A sacred place to ancestors of the Bundjalung Nation, this extinct volcano is named "Wollumbin" meaning cloud catcher. A traditional place of cultural and spiritual lore this world heritage listed park is the first to be touched by the sun on mainland Australia. Watch the dawn of a new day as the sun rises over the rolling patchwork hills and country villages nestled in the valleys. Your ascent to the summit will be rewarded by spectacular rainforest scenery; natural streams and brooks, abundant bird and wildlife.

A gift to the visitors of Byron looking to escape the buzz of the popular town, this breathtaking stretch of secluded sands bordered by 183 hectares of rich coastal heath is a haven for migratory birds and wildlife. A historic agreement between the NSW government and the Arakwal community, the park is an important part of Aboriginal culture. Co-managed by the traditional owners, experience the meandering pathways that link the township of Byron Bay to the Pacific Ocean and marine life that call it home.

There she stands, the last of the great 19th Century lighthouses. Strong and tall, the gatekeeper to Australia's most easterly point. For over a hundred years she has kept watch over the 99-hectare reserve that celebrates a rich indigenous heritage and the regions colonial and natural geological beauty. Grasp the uniqueness of this rugged headland and Marine Park by doing the spectacular cliff top walk that curls around Cape Byron. Let the music of the circadia guide you through lush tropical rainforest. Be drawn to the cool waters of the surrounding coves and beaches and feel real freedom as you gaze out on the majestic north coast hinterland.

This alternate universe extends from Brunswick River to Lennox Head. An abundance of marine life and invertebrates have found themselves a home amongst the rocky shores and reefs. The Marine Park's mission is to preserve this wonderland for both present and future generations. With this is mind they invite you to explore the riches of this natural habitat. Swim with seasonal visitors such as the manta ray in the summer and the grey nurse in the winter while catching up with regulars like the wobbegong and cuttlefish.

This rare coastal rainforest is home to the sights and sounds of the Aussie scrub. Banksias and tuckeroos shield the rainforest from the salty onshore winds and hardy brush box and native elm flourish amongst bangalow palms. The loud whip-crack of the eastern whip bird is unmistakable as is the mournful cry of the koel ringing eerily in the gullies. Rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to secluded beaches where white breasted sea eagles and brahminy kites plunge to the sea.

Sitting on the fringes of Mount Warning is a land like no other. A magical place full of ancient rainforests, enchanting waterways, magnificent waterfalls and crystal clear creeks. Home to the newly discovered night cap oak, listen out for the mimics of Albert's lyrebird song, the clicking of the threatened barred frog and the crashing water of the mighty Minyon waterfall. Drive, bushwalk or camp your way through this tropical oasis stopping for a picnic break at one of the parks many escarpments.

Wild and untamed this is the place to get your hands dirty. Grab the 4WD and hit the 64-kilometer gravel road circuit that takes you on a cross-country adventure through the best scenery the hinterland has to offer. Most of the drive skims the caldera edge of the eroded Mount Warning Volcano providing incomparable views. Perched on the lip you will discover the misty realms of the ancient Antarctic beech forest. Take a good day or camp overnight to fully appreciate this World Heritage rainforest park.

Twenty kilometers north of Byron you will discover a sleepy laid back seaside village called Brusnwick Heads. It is here where the rainforest meets the sea, a rare occurrence. A secret of sorts you will be spared tourists and beachside developments. Instead you will find large chucks of pristine coastal and eco wetlands. An important wildlife habitat for a diverse natural selection of birds this area is prefect for a leisurely bushwalk, picnic or simply a spot of river fishing.

A serious bushwalk it is worth the dedication to see the dramatic scenery of Lamington National Park. Mountain creeks plummet from sheer-faced cliffs through deep, narrow valleys. Woody vines; ferns and orchids grow beneath a canopy of tall trees in the subtropical tracts. Walk Australia's first tree top walkway suspended 16 metres above the rainforest floor. From this vantage point on observe more then 160 species of birds as well as reptiles, frogs, mammals and invertebrates.