National Parks
The Northern Rivers area of the far north-east of New South Wales is famous for encompassing not only Australia's most easterly point, but the giant volcano plug, Mt Warning, numerous waterfalls and rivers, and The Big Scrub rainforest. The luxuriant forests range through both tropical and temperate types, from palm-filled tropical valleys to the ancient Antarctic beech, nothofagus antarctica, which once grew in Antarctica. The significance of the forests has been recognised by UNESCO and listed under World Heritage. The area has recently been dubbed The Green Cauldron as part of the National Landscapes program, in honour of its important natural heritage.
The Rainforest Way is a series of drives that lets you explore the spectacular World Heritage listed Rainforests and National Parks in the unique hinterland of Northern NSW and South East Queensland. These suggested drives make it easy to discover this area and its natural, cultural and historic attractions. Whether you decide to explore only one of these trails or take a few days to discover it all, you’ll find everything you need along the way to make this an enjoyable journey. Click here to explore the Rainforest Way website.
Cape Byron, named by Captain Cook, is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, and hosts Cape Byron lighthouse, the most powerful in Australia. Spectacular views south to Lennox Head and north across the Bay to Mt Warning can be seen from the walking track around the lighthouse. From here you can also see marine life, including dolphins, turtles and, from May-October humpback whales on their annual migration. Tours of the lighthouse are available by arrangement.
Encompassing the Northern Rivers area's most famous landmark, Mt Warning, is the national park that bears its name. A relatively small park abour an hour's drive from Byron Bay, Mt Warning is worth a visit in the early morning to see the sun rise over the spectacular landscape. The Bundjalung name for the volcanic plug, which is the remnant of an enormous volcano that erupted 20 million years ago, is Wollumbin, meaning "Cloud Gatherer". There is often a ring of cloud around Mt Warning's summit, created by its own mini-ecosphere.
The Nightcap National Park, close to Nimbin, abour an hour's drive west of Byron Bay, includes the famous Protestors Falls and Minyon Falls. Minyon Falls is an awesome 100 metre drop into the valley below. There's a 8km walking track to the bottom and up again for the adventurous, but the falls can also be viewed from a steel gangway a few metres from the carpark.
Through the village of The Channon, Terania Creek hosts Protesters Falls, so-called because of the success of protesters in 1979 in stopping logging and preserving the area for posterity. So special is the area that it is now listed as World Heritage. The delightful walk through the rainforest to the falls has interpretive signs.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, a global celebration of the diversity of life and nature on our planet - and where better to experience it than in our amazing National Parks! Wild, Wild World is your gateway to a huge range of walks, talks and tours for all ages in the National Parks and Marine Parks around NSW. From free activities and fun for the kids to fascinating natural and cultural experiences and exciting outdoor adventures, you’re bound to hear the call of the wild!
