Byron Hinterland Rainforest & Waterfalls
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Byron Hinterland Rainforest & Waterfalls

Drive into the Byron hinterland to the volcanic landscape around Nimbin and Minyon Falls — ancient rainforest, dramatic basalt escarpments, and the counter-culture communities that make this region unique.

  1. 1

    Minyon Falls Lookout

    Minyon Falls drops 100 metres over the edge of the Nightcap Range plateau into a rainforest gorge — the lookout gives the classic aerial view, and a steep track descends to the pool at the base.

  2. 2

    Nightcap National Park

    Nightcap National Park protects the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Shield volcano — the rainforest that covers the escarpment is World Heritage listed as part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

  3. 3

    Protesters Falls

    Protesters Falls is named for the 1979 blockade that saved this rainforest from logging — the walk to the falls through pristine subtropical rainforest passes trees that would have been felled without the protest.

  4. 4

    Nimbin Village

    Nimbin became Australia's counter-culture capital after the 1973 Aquarius Festival — the main street retains its alternative character, and the Nimbin Museum tells the story of the commune movement that settled the hinterland.

  5. 5

    Channon Markets

    The Channon markets, held on the second Sunday of each month, are the hinterland's social gathering — organic produce, handmade crafts, and music in a village hall setting that embodies the Byron hinterland community.

  6. 6

    Mount Warning Summit View

    Mount Warning (Wollumbin) is the first place on mainland Australia to receive sunlight each day — the summit walk through rainforest reaches the volcanic plug at 1,156 metres with views of three states.

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