Explore the Northern Rivers

Discover how you don’t have to venture far from the Gold Coast to immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery, art and culture of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, all within a couple of hours drive from Gold Coast Campervan Hire base at Tweed Heads

Something for everyone

Literally a stones’ throw away from the Gold Coast, the Northern Rivers has something for everyone. The pristine coastline has many beachside towns to choose from, each with their own unique character. If you want to get out into nature, the hinterland offers walking trails with spectacular waterfalls and views to die for. The area is also a melting pot for artists, with many galleries to explore. Quaint hinterland villages provide a peaceful haven for those looking to relax and wind down. Read on to find out more about our favourite places in this beautiful region.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail (Murwillumbah)

Love bike riding? Want to explore the countryside of the Northern Rivers on two wheels? The Northern Rivers Rail Trail will itch that need. Starting around 30 minutes from the Gold Coast at the heritage listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, this 24 km section of the rail trail takes you past the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, through to the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar and Mooball, finishing at Crabbes Creek. Go as far as you like, stop wherever takes your fancy, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Our newly-introduced electric bikes will make that journey even more fun.

Uki

Pronounced ‘You-kye’, this lush little village sits alongside the Tweed River and is under 20 minutes’ drive from Murwillumbah (under an hour from the Gold Coast). The main street is lined with cute and quirky shops, galleries and cafes. There are plenty of places to sit and eat or have a coffee as you watch the world go by, including the 110-year-old post office/art gallery and the Mount Warning Hotel. If you’re there on a Saturday morning, you’ll find fresh produce, baked goods and other treats at the Uki Farmer’s Markets. There is also the Uki Buttery Bazaar, held on the third Sunday of the month, offering up local arts, crafts and food at the heritage-listed Buttery Factory.

Clarrie Hall Dam, just 5 minutes up the road from Uki is a great place for a picnic and a bushwalk. The Cram’s Farm recreational area has two large shelters, electric barbecues and toilets available for day use.

Nimbin

Want to check out something different? Known as the alternative lifestyle capital of Australia and bursting with its own individuality, Nimbin is just over 30 minutes’ drive from Uki. Take a walk down a main street lined with heritage buildings covered in murals, book yourself in for a massage or alternative therapy, invest in some natural medicines at the herbal apothecary, or simply soak up the atmosphere while you enjoy a healthy snack at one of the eateries along the way. If you feel like staying for a couple of days, Nimbin Crystal Tourist Park and Campground offers a peaceful setting close to the village, with powered sites available and a bonus swimming pool.

The Channon Craft Market

Held on the second Sunday of the month, this colourful ‘hippy’ market is set amongst the shady trees of Coronation Park in The Channon. It’s about another 30 minutes’ drive from Nimbin towards Lismore. With a founding ethic of ‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ you’ll find a multitude of market stalls offering homegrown wares, with plenty of buskers and kids’ rides in the mix to keep you entertained along the way. Paid parking available in a big paddock nearby (money received goes to a local charity). One thing to note is that pets aren’t allowed.

Minyon Falls

You’ll find this pristine waterfall just over 30 minutes’ drive from The Channon (or 1 hour from Nimbin). Take in the spectacular view over the falls and the valley below from the lookout.

There’s a picnic area for a lunch break. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a 9km return of 13km loop walking trail to the base of the falls, where you can take a dip at the base of the falls and have a picnic.

Crystal Castle and Shambala Gardens

Take time out and put some Zen in your life. View some of the largest crystals in the world, wander or take a guided tour through serene gardens, meditate or soak up the vibes in a crystal singing bowls sound bath, all included in the $49.95 entry fee at the Crystal Castle and Shambala Gardens. Set in the Byron hinterland, the gardens are a 30-minute drive from Minyon Falls, 20 minutes from Byron Bay and around 45 minutes from the Gold Coast.

Coastal treasures

All of the coastal hamlets in the Northern Rivers area are sensational, with each one having a unique personality:

Fingal Head.

Just over the border from Queensland, Fingal Head has two beautiful beaches separated by the headland, Fingal Beach and Dreamtime Beach (patrolled by lifeguards between September and April). Take the walking track up to the headland and gaze at the view out to sea of the jagged, vertical rock outcrop, known as the Giant’s Causeway. A great spot for spotting dolphins and whales (during whale-watching season), too.

Kingscliff.

This beachside village also sits alongside Cudgen Creek at its southern end, giving you the choice of a swim in the ocean or in the creek by the boat ramp. Great for fishing, too. There are shady grassed areas for a picnic and lots of cafes and eateries, including the surf club and the Kingscliff Hotel if you prefer to order something to eat.

Cabarita Beach.

‘Caba’ also offers many boutique shops and great places to eat along the main road. There’s a lovely walk from Cabarita Surf Lifesaving Club, up through shady trees then up a timber stairway to top of the headland, where you can spot marine life and soak up the views north to Casuarina Beach and south to Hastings Point.

Hastings Point.

This sleepy hamlet sits where Cudgera Creek meets the ocean and is a great spot for fishing. There’s a sandy beach along the creek, which is a great starting point for kayaking, snorkelling, or riding a pool noodle/boogie board down when the tide is going in/out. Hastings Point lookout is another great place for whale spotting, with stunning views to the north and the south.

Brunswick Heads.

What’s not to love about Brunswick Heads? Set on the Brunswick River, with a serene little beach tucked in beside the breakwater, there’s so much to do here – snorkel, swim, kayak, or hire a tinny and go fishing in/by the river; swim in the quiet bay of Torakina Beach; go for a surf, a dip in the ocean, or a long walk on the beach that stretches all the way to Byron Bay.  The pub is a great place to relax with a bevvy and there are many eateries to choose from for a bite to eat.

Note: Byron Shire Council recently introduce paid parking (9am-5pm) to this sleepy little village, but you can still find free parking if you’re prepared to walk a bit into town.

Plan and book your Northern Rivers experience now

As you can see, you don’t have to venture far to have an amazing holiday in our campervans. Use our list to plot your favourite Northern Rivers destinations – or do them all! Plan your journey and book your campervan now for a local experience to remember!

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