Northern Rivers

Stretching from the mighty Clarence River up to Tweed Heads on the Queensland border and out to the foothills of the Great Divide, the Northern Rivers region of NSW offers a wealth of diverse holiday experiences. In this one compact region, you’ll discover the endless stretch of Pacific Coast beaches that gave birth to the Australian surfing legend; lush rolling countryside dotted with quaint and quirky townships; rugged cattle country; mystical rainforests; and deep river gorges disappearing up into the mountains.

The Northern Rivers offers accommodation types to suit all styles and tastes.

From its 300 kilometres of pristine beaches to the World Heritage-listed rainforests of the hinterland, it’s easy to see why Northern Rivers NSW was the birthplace of Australia’s environmental movement. Some 20 million years ago, the Mt Warning volcano rose high above the coastal plains, trapping moisture-laden air and spreading its rich volcanic soil. In these perfect conditions, a vast rainforest grew in wild isolation until the first white settlers arrived just 200 years ago.

From the early days of white settlement when timber-getters logged out the great stands of red cedar, the Northern Rivers has attracted an eclectic mix of cultures. In Maclean on the banks of the Clarence River, the Scottish heritage of the town’s founding fathers is still alive and well. In Little Italy, a boatload of shipwrecked Italians established a unique European enclave in the bush.

In Nimbin and Byron Bay, the counter-cultural revolutionaries have joined forces with environmentalists to create their own style of alternative communities. In more recent years, the influx of city escapees seeking a more meaningful lifestyle has added a touch of sophistication.

The region consist of a health spas, spiritual retreats and luxury hideaways are now nestled in the hills and valleys of the hinterland, offering five-star accommodation and your choice of masseurs, alternative therapists, naturopaths and pampering practitioners to soothe body and soul.

For food lovers, traditional seaside havens like Yamba, Ballina and the Tweed Coast and country centres like Bangalow, Grafton and Lismore are now home to cosmopolitan cafes and chic restaurants that have attracted the attention of the most respected food guides. For an even more back-to-nature foodie experience, you can pick up your own fresh produce at the colourful art, craft and farmers’ markets held every weekend in a different town, or meet the ocean and river trawlers when they deliver the day’s catch to the many local seafood co-ops.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a popular beach resort and offers an alternative lifestyle. Renowned for its pristine white sand surfing beaches and surrounding beautiful rainforests, Byron Bay enjoys a relaxed and informal lifestyle. Relax in one of the many beautiful accommodation retreats, indulge in a luxury spa treatment or visit one of the many therapeutic healing centres in Byron. Enjoy the rich variety of adventure sports, boutique shopping, fine dining and live entertainment. The popular monthly art and craft market is held the first Sunday of every month. The Cape Byron Lighthouse dominates Australia's most easterly point and is a popular place to visit for its spectacular views. Surrounding towns include Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby (the biggest little town in NSW) and Bangalow (for antique and curios shopping). Byron Bay is a short drive to Ballina/ Lennox Head and the Tweed area.

Lennox Head

The laid-back village of Lennox Head, a scenic 10 minute jaunt up the coast road, is a Mecca among surfers, with world-renowned breaks at Boulders and Lennox Point. The views from the headland are absolutely breathtaking and Pat Morton Lookout offers the perfect vantage point for a bit of whale and dolphin spotting ... or, for the more adventurous, taking to the skies on a hang-glider. Hidden between the white sands of Lennox’s Seven Mile Beach and the wildlife-rich coastal heathland, Lake Ainsworth is a must. The fresh waters of the Lake are stained "billy-tea" dark by the tea trees that fringe its banks. Take the plunge into its deep red waters and you'll emerge feeling remarkably refreshed and revitalised. You can skim its shimmering surface on a sailboard, ‘cat’ or canoe or just lie back under the tea trees and enjoy the Lake’s natural serenity.