Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails

New ways to experience nature in the north.

Doughboy and Wollumbin caldera, Wollumbin National ParkThis project will deliver high-quality nature-based visitor experiences in the Tweed, Byron and Lismore region to boost the NSW visitor economy and community wellbeing.

Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails will see new sustainable visitor infrastructure in the Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap national parks and Whian Whian State Conservation Area, focusing on a signature walk from near the village of Uki to Minyon Falls in the NSW North Coast hinterland.

What the project involves

Characterised by lush rainforests, mountain views, countless waterfalls and hidden rockpools set within the remnant caldera of an ancient shield volcano, this region has the potential for a range of new recreational opportunities.

We plan to develop a network of tracks offering short to medium walks supported by visitor hubs offering facilities for day use and overnight stays, including campgrounds, picnic areas, car park and toilets.

The 4-day walk from near Uki to Minyon Falls will be purpose-designed to provide the walker with the ultimate rainforest experience. 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 will have a major upgrade, enhancing the lookout and picnic area at Minyon Falls. A new trail head will also be developed near Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park.

The project seeks to acknowledge the Aboriginal significance of Wollumbin National Park and to minimise visitor impacts on the Wollumbin Summit Walk.

The proposal received funding through the 2018–19 NSW Government budget for $7.35 million and will be delivered in stages over a 4-year period, with final completion expected in 2022.

The project aims to redistribute the current unsustainable visitor pressures from the culturally significant Wollumbin National Park and encourage dispersal of coastal visitation, particularly in the Byron Bay area. It will boost the regional visitor economy by extending visitor stays and bring economic benefits to local communities.

The project is part of a cohesive approach to market and enhance the tourism and local economies in the region, particularly in Tweed Shire. It will enable the development of strong partnerships with community, industry and government stakeholders, including Aboriginal communities.

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.

We will conduct independent environmental assessments to examine the significance of likely environmental impacts of the proposal and measures required to mitigate any potential impacts. This highlights the need to ensure public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation values.

The proposed project will undergo further detailed design and assessment to ensure compliance with the park's plan of management and conservation management plans. 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.

The project will develop hiking trails, visitor hubs, lookouts and walks within the outstanding landscapes of these significant national parks. The design and construction of visitor facilities will be sensitive to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the sites.

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.

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 the Aboriginal community aims to ensure the proposal is in keeping with Aboriginal interests and aspirations.

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

Nightcap oak (Eidothea hardeniana)

Updates: February 2020

Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails is a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service project to create high quality nature-based visitor experiences focusing on a signature walk from Unicorn Falls, near the village of Uki, to Minyon Falls in the far north New South Wales hinterland. The project will also see new sustainable visitor infrastructure at Minyon Falls, Unicorn Falls and Wollumbin.

  • 20 Feb 2020
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To register your interest in this project please complete and submit the form.

Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails – Register of interest





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