Here is a brief description of some of the Parks and Reserves the region has to offer. This information has been sourced from the National Parks & Wildlife Services.

Arakwal National Park (Cape Byron State Recreation Area) 183 ha

The 183-hectare park stretches from the lighthouse reserve on Australia’s most easterly point south along Tallow Beach for nearly two kilometres. Its creation is the result of the first indigenous land use agreement in Australia to provide for such a park.

Cape Byron Headland stands on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. A spectacular clifftop walking track offers panoramic views of the ocean and north coast hinterland. An outstanding vantage point for viewing a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, dolphins and the humpback whales on their annual migration.

2 km east of Byron Bay, along Lighthouse Road.

Broken Head Nature Reserve 98 ha

One of the few places in NSW where secluded beaches are fringed with rainforest. Surround yourself with the spectacular beauty of Broken Head Nature Reserve. Experience Aboriginal culture, rainforest walks, whale watching, and fishing from pristine beaches.

4 km south of Byron Bay, off Coast Road.

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve 177 ha

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, situated between Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores townships is great for school excursions and offers fishing, birdwatching, walking, canoeing, cycling and picnicking.

20 km north of Byron Bay at Brunswick Heads, just off the Pacific Highway.

Wollumbin National Park 2380 ha

World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park, formerly known as Mount Warning National Park, is a great place for a picnic or a day walk. Wollumbin, which dramatically rises from World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park to a height of 1,157m above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano.

12 km south-west of Murwillumbah, off Kyogle Road.

Tyagarah Nature Reserve 763 ha

Tyagarah Nature Reserve protects a lovely strip of coastline, which runs for 7km between Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads. The coastal heath provides a gorgeous backdrop to the reserve’s unspoilt beach. It protects 7km of coastline where you can swim, sunbathe, fish, birdwatch or eat at the picnic area.

Turn off the Pacific Highway at Grays Lane, 10 km north of Byron Bay.

Nightcap National Park 8080 ha

Minyon Falls, with its picnic area and awesome 100-m waterfall, provides a great start to the 30-km Whian Whian Forest Drive (unsealed). This scenic route takes in areas of Nightcap National Park and nearby State forest, passing Rummery Park, a great picnicking and camping spot in a section of State forest. Rainforest dominates the Minyon Falls loop track, and visitors can see remnants of the original forests which once covered much of the State’s north-east.

Nightcap National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a dramatically beautiful park full of ancient rainforests, magical waterways and spectacular views.

No fires are permitted in the park; portable fuel stoves only. Swimming is not permitted at this spot, because it is the habitat of the endangered Fleay’s barred frog.

35 km north of Lismore. Whian Whian Forest Drive (unsealed) is off the Lismore-Mullumbimby road.