Bushwalking (also known as hiking, tramping, trekking or simply walking) is Australia’s most popular recreational activity. More Australian’s enjoy the outdoors on foot than by any other means.
Bushwalking in the Northern Rivers is an intimate opportunity to connect with the landscape and it’s natural / cultural heritage while soaking up the breathtaking scenery.
Local guides love to share their knowledge of our World Heritage Rainforest, untouched sandy beaches and stunning coastal headlands.
Meet wallabies, whales and other wonderous bird-life along the way!
Below are the Byron Bay and the North Coast Hinterlands most popular walking experiences.
Nightcap National Park – Minyon Falls Loop Walking Track
Starting at Minyon Falls Lookout this walk traversed the rim of the valley and descends into the rainforest. A side trip can be made to the base of the falls once in the valley, via a short scramble on a rough track. The route can be completed as a half day hike.
Mount Jerusalem National Park
This short easy bushwalk is great for people wanting an easy walk to a swimming hole surrounded by rainforest. Unicorn Falls is nothing short of breathtaking.
Nearby other walks can extend the distance travelled. These include an easy half day walk via the Whisky Creek Trail, or a longer more challenging hike via a section of the multi-day trail network for a dip in the shallow pool above Hell Hole Falls.
If you visit Hell Hole Falls, make sure you stay back from the top of the falls, as the rock is slippery. It’s also worth noting the last 200m of the route is along the creek on an informal trail, which is tricky for some walkers to navigate, particularly after resent rain. It’s only suitable for fit, agile and experienced walkers.
Unicorn Falls is suitable for less experienced visitors keen for an easier child friendly adventure.
Byron Bay Lighthouse, Ballina Lighthouse & Lennox Head Coastal Walks
The coastline provides for easy and enjoyable walking. There are various well-formed hiking trails within National Parks and Reserves including Arakwal National Park, Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Broken Head Nature Reserve, as well as a network of Crown Reserves linked by trails along the coast between Ballina and Lennox Head.
Guided Hikes and Bushwalks
Wilderness Adventures offers a wide range of guided walks in Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap National Park’s., as well as along many coastal trails. Their guides know the area well and would be delighted to introduce you to local history, and the areas World Heritage Listed Rainforest ecosystems.
Adventurous Off-Track Bushwalking
For people looking for walks that are more challenging and remote. Wilderness Adventures offer amazing off-track adventure walks in Whian Whian State Conservation Area near Minyon Falls. This is not your normal bushwalk. It’s a full-on adventure for those wanting to go way beyond the tourist sites and head deep into the wilderness.
Find out more at www.wildernessadventures.tours
Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (Old Peoples Walk) – The Hinterland Trail Multi-Day Hike
This trail has been designed in partnership with traditional owners including the Native Title Holders. This amazing new multi-day walk is turning heads. Sections of the walk opened in 2024, with the full walk opening in 2025.
It’s proved very popular already, with visitors able to complete a four-day hike from Unicorn Falls to Minyon Falls, through some of the most remote and scenic sections of Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap National Parks.
To learn more about this amazing hiking trail and the guided tours available please see the links below. National Parks Website
Connect Adventures – Overnight Guided Walking Tours
Connect Adventures have a team of local guides who get rave views and have decades of outdoor leadership experience. They offer pack free supported hikes, as well as traditional overnight walks where participants can carry all their own gear in a hiking pack. You won’t be disappointed by what they offer. Book your guided Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk with Connect Adventures today!
Day Tours
Glow Worm Walk by RiseUp Byron Bay
The top rated guided bushwalk in Byron Bay area is the Glow Worm Walk by RiseUp Byron Bay. It’s an amazing evening experience, you’ll never forget.
The tour can be booked online at https://riseupbyrontours.com/byron-tour
Indigenous Walking Tours
The best way to learn about Australia’s First Nations Culture is with a walk guided by a local Aboriginal Person with a deep connection to country.
There are a number of great local operators with deep connections to Byron Bay.
The Arakwal Corporation and Explore Byron Bay offer highly recommended bushwalking experiences with passionate indigenous guides. Their tours and educational programs come recommended by past participants.
More Bushwalking Information
If you would like more information about walks in the area you can contact National Parks Byron Bay Office on 02 6639 8300
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
or
For more information about walking tours contact Wilderness Adventures on +61 403 860 820