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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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
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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
Mantra on Salt Beach
Mantra on Salt Beach
4.5 out of 5
Gunnamatta Avenue, Kingscliff, NSW
The price is AU$152 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$152
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice quiet relaxing location, good pools and close to beach and dining options. No air con in the bedroom was a problem. The ocean view is very poor and not worth the extra money."

Reviewed on 26 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$183 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$183
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything we wanted and more .Will definitely be staying again ."

Reviewed on 23 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$178 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$178
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
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)
"Lovely and safe"

Reviewed on 25 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! (2,137 reviews)
"Would have given the 5 stars across the board but one of the main reasons I booked this hotel was because of the amazing pool on the property which was closed the duration of our stay. There was no mention of it when I booked it and we were not told at check in. I was really disappointed."

Reviewed on 25 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! (155 reviews)
"Beautiful space, comfortable beds, nice for 4 people. There is a lovely cafe downstairs and good restaurants in the area. Walking to surf/beach is a piece of cake. The area is prime for walking, jogging, biking, Pilates and other outdoor and ocean activities. The staff are very gracious and easy ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

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! (1,503 reviews)
Great stay
"Excellent position with great viewsm"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Rivers