Northern Rivers Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Yamba which includes a river or creek
Cape Byron Lighthouse which includes views as well as a small group of people
Northern Rivers
Northern Rivers
Wategos Beach showing surfing, a beach and general coastal views

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 featuring a park

Kingscliff

The pristine beaches and ample 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 which includes a coastal town

Lennox Head

Travellers come to Lennox Head for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach while you're in town.

Lennox Head
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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
Cabarita Beach featuring a sandy beach

Cabarita Beach

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

Cabarita Beach
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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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Casuarina

Beaches, restaurants and spas are some highlights of Casuarina. Make a stop by Casuarina Beach or South Kingscliff Beach while you're exploring.

Casuarina
Mantra on Salt Beach
Mantra on Salt Beach
4.5 out of 5
Gunnamatta Avenue, Kingscliff, NSW
The price is AU$171 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$171
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Reasonable rates for comfortable and clean rooms. Staff helpful and checkin/out easy."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

Mantra on Salt Beach
Mantra Twin Towns
Mantra Twin Towns
4 out of 5
Corner Griffith & Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, NSW
The price is AU$207 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$207
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Tweed Heads. Enjoy free parking, 5 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great stay
"Great accom walking to everything. Amazing view from our room. A little confusing for a Victorian as it’s on the border so the time changed dependent on where you were in the building but not realy and issue just unusual."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

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 AU$171 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$171
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"We were very impressed by how clean and modern the deluxe lakeside cabin was. We were a little surprised to discover they were actually a duplex setup but it wasn’t an issue and we rarely heard our adjoining neighbours. Also loved how family friendly the park was with soo many facilities and activities ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
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! (2,134 reviews)
"Lovely spacious apartment, only let down was noisy air-conditioning ."

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

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! (153 reviews)
"We liked the location of the apartment as we could walk to everything we needed to get to. We didn't like the car park access as we found with a slightly bigger car it was quite tight to get around and we were on the bottom floor also."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

X Kirra Apartments
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! (466 reviews)
"Great spot, awesome views. Cannot fault our stay at The Iconic! Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Rivers