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koreelah National park Visitor Guide The extensive subtropical and forest red gum stands protected Experience one of the states western-most rainforest areas. within this park provide habitat for the most diverse kangaroo Pockets of World Heritage listed rainforest hug the steep slopes and wallaby (macropod) population found anywhere in . below Acacia Plateau and Mt Wilson, while a small grassy area A picnic area and two short walking tracks are located on the beside Koreelah Creek provides a pleasant camping spot. The Northern southern edge of the park. The park is located 10 km south- park is located 30 km west of , on White Swamp west of Urbenville, via the Urbenville -Tooloom road. Road, off the at Old Koreelah.

Toonumbar National park & whian whian state conservation area

The park is noted for its unique and complex natural environment. Much of this complexity is due to volcanic activity , with its awesome 100 metre waterfall and picnic associated with the Focal Peak volcano which was active 23 area provides a good starting point for the 30km Whian Whian million years ago. Forest Drive. This scenic route passes by Rummery Park which is a great picnicking and camping spot within Whian Whian National Parks and The rainforests of Dome and Murray Scrub are World SCA. Heritage listed. These rainforests, together with extensive Reserves stands of old growth flooded gum support over 400 plant An eight kilometre loop walk, beginning at either Minyon Falls and over 100 animal species, many of which are endangered. or Minyon Grass takes visitors to the base of the falls and along Camping facilities and walking tracks are provided at Iron Pot the escarpment edge. The park features a variety of forest eco- Creek. The park is located 35 km west of via Afterlee and systems containing rare and endangered plants and animals Toonumbar Forest Drive. including , red-legged pademelons, scrub turkeys and Albert’s lyre-bird. (wollumbin) National park Drive through the village of the Channon to the lush World Heritage rainforests of Terania Creek, with its picnic area and shaded 1.4km return walk to the breath- taking Protesters Falls. Mt Warning is the remnant central plug of an ancient volcano Swimming is not permitted at this spot because it is the habitat now eroded down to half its original height. Out of respect of endangered Fleay’s barred frogs. for Bundjalung law and culture, the Bundjalung ask that you consider choosing not to climb Wollumbin. Alternatively you can A variety of other walks are provided at Mount Nardi Picnic enjoy a stroll along the 200 metre Lyrebird Track. Area, reached via sealed road from Nimbin. Electric barbecues are provided at Mount Nardi, with opportunities for self sufficient If you do climb, be aware that the 8.8 kilometre return walk takes bushwalking along the Historic Nightcap Track. Portable fuel about five hours, and is considered strenuous with a steep rock stoves can be used in the park but open fires are not permitted. scramble near the summit. Visitors are advised not to undertake The park is located 35 km north of Lismore. Whian Whian Forest the summit walk after noon in winter months as completing the Drive (unsealed) is off the Lismore - road. walk in darkness is dangerous. The park is located 12 km south- west of , off Kyogle Road. richmond range National park border ranges National park

This park is renowned for the rare Richmond Range spotted gum, extensive old-growth forest and the World Heritage listed Located on the western edge rim of the Mt Warning volcanic rainforest of the Cambridge plateau. There is a huge range of rim caldera, this spectacular rainforest park has the highest native fauna. At the northern end, tent camping is available concentration of marsupial species and one of the highest levels (caravans not advisable) at Peacock Creek. Two good walking of species diversity of bats, birds, reptiles and amphibians in tracks, one short and one taking about two hours, begin at Australia. Many fauna, such as the sooty owl, Albert’s lyrebird Cambridge Plateau Picnic Area. The park is located 45 km west and the spotted-tailed quoll are threatened. of Casino via the and then Cambridge Plateau Numerous waterfalls are a feature of this park.Day use picnic Forest Drive. Roads are closed during wet weather. areas, shelter sheds and BBQ’s and spectacular views are provided at Bar Mountain, Blackbutt Lookout and Antarctic Beech. A large camping area is provided at Sheepstation Creek park use fees nationalparks.nsw.gov.au with a smaller one at Forest Tops. Both areas provide shelter To help maintain and protect our national parks as sheds and composting toilets. Drinking water & firewood are not community assets, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife provided. Welcome to the national parks Service is asking visitors to help with the cost of providing of the Region There are a variety of signposted walks in the park, from 100 m visitor facilities. Funds raised through park use fees are used Protecting habitats from the to the sea... strolls to 10 km hikes. The Park is traversed by the 64 km Tweed locally to maintain and manage facilities and services. Range Scenic Drive which can be reached via the From the imposing spire of Mount Warning circled by This allows more NPWS funds for pest, fire and weed turn-off on the Summerland Way, or the Barkers Vale turn-off on management and for other programs to protect threatened vocanic rim rainforests, to the sweeping sands of coastal the Murwillumbah-Kyogle road. Roads are unsealed. Park use and endangered species. National Parks, the Northern Rivers is a region where and camping fees apply. nature sets the pace. Annual passes are available through NPWS offices, or by calling 1300 361 967. world heritage rainforest parks Dusky Antechinus. Photography: D. Charley Rainforests are the oldest vegetation type in Australia. The luxuriant rainforests found throughout the region range from palm filled sub-tropical to cool temperate rainforests, rainforest parks characterised by ancient Antarctic beech. Just over 100 years ago a vast and almost unbroken lowland rainforest covered 75 000 hectares of northern NSW in the The World Heritage listing bestowed on these rainforest parks roughly circular area presently enclosed by the towns of is testimony to their significance as places of great natural and Lismore, Ballina, and Mullumbimby. cultural value. This was the ‘Big Scrub’, possibly the largest area of tall subtropical rainforest on the east coast.

Today only 11 major remnants survive which reflect the character of the original rainforest.

mebbin National park victoria park

Sharing its western boundary with the Border Ranges National Located just 7 km south of Alstonville off the Wardell Road, this Park, this park forms part of the Caldera rim of the Mt Warning reserve is easily reached and perfect for day visits. volcano. A significant portion of the park is dry eucalypt forest, A wheelchair accessible boardwalk allows you to travel back in with some rainforest and a small section of old-growth forest. time beneath a canopy of towering trees. Over 150 tree species Enjoy a picnic in the refurbished historic forestry hut or camp at have been recorded in this one small reserve. Park use fees the Mebbin camping area, where the 450m walk to apply. takes vistors through a stand of ancient figs. The park is located 32 km south-west of Murwillumbah, on Byrrill Creek Road wilson nature reserve (unsealed), off Tyalgum Road. Park use fees apply.

Noisy Pitta, shy rainforest floor dweller. Photography: G. Threflo Wilson Nature Reserve contains the only significant patch of dry rainforest left from the original ‘Big Scrub’. The short walking track is a good spot to see koalas. Located on Wyrallah Road, Lismore.

tucki tucki nature reserve

Tucki Tucki is not actually part of the ‘Big Scrub’, but was created to increase habitat in the region. In 1958 local residents initiated the tree plantings which now form the core of Tucki Tucki. Tree corridors link the reserve with other nearby koala habitats and a small colony of koalas live in the reserve. The park is located 15 km south of Lismore on the Wyrallah road.

Subtropical rainforest. Photography: B. Cheers coas tal parks state conservation area The coastal parks of the Northern Rivers region protect increasingly scarce habitats in a region of rapid growth. Cape Byron Headland Reserve stands on the most easterly From the coastal rainforest of Broken Head to the flowering point of the Australian mainland. heath of , these parks allow us to A spectacular clifftop walking track offers panoramic views of experience the coast the way nature planned it. the ocean and north coast hinterland.

The reserve is an outstanding spot for viewing a diverse range of marine life including turtles, dolphins and humpback whales on their annual migration. Wind your way along the walking track through diverse coastal plant communities, including rainforest that stretches right down to the beach sands.

See the Cape Byron Lighthouse and stay the night in the lighthouse keeper’s quarters. Bookings are essential (02 6685 6552). Tours of the lighthouse are available, for bookings phone 6685 8565. Parking fees apply.

The beautiful expanse of Broadwater Beach. Photography: B. Cheers

broken head nature reserve

Broken Head has rainforest that truly meets the sea. Walking tracks offer sweeping vistas and provide access to secluded beaches with their spectacular backdrop of wind- shorn rainforest. Reached by turning off the coast road at the Broken Head Caravan Park sign 4 km south of Byron Bay.

A walking track leaves from near the caravan park. Camping is Canoeing on Lake. Photography: B. Cheers permitted only in the council managed caravan park.

Photography: B. Cheers Wheelchair access, Victoria Park Nature Reserve bru nswick heads nature reserve

visi tor facilities moore park nature reserve Situated just off the Pacific Highway on the northern side of the Wheelchair access Brunswick this reserve offers the magical combination of beach, estuary and littoral rainforest. It is the ideal location for a Walking track This tiny reserve is not part of the area of the ‘Big Scrub’ but is bushwalk, swim, a spot of river fishing or a picnic. all that remains of an area once known as Boyd’s Scrub. It is the Lookout most important example of black bean rainforest in NSW and is bu ndjalung national park just off the Summerland Way near Old Grevillia, 26 km west of Toilets Kyogle. It supports a large seasonal bat colony and is a great place for a short bushwalk or a family picnic. Picnic area Situated between the coastal villages of Evans Head and Iluka, offers unspoilt beaches protected by Barbeques dramatic headlands, plus uniquely Australian heath vegetation and pristine river systems. Camping Area At Black Rocks Camping Area, basic campsites provide the opportunity to enjoy the park. Reached by turning off the Pacific Highway at Gap Road just south of Woodburn, facilities include toilets and gas barbecues, however you must take your own water. CARING FOR THE PARKS

Gumma Garra Picnic Area, located adjacent to the fishing • Leave your pets, firearms and spearguns at home, as they village of Evans Head, offers more bushwalking, fishing or the are not permitted. tranquillity for a day spent relaxing with the family. • Enjoy the wildlife but do not disturb plants, animals, Camping and caravan facilities, including hot showers and a bushrock, Aboriginal sites or historic places. All are kiosk, are available at Woody Head. Bookings are essential - protected. ring (02) 6646 6134 to secure a site. Picnic areas for day visitors • Be careful with fire. Use only fireplaces provided. are provided at Shark Bay, Frazers Bluff and Back Beach. Park use and camping fees apply. • Observe any total fire bans.

broadwater national park • Firewood is not provided. Bring your own firewood or better still use gas stoves.

• Chainsaws and firewood collection are not permitted. Located between the villages of Evans Head and Broadwater on the Pacific Highway, this park preserves areas of outstanding • Drive carefully and keep to public roads. All vehicles must coastal heath which erupts into glorious colour with the arrival be registered and drivers licensed. of spring and the wildflowers. Picnic facilities are provided at • Keep the park clean and safe for wildlife. Please take your Photography: B. Cheers Moisture loving fungi Broadwater Beach, while the wheel chair accessible lookout on the headland allows uninterrupted ocean and heath views. rubbish home. • Observe all signs, as they are there for your safety and to t yagarah nature reserve aboriginal cultural heritage help you enjoy your visit. The national parks of the region are part of the identity, • Keep to walking tracks, as they are designed to have minimal spirituality, connection and resource base of the Bundjalung Eight kilometres of secluded and unspoilt beach backed by impact. and Githabul Aboriginal people. The local Aboriginal people are coastal heath await visitors to this reserve. Reached by turning recognised as the original custodians of the land, water, animals off the Pacific Highway 10 km north of Byron Bay at Gray’s Lane. • Be considerate of other park users – keep your noise to a and plants of these areas. Picnic facilities are provided. This is the perfect place for a quiet minimum. The National Parks and Wildlife Service seeks to work in walk or a spot of birdwatching. Park use fees apply. • Please do not feed the wildlife. They then demand it and can partnership with representatives of the local Aboriginal people become dangerous. to identify and protect heritage values and provide visitor cudgen nature reserve information about the national parks of the region. • Drinking water is not provided in the parks. t weed heads historic site This coastal reserve features a brackish lagoon, coastal rainforest, koala habitat and heathland leading onto the sand dunes and beach. Sea turtles have been recorded nesting Increase your understanding of Aboriginal culture at on the beach, and a small population of koalas inhabits the Minjungbal’s Ceremonial Ring and museum. A circular eucalypt and melaleuca forest around the lake and into the wheelchair accessible walk weaves through the mangroves Round Mountain area of the reserve. and out over the water before returning to a well preserved A picnic area is located beside Cudgen Lake, which offers good Ceremonial Ring. The centre provides picnic tables, electric opportunities for canoeists. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk barbecues and toilets for visitors and is reached by turning off beside the lake, with the backdrop of Mt Warning to the west. the Pacific Highway at South Tweed Heads into Kirkwood Road. The reserve is located 20 km east of Murwillumbah, on Clothiers more information For further information Ph (07) 55242109. Creek Road off the Pacific Highway. NPWS Area Office, len n ox head aboriginal area 7 Northcott Crescent, richmond river nature reserve Alstonville NSW 2477. An Aboriginal Ceremonial Ground is situated in the heart the coastal village of Lennox Head. The , whose Tel: 02 6627 0200 Email: [email protected] lands make up this area, enjoyed an abundance of fresh water, Mangrove, saltmarsh, coastal heath, paperbark swamp and small marine life, plant and animal food sources. patches of littoral rainforest are features of this reserve. Enjoy fishing, or a family picnic on the shores of Mobbs Bay. One of the two Ceremonial Rings originally on the site remains. The Ceremonial Ground is a tangible remnant of the rich No vehicles are permitted on the beach north of the access geNeral iNquiries: Aboriginal culture and was used as a male initiation site. It is point as it is habitat for the threatened pied oystercatcher. The T: 13000PARKS (1300 072 757) located in Gibbon Street off the Lennox Head to Byron Bay reserve is located at South Ballina, on the southern banks of the www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Road. lower Richmond River. Northern Rivers Region National Parks and Nature Reserves

Rathdowney TWEED HEADS Tweed Heads HS/ Main Range Springbrook Ukerebagh NR NP Cook Island NR Lamington NP WARWICK NP Stotts Numinbah Island Mount Barney NR NR NP Mt Chinghee Cudgen NP Limpinwood NR Mount Mount NR Killarney Clunie NP Nothofagus NP Border Ranges NP Border Loop Wollumbin MURWILLUMBAH Antarctic Beech NP & Brindle Creek Tw eed Valley Mount Koreelah Lookout SCA Warning NP Mooball Brindle Ck Walk NP Woodenbong Forest To ps NP Old Pinnacle Lookout Koreelah Sheepstation Uki Moore Creek Blackbutt Lookout Wooyung Tooloom Park NR NR NP Bar Mtn Urbenville Mebbin NP Mount Billinudgel Toonumbar Jerusalem NR Maryland NP NP Murray Scrub Walk Wiangaree Brunswick NP Ironpot Creek Lillian Nightcap NP Heads Rock Mt Nardi Mullumbimby NR BRUNSWICK HEADS Cape TeraniaCreek Whian Tyagarah Byron MP Nimbin Rummery Park Whian Minyon Falls NR Julian Rocks NR SCA KYOGLE Rocky Creek Walk Minyon Grass Big Scrub Loop Minyon Loop Repentence Cape Byron SCA Creek Yabbra Peacock Ck BYRON BAY NP Dorroughby Dunoon Arakwal NP The Channon Richmond Broken Head NR Range NP Clunes Boatharbour NR Lennox LISMORE Head AA Boonoo Culmaran Valley Track Cambridge Plateau Wilson Boonoo NR NP Alstonville Bald National park (NP), nature reserve (NR), Aboriginal Area (AA) state conservation BALLINA Rock area (SCA) within NPWS Northern Rivers Region Richmond Other National park (NP), nature reserve (NR), Mallanganee CASINO NP Victoria River NR Aboriginal Area (AA) state recreation area (SRA) Park Mallanganee State forest Tucki NR Basket NP Defence practice area (bombing range) Tucki Swamp Public access prohibited NR NR Highway Sealed road Unsealed road Walking track Broadwater State border Mount NPWS regional boundary Pikapene Wheelchair access NP Broadwater NP TENTERFIELD Lookout Bungawalbin Woodburn Salty Lagoon Walking Track Demon Picnic area NP NR Camping area with toilets Evans Head Visitor information centre Gumma Garra ‘Big Scrub’ reserves & other remnants World Heritage Listed rainforest reserves New Italy Coastal Reserves Aboriginal cultural heritage sites

Mount Neville NR Whiporie Jerusalem Creek Walk Black Rocks Bundjalung NP Washpool NP Burnt-down Scrub NR N

Banyabba NR Woody Head 0 10 20

Iluka Iluka NR KILOMETRES Yamba Fortis Maclean Creek NP Base geographic data for this map was provided by the general manager Australian Surveying and Gibraltar Land Information Group (AUSLIG). Terrain detail derived from Landsat satellite imagery. Mapping: Charles Walsh Nature Tourism Services 01/09 Range NP

The lush greens of Nightcap National Park Photography: B. Cheers