Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails

The Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project will deliver new nature-based tourism experiences for visitors to the popular Northern Rivers hinterland.

The project includes a new multi-day walk from Mount Jerusalem National Park to Nightcap National Park. This signature 4-day walk will be purpose-built to provide walkers with an immersive rainforest experience through the remnant caldera of an ancient shield volcano, concluding at the spectacular Minyon Falls lookout.

What the project involves

The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (formerly referred to as the Tweed Byron Hinterland Walk) is a new 39-kilometre multi-day walk and the centrepiece of the Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project. Starting near the town of Uki in Mount Jerusalem National Park, the walk will conclude at Minyon Falls lookout in the Nightcap National Park.

The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk will wind through some of the region's most spectacular rainforest and feature 3 new campgrounds with toilets, shelters and camping platforms. A new trail head has also been developed near Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park. As well as functioning as the trail head for the multi-day walk, visitors will also be able to enjoy shorter half-day and day walks, including to Unicorn Falls. A half-day walk will also be available from Rummery Park in Nightcap National Park.

A minimal impact approach, using existing trails and allowing the natural elements to determine the route, will reduce the need for extensive trail construction. The walk will be able to be undertaken as self-guided or through commercial tour operators offering various levels of assistance to individuals or groups, with the National Parks and Wildlife Service fostering these partnership opportunities.

The Minyon Falls visitor precinct has also undergone a major upgrade, with a stunning new lookout overlooking the clifftop waterfall and a revitalised picnic area. These spaces are wheelchair-friendly and provide better access and amenity for the many day visitors from the coast who visit this beautiful waterfall.

Timeframe

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is due for completion in early 2025. Works at Minyon Falls and Unicorn Falls are already complete.

Why we are doing this and who benefits

This project will boost the local economy by extending visitor stays and providing greater opportunities for visitors to explore the Northern Rivers region outside tourist hotspots such as Byron Bay.

We are consulting with Aboriginal communities and developing partnerships to highlight the area's rich cultural heritage, including opportunities for Aboriginal-guided experiences.

Protecting park values

Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. This includes providing visitor experiences and, where appropriate, new visitor facilities including walking tracks.

NPWS has commissioned independent environmental and cultural heritage assessments to identify the significance of likely impacts of the proposal and measures required to mitigate these impacts. This highlights the need to ensure public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation and heritage values.

Further stringent environmental, cultural heritage and cost-benefit assessments, involving our staff, key stakeholders and other experts, will ensure the project meets environmental, cultural and economic aspirations.

Reflecting a sense of place

Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to achieve an 'experience of a lifetime' for visitors. Developing rich and engaging interpretation, including opportunities for local Aboriginal guided experiences, will be a key focus to immerse the walker in the natural and cultural landscape, creating a strong connection and sense of place.

Engaging stakeholders

Effective community and stakeholder engagement are critical to the success of this project. We will engage with stakeholders and interested community members in a meaningful and timely way. Positive and ongoing consultation with Aboriginal custodians aims to ensure the proposal is in keeping with Aboriginal interests and aspirations.

Those interested in the project are invited to register their interest to receive regular updates.

To register your interest in this project please complete and submit the form.

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