National Parks

Bad weather for the beach? Byron Bay has a high number of national parks on its doorstep with exquisite landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Arakwal National Park – Afternoon Picnic Getaway

Close to Byron Bay town centre, the park provides secluded beaches and exquisite wildlife experiences including birdwatching and whale watching. Stroll the 3 km of sandy coastline before exploring the rolling dune and lush coastal heath. With sweeping coastal views and the iconic Byron Bay lighthouse visible on the horizon, the Arakwal National Park is the ideal afternoon picnic escape or morning surf destination.

For more information on access, facilities and camping, please visit National Parks New South Wales.

Cape Byron State Conservation Area

For over a century, the elegant Cape Byron Lighthouse has graced Australia’s most easterly point.

Cape Byron is a brilliant location for whale watching and the walking track provides spine-tingling views of the surrounding coast and ocean. You can enjoy a bite to eat at the Cape Café, with panoramic views across the hinterland to Byron Bay.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach try The Pass, Wategos or Tallows. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s great diving, snorkeling, surfing, hang gliding and kayaking go on your own or with licensed tour operators.
This 4km loop takes a scenic route, winding through lush rainforest, sandy beaches, vast grasslands and the iconic Cape Byron clifftops before passing Byron’s iconic white-washed lighthouse.

Please note that parking fees apply in this area. For more information on access and facilities, please visit National Parks New South Wales.

Broken Head Nature Reserve

A 20-minute drive from the township will take you to the stunning Broken Head Nature Reserve, where Aboriginal culture and untouched nature blend to create the ideal day trip. The spectacular scenery of Broken Head Nature Reserve is often highlighted by the unexpected combination of scrub and sea birds. White breasted sea eagles soar along the cliffs, occasionally plunging into the sea to snatch up a fish.

Access is via the Seven Mile Beach road, a scenic gravel road which heads southward from Broken Head Village. A signposted walking track through the rainforest leads to Kings Beach from a parking area on this road. This walk some 350 m in length passes through some of the best examples of coastal rainforest in the reserve, terminating at the outstandingly beautiful and peaceful surroundings of a small beach haven.

A second walking track from the Broken Head Caravan Park follows a dramatic cliff-top track. This very popular walking track called ‘Two Sisters Walking Track’, provides unsurpassed views seawards, with a lookout platform and interpretive signage.

Please note that parking fees apply in this area. For more information on access, facilities and camping, please visit National Parks New South Wales.

Tyagarah Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for a perfect escape to nature without overwhelming crowds or tourists, then it’s high time you visited Tyagarah – a coastal jewel of the NSW region.
Tyagarah is a 7-km-strip of perfect shoreline that starts at Byron Bay and ends in Brunswick Heads. It’s family-friendly, nature trails are endless and camping is on offer.

This expansive park covers sandy beaches, unique wetland ecosystems and dedicated picnic areas making it one of the most popular Byron Bay National Parks. For the more adventurous, afterwards head to the sweeping coastline of Tyagarah Beach, one of Australia’s only nude beaches! This serene coastal landscape also plays host to skydiving for some of Byron Bay’s best views.

Please note parking fees apply in this area. For more information on access, and facilities please visit National Parks New South Wales.

Nightcap National Park

Nightcap National Park is situated in far north-eastern New South Wales between Murwillumbah to the north-east and Lismore to the south. It encompasses 8,145 hectares of the Nightcap Range and adjoins Whian Whian State Forest. The park is located on the southern rim of the caldera of the Mount Warning shield volcano.

Basalt and rhyolite lava flows from the volcano have influenced the vegetation communities in the area.
Head inland to the Nightcap National Park to wander spectacular waterfalls and swim in natural freshwater pools. For the ultimate picnic destination head to the Minyon Fall lookout where you are greeted with panoramic views of the 100m high waterfall and native Australian bush. Not only does this spot boast the park’s best views, it also comes equipped with a picnic area including shaded areas, public barbecues and picnic tables. This area is also the start of many of Nightcap National Park’s more popular walks.

For more information on access, facilities and camping, please visit National Parks New South Wales.

Mount Jerusalem National Park

Encompassing three river systems and covering an area over 5000 hectares, this protected area is not to be missed. Comprehensive and well-maintained walking trails explore the Tweed River, the Brunswick River and the Richmond River while the surrounding bush also contains the largest known population of Albert’s Lyrebirds as well as other significant bird colonies. The lower crowd numbers make way for more preserved wildlife with the quiet bush and serene rivers offering fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.

For more information on access, facilities and camping in the Byron Bay National Parks, please visit National Parks New South Wales.