller's rest”, a peaceful town on the banks of the Richmond River. It’s an excellent spot for recreational water sport activities including rowing, sailing, swimming, fishing and water skiing. The riverside beach, park and picnic facilities provide the perfect spot to relax. The town has a number of popular cafes and eateries, a bakery and pub bistro.
This is the official end of the signposted Tourist Drive 24, however Bundjalung, Broadwater and Bungawalbin National Parks are a short drive from Woodburn, and the popular fishing and seaside town of Evans Head is only a ten-minute drive away.
Experience an alternate way of life on this road trip north of Lismore to Nimbin, where you’ll be treated to artistic talents, delicious local produce, and beautiful views of three World Heritage-listed national parks, before winding your way along the Tweed River to Murwillumbah. (more)
Experience an alternate way of life on this road trip north of Lismore to Nimbin, where you’ll be treated to artistic talents, delicious local produce, and beautiful views of three World Heritage-listed national parks, before winding your way along the Tweed River to Murwillumbah.
Lismore
Start in the heart of Lismore, at one of our city’s most popular parks, Heritage Park (cnr Molesworth St and Bruxner Hwy). A paradise for kids and a treat for parents too with a water park and miniature railway train that takes passengers on a circuit around the park. There’s also cleverly designed play equipment, shelters, barbecues and toilets.
Depart Heritage Park, turning left onto Molesworth Street, then left at the Woodlark Street roundabout, crossing over the Wilsons River. Turn right at the first roundabout, onto Bridge Street, then left at Terania Street. Follow for about 31km to Nimbin.
Local Tip: Stop at Goolmangar and visit the store that supplies just about everything to the local community, including barista coffee and a range of tasty treats.
Nimbin Rocks will come into view just before Nimbin. There is a viewing area on the left just before the village where you can read about the towering rocks estimated to be 20 million years old. The site is of great cultural significance to the traditional Bundjalung Nation, and for that reason access is restricted to the Rocks.
Nimbin, Australia's Alternative Lifestyle Capital
Nimbin shot to fame in 1973 when it hosted the Aquarius Festival, attracting people 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.
Local Tip: Nimbin Soundtrail is an audio experience, featuring 18 stories throughout the village. Download the ‘Soundtrail App’ and select Nimbin to enjoy!
Nimbin is intriguing with its unique mural streetscape and colourful local characters. Take your time to enjoy the unique retailers, and pick up environmentally sustainable hemp products including fashion, cosmetics and alternative medicines. Visit the galleries for locally made wares and works by local artists and delve into the local food scene that is dynamic and vibrant just like the village where fresh produce reigns supreme.
Local Tip: Nimbin Markets are held on the fourth and fifth Sundays of the month at the Nimbin Community Centre, a colourful collection of unique items, alternative therapies and live music. Nimbin Farmers Market is held every Wednesday at 39 Cullen Street, from 3-6pm.
Nimbin Recreation Precinct includes a skatepark designed for use by skateboards, inline skates and BMX bikes with a snake run that drops into a larger bowl for advanced to beginner levels. There’s lawn bowls, a children’s playground with picnic and barbeque facilities, and free community swimming pool. The soon to be realised Rainbow Road Walking Track will also start and finish at the precinct.
Nimbin’s Sustainable Living Hub at 7 Sibley Street is a community owned and funded project committed to teaching skills and promotes and sells all aspects of sustainable living, including locally-made and handcrafted products. Allow time to participate in a skills-sharing workshop or demonstration.
Local Tip: Visit Nimbin Valley Dairy at 392 Tuntable Falls Road (Thurs to Sun, 10am - 2pm). Enjoy great cheese and other delights while taking in the expansive valley views and experiencing a real working farm.
Nimbin Culture, Coffee and Candles
Head north on Cullen Street, turning right after Cullen Bridge to Nimbin Candle Factory and Nimbin Bush Theatre and Cafe.
The candle factory has been making beautiful traditional, non-toxic candles using essential oils and vegetable dyes since 1973. See how the candles are made using the water-powered dipping deck inspired by equipment used in ancient monasteries.
Local Tip: Pop around to the Nimbin Bush Theatre and Café on the banks of Mulgum Creek. Check out their varied program of events, enjoy delicious food made on-site while admiring the art and gardens in the outdoor area. You may even spot a platypus in the creek.
Head north from the old butter factory for 7km to Blue Knob Gallery and Café (719 Blue Knob Rd), nestled below the sacred Aboriginal landmark of Lillian Rock. The gallery showcases the work of local artists through a changing exhibition program. The gallery’s café offers all day breakfast, lunch, snacks, cakes and coffee. It’s a great place to stop and enjoy the mountain views of Nightcap National Park.
Clarrie Hall Dam and Cram’s Farm
Continue on Blue Knob Road to Kyogle Road. Turn right towards Murwillumbah to the Clarrie Hall Dam turnoff, about 3km south of Uki.
Surrounded by over 900 hectares of forested land and Mt Jerusalem National Park, the scenic location is popular for photography, picnics, bush walking and bird watching. Activities permitted on the dam include canoeing, boating and fishing. There’s picnic areas, barbecues and toilets. Further down the road (17km) is scenic Cram’s Farm, with 14 hectares to explore, and a boat ramp for launching watercraft.
Mountain Magic
Backtrack along Clarrie Hall Dam Road and turn right onto Kyogle Road.
Uki is nestled at the base of Wollumbin and home to a variety of galleries, cafes, a general store, vintage, and curio shops.
Mount Warning Hotel is a great place to admire the amazing views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) National Park. This classic country pub offers a hearty counter meal menu.
Local Tip: The popular Uki Buttery Bazaar Market is held on the third Sunday of the month at the old butter factory. Held at the same location is the Uki Craft & Produce Market, every Saturday morning.
About 4km north of Uki, turn left off Kyogle Road onto Mount Warning Road. Follow until you reach Wollumbin National Park.
Local Tip: Pre-order a picnic hamper from award-winning Mavis’s Kitchen & Cabins on Mount Warning Road to enjoy in the area.
The Tweed
Backtrack to Kyogle Road, turn left and drive onto Murwillumbah for 11kms.
Explore the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and Gallery DownTown, part of Murwillumbah’s M|Arts Precinct for emerging artists, housed in an industrial warehouse with shipping containers for pop-up exhibits.
For information, visit Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre, 284 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah. Here you'll also find the starting point for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Local Tip: Fancy exploring the rail trail? A number of businesses offer bike hire, including electric bikes.
