Northern Rivers

Travel Guide

Yamba showing a river or creek
Cape Byron Lighthouse featuring views as well as a small group of people
Little Wategos Beach
Tallow Beach
Wategos Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and surfing

Northern Rivers Travel Guide Video

Discover the hinterland of northern New South Wales, where you can enter ancient rainforests or hunt for antiques in picturesque countryside villages.

Northern Rivers is a broad region of lush pastoral land fringed by wild rainforests, deep river gorges and the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Stretching between the Clarence River and Tweed HeadsOpens in a new window in the hinterland behind the iridescent North Coast, Northern Rivers is characterized by country towns, farm-fresh produce, green meadows and mountain views. Explore country markets, check out provincial art galleries, embark on bushwalking trails that thread through dense rainforest or indulge in some of the region’s renowned natural therapies.

To the south of the region is the mighty Clarence River, one of Australia’s largest waterways. Experience the river’s lush estuary on a boating or fishing trip departing from YambaOpens in a new window or visit the farming villages that sit along its banks. One of the largest hubs in the Northern Rivers region is the city of LismoreOpens in a new window, where you’ll find a lively arts scene, fresh organic produce and vintage markets. Visit nearby Nimbin to find a laid-back village within a verdant green valley punctuated by spires of volcanic rock. Relax with rejuvenating remedial therapies in this alternative town. World Heritage rainforests and beautiful national parks are a short distance away.

See Protestors Falls in the Nightcap National Park or check out the undulating greenery of the Border Ranges. Wollumbin National Park, near MurwillumbahOpens in a new window, is where you’ll find the distinctive mountain peak of Wollumbin, or Mount Warning. This sacred Bundjalung Aboriginal site is the first place that sees the morning sun on the Australian mainland. Respect the traditional custodians of the mountain by enjoying the scenery from its leafy foothills.

Toward the north, you’ll find the green grazing pastures of the Tweed River. At the mouth of the river lies the northern border of New South Wales and the waterfront resorts of the Tweed area.

Reach the Northern Rivers via one of the major airports located throughout the region. Lismore is a 3-hour drive from BrisbaneOpens in a new window and a 2-hour drive from the Gold CoastOpens in a new window. The region is best explored by car however, there are some charter tour operators and intercity buses. Stay in cozy country hotels and rainforest retreats.

Where to stay in Northern Rivers

Kingscliff which includes a park

Kingscliff

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Kingscliff. A stop by Kingscliff Beach or Casuarina Beach might round out your trip.

Kingscliff
Lennox Head featuring a coastal town

Lennox Head

Lennox Head is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach while in the area.

Lennox Head
Cabarita Beach showing a beach

Cabarita Beach

Beaches, cafes, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Cabarita Beach. Check out Cabarita Beach or Casuarina Beach while you're exploring the area.

Cabarita Beach
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Casuarina

Beaches, restaurants, and spas highlight some of the noteworthy features of Casuarina. Make a stop by Casuarina Beach or South Kingscliff Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Casuarina
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Pottsville

Pottsville is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Pottsville Beach and Cudgen Nature Reserve.

Pottsville
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Kirra

Kirra is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Border Park Raceway and Gold Coast Skydive while you're in town.

Kirra
Mantra Twin Towns
Mantra Twin Towns
4 out of 5
Corner Griffith & Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, NSW
The price is NT$3,528 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$3,528
NT$3,528 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Tweed Heads. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"1st time to Tweed and absolutely loved our short stay here!! Has everything!! Perfect for our conference! Room was great!!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Mantra Twin Towns
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
3.5 out of 5
399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NT$3,030 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$3,030
NT$3,030 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly holiday park in Byron Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and free water park access. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Helpful staff and kids loved activities"

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Elements of Byron
Elements of Byron
5 out of 5
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NT$6,046 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$6,046
NT$6,651 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Wategos Beach and Belongil Beach are ...
"Was so family friendly. Daughter loved pool. Restaurants book out days in advance. Best to book ahead before your stay. Lovely staff and great location as it’s close to town"

Reviewed on 2020/10/22

Elements of Byron
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
4 out of 5
99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a sauna. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,167 reviews)
"Awesome location, great views and the kids were in love with the pool setup including slides."

Reviewed on 2025/7/10

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (488 reviews)
Perfect location in beautiful Kirra.
"Had a low level sea view apartment, great view, very clean, lovely staff and excellent location. A lot of different dinner options literally 30 second walk, 7/11 one minute walk. Beach access directly across road. Was there in winter, so wish the pool was heated, but nevermind. I'll definitely be ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
4.5 out of 5
88 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,521 reviews)
"Great location, will be coming back"

Reviewed on 2025/6/22

Mantra Coolangatta Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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