Naturally Gifted (National Parks

Naturally Gifted

HOME TO THE MAJESTIC WOLLUMBIN MOUNT WARNING AND COMPRISING THE GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA — THE MOST EXTENSIVE SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST IN THE WORLD WITH ANCIENT PLANTS AND ANIMALS FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME — THE TWEED IS NATURALLY A PLACE FOR IMMERSING IN GREEN FORESTS AND FRESH AIR.

Read on to learn more about some of the area’s must-visit national parks, whether for a hike, a picnic, birdwatching, camping or cooling off in lakes or rock pools.

WOLLUMBIN NATIONAL PARK

Home to the distinctive Wollumbin Mount Warning, a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano, Wollumbin National Park is a place of great sacred significance to the Bundjalung indigenous people. Said to mean ‘cloud catcher’ in local indigenous language, the peak of Wollumbin rises to a towering height of 1,157m above sea level and is a much-loved landmark by photographers and artists Note: A closure of the Wollumbin Summit track is in place at the time of publication until the end of March 2022 (minimum). This is due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, subsequent public safety risks, and to allow consultation with the Aboriginal community and other key stakeholders regarding the future management of this site. For up-to-date advice on visiting Wollumbin National Park, please go to nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Looking for an instagram moment? The impressive peak of Wollumbin Mt Warning can be viewed from all across the Tweed region. We recommend researching and finding vantage points on Duranbah Rd (opposite Tropical Fruit World), at Crams Farm (part of Clarrie Hall Dam), or at the Pinnacles Lookout in the Border Ranges NP.

NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK & WHIAN WHIAN STATE CONSERVATION AREA

At the southern rim of the one-time volcano, in these parks you’ll find nightcap oak trees and towering kauri, bunya and hoop pines, along with endangered animals, including Albert’s lyrebird and Fleay’s barred frog. Eight tracks, from 1.4km to 32km, can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. Keep an eye out for goannas, kookaburras, brushtail possums, spotted-tailed quoll and koalas.

Our tips • Camp out under stars in an ancient forest at Rummery Park campground • Walk to Minyon Falls and drink in the beautiful view! • Take on the 18km Historic Nightcap

Walking Track over a day or two

BORDER RANGES NATIONAL PARK

World Heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park is a large area of wilderness that protects untouched rainforest and unique plants and animals connected to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, including stands of Antarctic beech forests dating back 2,000 years. There are waterfalls, stunning lookouts and 10 walking tracks, ranging from 200m to 10.5km. Note that unsealed roads are prevalent in this area.

Our tips • For a short walk try the Palm Forest track through subtropical rainforest • Up for more? Try the more difficult

Booyong Walk from Sheepstation

Creek campground • Pinnacle Lookout’s views of

Wollumbin Mount Warning and the spectacular volcanic crater escarpment are a must-see

Please use this information as a guide. For detailed planning information make sure you visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

MEBBIN NATIONAL PARK

Eucalypt trees, old growth forest, ancient figs and subtropical rainforest provide a safe haven here for large owls, the giant barred frog, lace monitor lizards, glossy black cockatoos and red-legged pademelons. A vital habitat link between the Wollumbin and Border Ranges National Parks, the Park is popular with hikers and twitchers. Our tips

• Pitch a tent and sleep a night or two in the forest at Cutters Camp • Explore the Byrrill Creek Walking

Track, a 900m return stroll through subtropical rainforest and fig trees

CUDGEN NATURE RESERVE

Close to Cabarita Beach, this is a tranquil space for bird-spotting and relaxed picnics. It also encompasses Cudgen Lake, a hidden wetland surrounded by floodplain forests, making it a mecca for water-lovers with fishing, paddling, swimming, SUPing and sailing.

Our tips • Pack a family picnic and take your water toys of choice for a fun day out • Cast a line, sit back and wait for bites from freshwater fish • Launch a canoe or kayak to explore the estuaries off the lake • Grab your binoculars and look out for waterbirds such as grebes and herons