National Parks around Byron Bay
Byron Bay is located amid some of the most valuable and scenic Australian national parks and reserves. Indeed Byron Bay itself has three important protected areas, with two onshore and one offshore. And just a short drive away in any direction takes you to stunning places such as the World Heritage listed Mount Warning National Park, Nightcap National Park and Mooball National Park, not to mention the nature reserves of Boatharbour, Broken Head, Brunswick Heads and Tyagarah. In most cases you will need your own transportation to access these fascinating wilderness areas. Click here for cheap rental car hire in Byron Bay!
Cape Byron Headland Reserve
Protecting one of the most scenic locations not only in Australia but in the world, the Cape Byron Headland Reserve features spectacular hiking trails, the Cape Byron Lighthouse, and magnificent panoramas. As the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, the Cape is an important navigation aide for migrating humpback whales which pass close to the headland. This makes Cape Byron one of the most easily accessible, reliable and fantastic places to enjoy whale watching. And when the whales are not around, you can still spot dolphins and marine turtles! The hiking trails pass through a wide range of habitats for such a small area of land, with rainforest, scrub, grasslands, rocky coastline and beaches all traversed in a few hours. Many bird species can be found in the reserve, including osprey, wrens, honeyeaters and flycatchers. And if you are lucky you may come across swamp wallabies and bandicoots! The best time to visit the Cape Byron Headland Reserve is at dawn, when you are welcomed with a breathtaking sunrise, 100 metre sheer cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, and, of course, the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Official Cape Byron Headland Reserve Website
Arakwal National Park (Cape Byron State Recreation Area)
Together with the Cape Byron Headland Reserve, the Arakwal National Park forms an unbroken stretch of protected coastline covering Cape Byron and extending south along Tallow Beach known as the Cape Byron State Recreation Area. Of prime importance is the coastal clay heath, the largest area of such habitat remaining in New South Wales. Many species of animals depend on the heath for shelter, such as various frogs, birds, wallabies and echidnas. The national park is also part of the ancestral home of the indigenous Byron Bay Arakwal People, who co-manage the reserve.
Official Arakwal National Park Website
Julian Rocks Marine Reserve (Cape Byron Marine Park)
The enthralling underwater world of Julian Rocks, just 2.5 km offshore from Cape Byron, is part of the 40 km long Cape Byron Marine Park that protects coastal waters between Brunswick Heads to the north and Lennox Heads to the south. Julian Rocks is probably the most famous and popular marine reserve within the marine park, however the 'Moat' off Lennox Heads is also rewarding to explore, as is the ecologically important Brunswick River. Julian Rocks protrude from the ocean and provide a safe nesting ground for many species of seabirds such as cormorants. However, it is for its diverse underwater marine life that Julian Rocks is most well known, with marine turtles, whales, dolphins, and over 500 species of fish to be found within the magical coral reef ecosystem.
Official Cape Byron Marine Park Website
Boatharbour Nature Reserve
Located just outside Lismore, the Boatharbour Nature Reserve is a perfect day trip from Byron Bay. A delightful picnic area is situated on the riverbank amid lush rainforest teeming with flora and fauna. There are walking trails along both Coopers Creek and the Wilson River, both featuring pleasant scenery and a refreshing ambience. Fauna in the reserve include platypus, possums, kingfishers, parrots, flycatchers, and wrens. To get to the reserve, take Bangalow Road from Byron Bay toward Lismore.
Official Boatharbour Nature Reserve Website
Mooball National Park
A perfect destination for serious naturalists and hikers, Mooball National Park has a mix of rainforest and wet eucalypt forest that is home to endangered animals such as the Long-nosed Potoroo, Red-legged Pademelon, Marbled Frogmouth, Giant Barred Frog and Stephen’s Banded Snake. The lack of facilities and established walking trails, however, means that this national park is only for experienced, dedicated nature lovers with proper equipment. That said, areas of Mooball National Park are suitable for picnicking for daytrippers. The national park can be reached by taking the Pacific Highway north past Brunswick Heads toward Murwillumbah.
Official Mooball National Park Website
Mount Warning National Park
The jewel in the crown of the region's national parks, Mount Warning is part of the Tweed Caldera, the remnants of the rim of the crater of a gigantic extinct volcano that stretch from Mount Tamborine in southeast Queensland to Cape Byron. The highest and most spectacular remains of this volcano form Mount Warning, a mountain whose profile is instantly recognizable from any viewpoint and was named by Captain Cook as a beacon warning passing ships of the dangerous reefs in the area. Reaching a height of over 1100m, the mountain has a vast network of hiking trails, picnic areas, swimming holes, rainforests and 360 degree panoramas. Not surprisingly, Mount Warning National Park is a World Heritage listed site and supports a number of threatened and endangered species such as Albert's Lyrebird, Marbled Frogmouth, Stephen's Banded Snake and Koala. The mountain is scared to the Bundjalung people, who refer to the mountain as Wollumbin (meaning 'Fighting Chief'). The Bundjalung ask that visitors refrain from summiting the mountain in respect of their beliefs, however compliance with this request is purely voluntary on the part of visitors. To reach Mount Warning from Byron Bay, take the Pacific Highway north to Murwillumbah, then head southwest on Kyogle Road toward Kyogle.
Official Mount Warning National Park Website
Nightcap National Park
Another protected part of the Tweed Caldera is Nightcap National Park, an extremely important and fragile ecosystem that is vigorously guarded by the New South Wales government. As such, there is no swimming, camping or lighting of fires permitted within Nightcap. Electric barbeques are provided at picnic areas for cooking, however, and the well marked and maintained walking trails are a trekker's delight. In particular, the 100m Minyon Falls are a favourite destination and fantastic view. Among the national park's most endangered creatures are frogs (which is why you can't swim!), with numerous threatened and endangered species such as Fleay's Barred Frog in residence. The value of Nightcap National Park has been recognized internationally, and it is now a listed World Heritage site. From Byron Bay, head north to Mullumbimby then take the Mullumbimby-Lismore Road southwest.
Official Nightcap National Park Website
Mebbin National Park
Mebbin National Park forms the westernmost section of the Tweed Caldera and joins the extensive Border Ranges National Park at its western edge. Mebbin has great facilities, which makes it equally popular for day trips or overnight stays. Picnic and camping areas with barbeques are provided, and there is a scenic drive covering some of the most magnificent vistas. Important animals within the national park include Red-necked and Red-legged Pademelons, Long-nosed Potoroos, Koalas, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Albert's Lyrebird and several species of frogs. From Byron Bay head to Murwillumbah then take the Kyogle Road through Uki, and turn right into Byrrill Creek Road. From Byrrill Creek Road turn left into Mebbin Forest Road which leads to the park boundary
Official Mebbin National Park Website
Broken Head Nature Reserve
Midway between Byron Bay and Lennox Heads, Broken Head Nature Reserve encompasses a beautiful headland surrounded by lush rainforest. The headland has numerous small secluded coves with tiny beaches perfect for those wishing privacy. The scenery is amazing, with soaring raocky cliffs, white beaches, green forests and the azure blue of the Pacific Ocean. A haven for both seabirds and forest dwellers, the reserve is extremely popular with bird watchers and naturalists. Broken Head Nature Reserve is a short drive south along the main coast road from Byron Bay.
Official Broken Head Nature Reserve Website
Tyagarah Nature Reserve
Protecting an unspoilt 7 km stretch of beach between Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, Tyagarah Nature Reserve is a perfect place for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Camping is not permitted, however, nor is lighting fires on the beach. The habitat supports a surprisingly large number of animals, including threatened species such as Long-nosed Potoroo and Short-beaked Echidna. The nature reserve is extremely popular with bird watchers, as hundreds of species have been observed along this thin strip of coastline. To get to Tyagarah Nature Reserve from Byron Bay, simply head north along the Pacific Highway.
Official Tyagarah Nature Reserve Website
Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve
Many of the national parks and nature reserves in the Byron Bay region have been protected to provide wildlife corridors and stepping stones for the entire range of animal species in the area, both residents and migratory. Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve is an important part of this network of protected areas, and covers both the coastal headland and Brunswick River section up to Murwillumbah. Facilities in the nature reserve include picnic areas and hiking trails, with fishing, swimming, bird watching, and canoeing being the main activities. The nature reserve is just 20 km north of Byron Bay on the Pacific Highway.
Official Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve Website
Cudgen Nature Reserve
North of Brunswick Heads, the Cudgen Nature Reserve features a coastal lagoon complete with rainforest and beaches. Highlights of this important protected ecosystem include nesting sea turtles, koalas, hundreds of species of birds and some endangered frog species. Cudgen Lake has picnic areas with electric barbeques, with the lake being popular for swimming and canoeing. The scenery is spectacular particularly at sunset, when Mount Warning is silhouetted to the west and the red and orange hues of the sky are reflected on the lagoon surface. From Byron Bay, take the Pacific Highway north past Brunswick Heads and turn off at Clothiers Creek Road.
Official Cudgen Nature Reserve Website