THE FORESTS OF THE NORTH COAST

The North Coast is profuse with superb forest and unique wildlife. Only a smattering of these places have been listed because the best ones are out there for you to discover and enjoy. Leaving them may be difficult though!

(For more information contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 361 967 or visit their website at www.npws.nsw.gov.au)

BROADWATER NATIONAL PARK
is an attractive large coastal NP with a rugged coastline and wildflowers. The place is rich in indigenous culture and natural beauty. There is a fascinating Salty Lagoon walk which takes you though undisturbed salt marsh, swamp forest and 60 000 year old dunes.

Location: 3 km north of Evans Head, via the Broadwater-Evans Head Road (unsealed)

CAPE BYRON STATE RECREATION RESERVE
has a gorgeous tract of littoral rainforest. You need at least two hours for a comfortable stroll around the 5 km walking track. The beautiful surroundings include coastal health, immense cliffs, littoral rainforest and breath-taking outlooks. Dolphins, turtles, sting-rays and fish schools are regularly seen. If you are lucky enough you may see a shark or from May to September a migrating humpback whale/s.

Cape Byron has a mixed cultural background of Indigenous and European heritage. Members of the Arakwal clan are the indigenous custodians of the Byron Bay area, and Palm Valley is the site of the oldest midden in the region. The 22m high lighthouse is celebrating it's centenary, being built in 1901 to reduce shipping hazards.

Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point of mainland Australia. It is a special place that is protected and managed carefully by the Cape Byron Trust. The trust has an information centre open everyday from 8 am - 5.30 pm (extended in Summer to 7.30pm). They can be phoned on 6685 8565 or you can visit their website (www.capebyronreserve.ws.au ) or even e-mail them (capebyron@mullum.com.au)

Location: 2 km east of Byron Bay, along Lighthouse Road.

BALD ROCK NATIONAL PARK
This NP's water-streaked dome is the largest granite rock in Australia. The walks produce superb visions (a 2 hour return trip) of granite landscapes. On a clear day, you can see into the Queensland state as far as the McPherson Ranges. There is a nice camping area beside the rock and camping fees apply.

Location: 29 km north of Tenterfield, off Woodenbong Road (unsealed).

BROKEN HEAD NATURE RESERVE
A special place where secluded beaches are touched by coastal rainforest. The water is clean and great for body surfing. Snorkelling around the rocks will produce amazing sights. The tracks often involve a steep descent and ascension for which sturdy legs are required, so pack a decent lunch and enjoy one of nature's best delights.

Location: 4 km south of Byron Bay, off Coast Road

BORDER RANGES NATIONAL PARK
A world-listed rainforest park on the western rim of a vast and ancient volcano. The park protects threatened fauna such as Albert's lyrebird. See amazing the views and tall forests on the walking track network. Travel along spectacular Tweed Scenic Drive (unsealed). Hotspots include the pinnacle walk and ancient Beech walk.

Location: 38km west of Murwullimbah, off Summerland Way or Kyogle Road.

MOUNT WARNING NATIONAL PARK
A world heritage-listed park and a definite on the forest viewing-list. The mountain sits spectacularly in a circle of rimmed rainforests. The angular spire is the plug of a gigantic volcano that once poured lava north to Mt Tambourine, south to Lismore, west to Kyogle and east to reefs at Point Danger.

The track is a long 4.4 km ascension, through an ever-changing rainforest of about five hours. The last part is a very steep rock climb to the top, but once reached the walker is greeted with an amazing 360 degree view from the summit.

Location: 12 km south-west of Murwillumbah, off Kyogle road

NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK
is an important forest eco-system on the North Coast. There are significant populations of threatened plants and animals including koalas, pademelons (small marsupials), lyrebirds and frogs. About twenty odd years ago it was the site of some famous protesting, and a certain waterfall (Protestor Falls ) was named after this act. The enchanting Protestor Fall's flows from the Terania Creek and is a definite on thy nature viewing list. There is the ability to camp and picnic with primative basic facilities being provided.

Location: 35 km north of Lismore. Whian, Whian Forest Drive (unsealed ) is off the Lismore-Mullumbimby road.

TYAGARAH NATURE RESERVE
Is only 10 minute drive north of Byron Bay. It is a pretty 8 km of secluded beach backed by coastal heath. It is an ideal place for wild-life watching and walking in nature. There is also a large tea-tree lake of healing properties and depths. Take your bathers and sun protection gear.

Location: 10 km north of Byron Bay, along Grays Lane (unsealed sections) off the Pacific Highway