New Unicorn Falls walking track opens in time for summer holidays
A new 2.1 km walking track to the enchanting Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park has recently been completed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Director Russell Madeley said the new walking track, which is part of the NSW Government’s $7.3 million Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project, will allow visitors to safely enjoy the beauty of the falls and its rainforest environment.
'Locals have been visiting Unicorn Falls for many years but there has never been a formal walking track or facilities at the site,' said Mr Madeley.
'The new walking track provides a safe option for people of all ages to walk to this magical waterhole,' said Mr Madeley.
'The walking track, which starts at the new Manns Road trail head, winds through 2.1kms of eucalypt forest, subtropical and warm temperate rainforest to reach Unicorn Falls.
'Walkers might be lucky enough to spot one of the many threatened species that call Mount Jerusalem National Park home, including the Albert’s lyrebird and the red-legged pademelon.
'At the falls, we’ve rehabilitated degraded areas and constructed a pathway and steps to the pool at the base of the falls to provide a safe access route and protect the surrounding rainforest from further erosion,' said Mr Madeley.
'This beautiful short walk will offer a memorable experience for the local community and day visitors who wish to explore the falls or take a dip in the picture-perfect waterhole.
'It will also be an optional side trail for walkers taking on the Tweed Byron Hinterland Walk, a 36km, multi-day walk which is due for completion in 2023,' said Mr Madeley.
The $600,000 upgrade also includes a new carpark on Manns Road, which is expected to reduce traffic on South Chowan Road, which currently gets congested during busy periods.
Plans for the new walking track and carpark, outlined in the Unicorn Falls master plan, were developed through a process of public consultation. The original draft plan was exhibited for public comment in mid-2020. Following feedback from the community, the masterplan was revised to improve outcomes for visitors and the park’s natural and cultural values.
The $7.3 million Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project is delivering new nature-based tourism experiences for visitors to the Tweed-Byron region including walking tracks, lookouts and visitor precincts.
The project is designed to encourage visitors to stay in the Northern Rivers longer, generating economic stimulus to help the region recover after the 2019–20 bushfires and significant flooding events in 2021 and 2022.
The draft master plan for the Tweed Byron Hinterland Walk is currently on public exhibition until 23 December 2022. For more information or to provide input, visit Environment and Heritage Have your say.
