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Byron Bay & Northern NSW

Providing a buffer between New South Wales' capital-city sprawl to the south and Queensland's Gold Coast strip up over the border, northern NSW offers an altogether simpler way of life. Lovely, lazy beach towns and pristine national parks leapfrog each other all the way up this stupendous stretch of scenic coast. Inland, lush farmland and ancient tracts of World Heritage–listed rainforest do the same, punctuated by hinterland towns with a character and charm all to themselves. Farmers rub shoulders with big-city sea-changers and post-hippie alternative lifestylers here: if you're looking for stellar local produce, a single-origin coffee or a psychic reading, you won't be disappointed. And if you're searching for a surf break, rest assured there will be an awesome one, right around the next corner.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Byron Bay & Northern NSW.

  • See

    Worimi Conservation Lands

    Located at Stockton Bight, these are the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, stretching more than 35km. Thanks to the generosity of the Worimi people, the traditional owners who now manage the area, you’re able to roam around and drive along the beach (4WD only). Be sure to check driving conditions and where to get your driving permit online before you go. At time of writing, a camping trial was underway at the Ganyamalbaa campground. It’s possible to become so surrounded by shimmering sand that you’ll lose sight of the ocean or any sign of life. As spectacular as this might be, it's the rich cultural heritage of the Worimi that makes this a truly special place to visit. The area includes numerous shell middens, some dating back tens of thousands of years. At the far western end of the beach, the wreck of the Sygna founders in the water.

  • See

    The Farm

    This photogenic, 32-hectare green oasis outside Byron is shared by Three Blue Ducks restaurant, a produce store, the Bread Social bakery, an ice-creamery and nursery. Pick up a self-guided-tour map and roam the veggie plots and cattle-and-pig-dotted fields. Book in advance for guided tours (9am Friday to Sunday); Zephyr Horses tours happen from 7am Saturdays ($89). For school-holiday programs (minifarmers, bee workshops etc), check the Kids Activities section of the website. The Farm is about a 15-minute drive from Byron Bay centre.

  • See

    Tallow Beach

    Tallow Beach is a deserted sandy stretch that extends for 7km south from Cape Byron. This is the place to flee the crowds: much of the beach is backed by Arakwal National Park. The suburb of Suffolk Park sprawls along back from the sand near its southern end.

  • See

    Muttonbird Island

    The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The walk to the top (steep at the end) provides sweeping vistas. From late August to early April it's occupied by thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds). Muttonbirds by Moonlight tours – led by respected Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Mark Flanders – are a great way to see them and to learn about the Aboriginal significance of the island. The island is also a great spot to see the humpback-whale migration between May and November.

  • See

    Yuraygir National Park

    This is the state’s longest stretch of undeveloped coastline, covering a 65km stretch of pristine coastal ecosystems stretching north from the village of Red Rock. The isolated beaches are outstanding and there are bushwalking paths where you can view endangered coastal emus. Walkers can bush camp at basic campsites (per night adult/child $12/6) at Station Creek in the southern section; at the Boorkoom and Illaroo rest areas in the central section and on the north bank of the Sandon River. These are accessible by car; there is also a free walk-in campground at Shelly Beach.

  • See

    Flynn's Beach

    A patrolled beach nestled between two rocky headlands. Excellent for learner surfers.

  • See

    Dorrigo Rainforest Centre & Skywalk

    The 119-sq-km Dorrigo National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area and home to a huge diversity of vegetation and more than 120 species of bird. This Rainforest Centre, at the park entrance, has displays and a film about the park’s ecosystems, as well as information on walks. The Skywalk, a 75m platform that juts out over the rainforest, provides wonderful views across the valleys and is wheelchair accessible. There's also a lovely cafe here too. The centre has free wi-fi and charging stations for phones and cameras, and sells arts and crafts by Aboriginal artists, with the royalties going back into the community. Starting from the Rainforest Centre, the Wonga Walk is a three-hour, 6.6km-return walk on a bitumen track through the depths of the rainforest. Along the way it passes a couple of very beautiful waterfalls, one of which you can walk behind. If you're short on time, there's a 400m Lyrebird Link track.

  • See

    Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre

    This cultural centre is well worth a detour to check out the Aboriginal artwork on display and learn about the local Gumbaynggirr people. It displays a collection of archaeological artefacts found in the area, including spears, fishing implements and ceremonial tools, and there's also a collection of boomerangs, bark paintings by local artists and a short video on the brutal Blood Rock massacre. It also runs bush-medicine tours and holds art classes; call ahead if you're interested in joining one of these. Try some tasty bush tucker in the attached cafe. Dishes incorporate native ingredients such as lemon myrtle cheesecake and coconut crocodile curry (mains $10 to $16).

  • See

    Trial Bay Gaol

    Occupying Trial Bay's eastern headland, this sandstone prison was built between 1877 and 1886 to house convicts brought in to build a breakwater. When nature intervened and the breakwater washed away, the imposing structure fell into disuse, aside from a brief, rather tragic, interlude in WWI when men of German and Austrian heritage were interned. Today it contains a museum devoted to its unusual history; even if you don't visit within, it's worth a detour for the views and the resident roos. It's a pleasant 4km dawdle along the beach from South West Rocks.

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Unique experiences dot the coast along these towns in New South Wales, Australia

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