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| Nature Walks and Reserves
Here is a brief description of some of the Parks and Reserves the region has to offer. This information has been sourced from the National Parks and Wildlife Services, for full details and more Parks and Reserves visit the Northern Rivers section of the National Parks and Wildlife web site.
Cape Byron State Recreation Area
This 47-hectare park is located at mainland Australia's most easterly point. In October 2001 under an indigenous land use agreement the park became part of the Arakwal National Park Reserve.
As well as being of significance to the local Arakwal people this area includes a spectacular cliff top walking track which offers magnificent views of the ocean to the east and inland to the north coast hinterland.
Here you can also stroll through the rare coastal rainforest and if it's the right time of year (June/July or September/ October) you might even spot a whale or two.
The Reserve is accessible at all times and admission is free.
Arakwal National Park (Cape Byron State Recreation Area) 183 ha
The 183-hectare park stretches from the lighthouse reserve on Australia's most easterly point south along Tallow Beach for nearly two kilometres. Its creation is the result of the first indigenous land use agreement in Australia to provide for such a park.
Cape Byron Headland stands on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. A spectacular cliff top walking track offers panoramic views of the ocean and north coast hinterland. An outstanding vantage point for viewing a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, dolphins and the humpback whales on their annual migration.
2 km east of Byron Bay, along Lighthouse Road.
Boatharbour Nature Reserve 24 ha
A paved walking track leads to the reserve's viewing platform, over the junction of Wilson River and Coopers Creek. Here you can see pilings of the old wharf, used by river boats from a bygone age to load rainforest timber. Park use fees apply.
6 km north-east of Lismore, along Bangalow Road.
Broken Head Nature Reserve 98 ha
One of the few places in NSW where secluded beaches are fringed with rainforest. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Broken Head, on the track that starts near the council caravan park. This is a great place for whale watching during winter.
4 km south of Byron Bay, off Coast Road.
Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve 177 ha
This reserve offers the magical combination of beach, estuary and littoral rainforest. It is the ideal location for a bushwalk, swim, picnic or a spot of river fishing (you'll need a license from NSW Fisheries).
20 km north of Byron Bay at Brunswick Heads, just off the Pacific Highway.
Mooball National Park 1160 ha
Subtropical rainforest occupies one-third of this national park, with wet eucalyptus forest comprising the remainder. Threatened animals, such as the long-nosed potoroo, red-legged pademelon, marbled frogmouth, giant barred frog and Stephen's banded snake, are all found in the park. There are no formal walking tracks or picnic facilities, but you can enjoy a stroll along the roads and fire trails.
12 km south of Murwillumbah, off the Pacific Highway.
Mount Warning National Park 2380 ha
A World Heritage-listed park, which is the remnant central plug of an ancient volcano. Now eroded down to half its original height, The 1100-m-high Mount Warning offers a fantastic walk to the summit through rainforest communities, with a challenging final rock scramble rewarding you with 360° views of the bowl-shaped Tweed Valley.
12 km south-west of Murwillumbah, off Kyogle Road.
Nightcap National Park 8080 ha
Minyon Falls, with its picnic area and awesome 100-m waterfall, provides a great start to the 30-km Whian Whian Forest Drive (unsealed). This scenic route takes in areas of Nightcap National Park and nearby State forest, passing Rummery Park, a great picnicking and camping spot in a section of State forest. Rainforest dominates the Minyon Falls loop track, and visitors can see remnants of the original forests which once covered much of the State's north-east.
No fires are permitted in the park; portable fuel stoves only. Swimming is not permitted at this spot, because it is the habitat of the endangered Fleay's barred frog. 35 km north of Lismore. Whian Whian Forest Drive (unsealed) is off the Lismore-Mullumbimby road.
Tyagarah Nature Reserve 763 ha
Eight kilometres of secluded and unspoiled beach backed by coastal heath await visitors to this reserve. This is the perfect place for a quiet walk or a spot of birdwatching or fishing (you'll need a license from NSW Fisheries).
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