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
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
Rydges Gold Coast Airport

Rydges Gold Coast Airport

4 out of 5
Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga, Bilinga, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,040 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
NT$4,040
NT$4,444 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"well organized to cater for early morning flights, well organised early breakfast"

Reviewed on 2025/9/15

Rydges Gold Coast Airport
Mantra on Salt Beach

Mantra on Salt Beach

4.5 out of 5
Gunnamatta Avenue, Kingscliff, NSW
The price is NT$3,186 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
NT$3,186
NT$3,186 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tweed Heads. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The staff, especially the reception staff were helpful, knowledgeable with personality plus. The room was great as was all the amenities. The only thing I wasn’t keen on was had to walk outside to go to the bar overall had a fantastic holiday. Would really recommend it."

Reviewed on 2025/9/12

Mantra on Salt Beach
Mantra Twin Towns

Mantra Twin Towns

4 out of 5
Corner Griffith & Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, NSW
The price is NT$3,763 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
NT$3,763
NT$3,763 total
Oct 6 - Oct 7
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Easy check in and very convenient to areas I needed to access"

Reviewed on 2025/9/16

Mantra Twin Towns
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! (2,203 reviews)
#Beautiful pool, right on the beach and shops
"We always stay at Calypso's when we go to Coolangatta. It's close to the shops and right on the beach. The pool is awesome, the staff are friendly, and the apartment is in good shape."

Reviewed on 2025/9/18

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kirra Beach and Coolangatta Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
"Location was great with only one issue - parking a larger rental in multiple level underground was a concern!"

Reviewed on 2025/9/5

X Kirra Apartments
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! (1,529 reviews)
"The view was fabulous"

Reviewed on 2025/9/19

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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Cities near Northern Rivers