Visitor Guide

Northern Rivers RegionNational Parks and Reserves

Tooloom NaTioNal park

The extensive subtropical and forest red gum stands protected within this park provide habitat for the most diverse kangaroo and wallaby (macropod) population found anywhere in Australia. A picnic area and two short walking tracks are located on the southern edge of the park. The park is located 10 km south-west of Urbenville, via the Urbenville -Tooloom road.

TooNumbar NaTioNal park

The park is noted for its unique and complex natural environment. Much of this complexity is due to volcanic activity associated with the Focal Peak volcano which was active 23 million years ago.

The rainforests of Dome Mountain and Murray Scrub are World Heritage listed. These rainforests, together with extensive stands of old growth flooded gum support over 400 plant and over 100 animal species, many of which are endangered. Camping facilities and walking tracks are provided at Iron Pot Creek. The park is located 35 km west of Kyogle via Afterlee and Toonumbar Forest Drive.

mouNT warNiNg (wollumbiN) NaTioNal park

Mt Warning is the remnant central plug of an ancient volcano now eroded down to half its original height. Out of respect for Bundjalung law and culture, the Bundjalung ask that you consider choosing not to climb Wollumbin. Alternatively you can enjoy a stroll along the 200 metre Lyrebird Track.

If you do climb, be aware that the 8.8 kilometre return walk takes about five hours, and is considered strenuous with a steep rock scramble near the summit. Visitors are advised not to undertake the summit walk after noon in winter months as completing the walk in darkness is dangerous. The park is located 12 km south-west of Murwillumbah, off Kyogle Road.

border raNges NaTioNal park

Located on the western edge rim of the Mt Warning volcanic rim caldera, this spectacular rainforest park has the highest concentration of marsupial species and one of the highest levels of species diversity of bats, birds, reptiles and amphibians in Australia. Many fauna, such as the sooty owl, Albert’s lyrebird and the spotted-tailed quoll are threatened.

Numerous waterfalls are a feature of this park.Day use picnic areas, shelter sheds and BBQ’s and spectacular views are provided at Bar Mountain, Blackbutt Lookout and Antarctic Beech. A large camping area is provided at Sheepstation Creek with a smaller one at Forest Tops. Both areas provide shelter sheds and composting toilets. Drinking water & firewood are not provided.

There are a variety of signposted walks in the park, from 100 m strolls to 10 km hikes. The Park is traversed by the 64 km Tweed Range Scenic Drive which can be reached via the Wiangaree turn-off on the Summerland Way, or the Barkers Vale turn-off on the Murwillumbah-Kyogle road. Roads are unsealed. Park use and camping fees apply.

mebbiN NaTioNal park

Sharing its western boundary with the Border Ranges National Park, this park forms part of the Caldera rim of the Mt Warning volcano. A significant portion of the park is dry eucalypt forest, with some rainforest and a small section of old-growth forest. Enjoy a picnic in the refurbished historic forestry hut or camp at the Mebbin camping area, where the 450m walk to Byrrill Creek takes vistors through a stand of ancient figs. The park is located 32 km south-west of Murwillumbah, on Byrrill Creek Road (unsealed), off Tyalgum Road. Park use fees apply.

koreelah NaTioNal park

Experience one of the states western-most rainforest areas. Pockets of World Heritage listed rainforest hug the steep slopes below Acacia Plateau and Mt Wilson, while a small grassy area beside Koreelah Creek provides a pleasant camping spot. The park is located 30 km west of Woodenbong, on White Swamp Road, off the Summerland Way at Old Koreelah.

NighTcap NaTioNal park & whiaN whiaN sTaTe coNservaTioN area

Minyon Falls, with its awesome 100 metre waterfall and picnic area provides a good starting point for the 30km Whian Whian Forest Drive. This scenic route passes by Rummery Park which is a great picnicking and camping spot within Whian Whian SCA.

An eight kilometre loop walk, beginning at either Minyon Falls or Minyon Grass takes visitors to the base of the falls and along the escarpment edge. The park features a variety of forest eco-systems containing rare and endangered plants and animals including koalas, red-legged pademelons, scrub turkeys and Albert’s lyre-bird.

Drive through the village of the Channon to the lush World Heritage rainforests of Terania Creek, with its picnic area and shaded 1.4km return walk to the breath- taking Protesters Falls. Swimming is not permitted at this spot because it is the habitat of endangered Fleay’s barred frogs.

A variety of other walks are provided at Mount Nardi Picnic Area, reached via sealed road from Nimbin. Electric barbecues are provided at Mount Nardi, with opportunities for self sufficient bushwalking along the Historic Nightcap Track. Portable fuel stoves can be used in the park but open fires are not permitted.The park is located 35 km north of Lismore. Whian Whian Forest Drive (unsealed) is off the Lismore - Mullumbimby road.

richmoNd raNge NaTioNal park

This park is renowned for the rare Richmond Range spotted gum, extensive old-growth forest and the World Heritage listed rainforest of the Cambridge plateau. There is a huge range of native fauna. At the northern end, tent camping is available (caravans not advisable) at Peacock Creek. Two good walking tracks, one short and one taking about two hours, begin at Cambridge Plateau Picnic Area. The park is located 45 km west of Casino via the Bruxner Highway and then Cambridge Plateau Forest Drive. Roads are closed during wet weather.

big scrub raiNforesT parksJust over 100 years ago a vast and almost unbroken lowland rainforest covered 75 000 hectares of northern NSW in the roughly circular area presently enclosed by the towns of Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.

This was the ‘Big Scrub’, possibly the largest area of tall subtropical rainforest on the east coast.

Today only 11 major remnants survive which reflect the character of the original rainforest.

vicToria park NaTure reserve

Located just 7 km south of Alstonville off the Wardell Road, this reserve is easily reached and perfect for day visits.

A wheelchair accessible boardwalk allows you to travel back in time beneath a canopy of towering trees. Over 150 tree species have been recorded in this one small reserve. Park use fees apply.

wilsoN NaTure reserve

Wilson Nature Reserve contains the only significant patch of dry rainforest left from the original ‘Big Scrub’. The short walking track is a good spot to see koalas. Located on Wyrallah Road, Lismore.

Tucki Tucki NaTure reserve

Tucki Tucki is not actually part of the ‘Big Scrub’, but was created to increase koala habitat in the region. In 1958 local residents initiated the tree plantings which now form the core of Tucki Tucki. Tree corridors link the reserve with other nearby koala habitats and a small colony of koalas live in the reserve. The park is located 15 km south of Lismore on the Wyrallah road.

welcome To The NaTioNal parks of The NorTherN rivers regioN protecting habitats from the mountains to the sea...

From the imposing spire of Mount Warning circled by vocanic rim rainforests, to the sweeping sands of coastal National Parks, the Northern Rivers is a region where nature sets the pace.

world heriTage raiNforesT parksRainforests are the oldest vegetation type in Australia. The luxuriant rainforests found throughout the region range from palm filled sub-tropical to cool temperate rainforests, characterised by ancient Antarctic beech.

The World Heritage listing bestowed on these rainforest parks is testimony to their significance as places of great natural and cultural value.

park use fees

To help maintain and protect our national parks as community assets, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is asking visitors to help with the cost of providing visitor facilities. Funds raised through park use fees are used locally to maintain and manage facilities and services.

This allows more NPWS funds for pest, fire and weed management and for other programs to protect threatened and endangered species.

Annual passes are available through NPWS offices, or by calling 1300 361 967.Dusky Antechinus. Photography: D. Charley

Noisy Pitta, shy rainforest floor dweller. Photography: G. Threflo

Subtropical rainforest. Photography: B. Cheers

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

coasTal parksThe coastal parks of the Northern Rivers region protect increasingly scarce habitats in a region of rapid growth.

From the coastal rainforest of Broken Head to the flowering heath of Broadwater National Park, these parks allow us to experience the coast the way nature planned it.

brokeN head NaTure reserve

Broken Head has rainforest that truly meets the sea. Walking tracks offer sweeping vistas and provide access to secluded beaches with their spectacular backdrop of wind- shorn rainforest. Reached by turning off the coast road at the Broken Head Caravan Park sign 4 km south of Byron Bay.

A walking track leaves from near the caravan park. Camping is permitted only in the council managed caravan park.

bruNswick heads NaTure reserve

Situated just off the Pacific Highway on the northern side of the Brunswick River this reserve offers the magical combination of beach, estuary and littoral rainforest. It is the ideal location for a bushwalk, swim, a spot of river fishing or a picnic.

buNdjaluNg NaTioNal park

Situated between the coastal villages of Evans Head and Iluka, Bundjalung National Park offers unspoilt beaches protected by dramatic headlands, plus uniquely Australian heath vegetation and pristine river systems.

At Black Rocks Camping Area, basic campsites provide the opportunity to enjoy the park. Reached by turning off the Pacific Highway at Gap Road just south of Woodburn, facilities include toilets and gas barbecues, however you must take your own water.

Gumma Garra Picnic Area, located adjacent to the fishing village of Evans Head, offers more bushwalking, fishing or the tranquillity for a day spent relaxing with the family.

Camping and caravan facilities, including hot showers and a kiosk, are available at Woody Head. Bookings are essential - ring (02) 6646 6134 to secure a site. Picnic areas for day visitors are provided at Shark Bay, Frazers Bluff and Back Beach. Park use and camping fees apply.

broadwaTer NaTioNal park

Located between the villages of Evans Head and Broadwater on the Pacific Highway, this park preserves areas of outstanding coastal heath which erupts into glorious colour with the arrival of spring and the wildflowers. Picnic facilities are provided at Broadwater Beach, while the wheel chair accessible lookout on the headland allows uninterrupted ocean and heath views.

Tyagarah NaTure reserve

Eight kilometres of secluded and unspoilt beach backed by coastal heath await visitors to this reserve. Reached by turning off the Pacific Highway 10 km north of Byron Bay at Gray’s Lane. Picnic facilities are provided. This is the perfect place for a quiet walk or a spot of birdwatching. Park use fees apply.

cudgeN NaTure reserve

This coastal reserve features a brackish lagoon, coastal rainforest, koala habitat and heathland leading onto the sand dunes and beach. Sea turtles have been recorded nesting on the beach, and a small population of koalas inhabits the eucalypt and melaleuca forest around the lake and into the Round Mountain area of the reserve.

A picnic area is located beside Cudgen Lake, which offers good opportunities for canoeists. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk beside the lake, with the backdrop of Mt Warning to the west. The reserve is located 20 km east of Murwillumbah, on Clothiers Creek Road off the Pacific Highway.

richmoNd river NaTure reserve

Mangrove, saltmarsh, coastal heath, paperbark swamp and small patches of littoral rainforest are features of this reserve. Enjoy fishing, surfing or a family picnic on the shores of Mobbs Bay.

No vehicles are permitted on the beach north of the access point as it is habitat for the threatened pied oystercatcher. The reserve is located at South Ballina, on the southern banks of the lower Richmond River.

moore park NaTure reserve

This tiny reserve is not part of the area of the ‘Big Scrub’ but is all that remains of an area once known as Boyd’s Scrub. It is the most important example of black bean rainforest in NSW and is just off the Summerland Way near Old Grevillia, 26 km west of Kyogle. It supports a large seasonal bat colony and is a great place for a short bushwalk or a family picnic.

aborigiNal culTural heriTageThe national parks of the region are part of the identity, spirituality, connection and resource base of the Bundjalung and Githabul Aboriginal people. The local Aboriginal people are recognised as the original custodians of the land, water, animals and plants of these areas.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service seeks to work in partnership with representatives of the local Aboriginal people to identify and protect heritage values and provide visitor information about the national parks of the region.

Tweed heads hisToric siTe

Increase your understanding of Aboriginal culture at Minjungbal’s Ceremonial Ring and museum. A circular wheelchair accessible walk weaves through the mangroves and out over the water before returning to a well preserved Ceremonial Ring. The centre provides picnic tables, electric barbecues and toilets for visitors and is reached by turning off the Pacific Highway at South Tweed Heads into Kirkwood Road. For further information Ph (07) 55242109.

leNNox head aborigiNal area

An Aboriginal Ceremonial Ground is situated in the heart the coastal village of Lennox Head. The Bundjalung people, whose lands make up this area, enjoyed an abundance of fresh water, marine life, plant and animal food sources.

One of the two Ceremonial Rings originally on the site remains. The Ceremonial Ground is a tangible remnant of the rich Aboriginal culture and was used as a male initiation site. It is located in Gibbon Street off the Lennox Head to Byron Bay Road.

cape byroN sTaTe coNservaTioN area

Cape Byron Headland Reserve stands on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

A spectacular clifftop walking track offers panoramic views of the ocean and north coast hinterland.

The reserve is an outstanding spot for viewing a diverse range of marine life including turtles, dolphins and humpback whales on their annual migration. Wind your way along the walking track through diverse coastal plant communities, including rainforest that stretches right down to the beach sands.

See the Cape Byron Lighthouse and stay the night in the lighthouse keeper’s quarters. Bookings are essential (02 6685 6552). Tours of the lighthouse are available, for bookings phone 6685 8565. Parking fees apply.

visiTor faciliTies

Wheelchair access

Walking track

Lookout

Toilets

Picnic area

Barbeques

Camping Area

cariNg for The parks

• Leave your pets, firearms and spearguns at home, as theyare not permitted.

• Enjoy the wildlife but do not disturb plants, animals,bushrock, Aboriginal sites or historic places. All areprotected.

• Be careful with fire. Use only fireplaces provided.

• Observe any total fire bans.

• Firewood is not provided. Bring your own firewood or betterstill use gas stoves.

• Chainsaws and firewood collection are not permitted.

• Drive carefully and keep to public roads. All vehicles mustbe registered and drivers licensed.

• Keep the park clean and safe for wildlife. Please take yourrubbish home.

• Observe all signs, as they are there for your safety and tohelp you enjoy your visit.

• Keep to walking tracks, as they are designed to have minimalimpact.

• Be considerate of other park users – keep your noise to aminimum.

• Please do not feed the wildlife. They then demand it and canbecome dangerous.

• Drinking water is not provided in the parks.

more iNformaTioN

NPWS Richmond River Area Office, 7 Northcott Crescent,Alstonville NSW 2477.Tel: 02 6627 0200Email: northernrivers.region@environment.nsw.gov.au

geNeral iNquiries: T: 13000PARKS (1300 072 757)www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Photography: B. Cheers Wheelchair access, Victoria Park Nature Reserve

The beautiful expanse of Broadwater Beach. Photography: B. Cheers

Canoeing on Cudgen Lake. Photography: B. Cheers

Photography: B. Cheers Moisture loving fungi

Woody Head

Black Rocks

Jerusalem Creek Walk

Gumma Garra

Salty Lagoon Walking Track

Mt Nardi

Minyon Falls

Minyon Grass

Rummery Park

MinyonLoop

Big Scrub Loop

SheepstationCreek

Forest Tops

Blackbutt Lookout

Bar Mtn

Tweed ValleyLookout

Pinnacle LookoutBrindle Ck Walk

Border Loop

Brindle CreekAntarctic Beech

Peacock Ck

Ironpot CreekMurray Scrub Walk

TeraniaCreek

Rocky Creek Walk

Cambridge PlateauCulmaran Valley Track

Alstonville

Evans Head

Nimbin

Broadwater

Woodburn

BangalowTheChannon

Dunoon

Woodenbong

Wiangaree

Urbenville

Bonalbo

TabulamMallanganee

LillianRock Mullumbimby

UkiOldKoreelah

Rathdowney

Killarney

Maclean

Iluka

Yamba

Whiporie

New Italy

Dorroughby

RepentenceCreek

Clunes

Bogangar

Mt ChingheeNP

Main RangeNP

MarylandNP

KoreelahNP

MountClunie NP

ToonumbarNP

MountNothofagus

NP

Mount BarneyNP

MooreParkNR

Border Ranges NP

MebbinNP

MountWarning NP

LimpinwoodNR

NuminbahNR

SpringbrookNPLamington

NP StottsIsland

NR

Tweed Heads HS/Ukerebagh NR

Cook Island NR

CudgenNR

MooballNP

MountJerusalem

NP

WooyungNR

BillinudgelNR

BrunswickHeads

NR

Nightcap NP

Julian Rocks NR

Cape Byron SCA

Broken Head NR

BoatharbourNR

VictoriaParkNRTucki

TuckiNR

RichmondRiver NR

WilsonNR

Arakwal NP

BroadwaterNPBungawalbin

NP

Bundjalung NP

MountNeville NR

Iluka NR

MountPikapene

NP

Washpool NP

GibraltarRange NP

Burnt-downScrub NR

DemonNR

MallanganeeNP

RichmondRange NP

TyagarahNR

TooloomNP

YabbraNP

BoonooBoonoo

NPBaldRockNP

BasketSwamp

NR

LennoxHead AA

Banyabba NR

FortisCreek NP

0 10 20

KILOMETRES

N

Base geographic data for this map was provided by the general manager Australian Surveying andLand Information Group (AUSLIG). Terrain detail derived from Landsat satellite imagery.Mapping: Charles Walsh Nature Tourism Services 01/09

LISMORE

CASINO

BYRON BAY

BALLINA

TENTERFIELD

KYOGLE

TWEED HEADS

WARWICK

BRUNSWICK HEADS

Wheelchair access

Lookout

Picnic area

Camping area with toilets

Visitor information centre

State forest

Highway

Sealed road

Unsealed road

Walking track

State border

NPWS regional boundary

Defence practice area (bombing range)Public access prohibited

National park (NP), nature reserve (NR),Aboriginal Area (AA) state conservationarea (SCA) within NPWS Northern Rivers Region

Other National park (NP), nature reserve (NR),Aboriginal Area (AA) state recreation area (SRA)

‘Big Scrub’ reserves & other remnants

World Heritage Listed rainforest reserves

Coastal Reserves

Aboriginal cultural heritage sites

MURWILLUMBAHWollumbinNP &SCA

CapeByron MPWhian

WhianSCA

The lush greens of Nightcap National Park Photography: B. Cheers

Northern Rivers RegionNational Parks and Nature Reserves