1. Home
  2. Oceania
  3. Australia
  4. New South Wales’ Northern Rivers
Map of New South Wales’ Northern Rivers including Australia

From coastline to hinterland, uncover the layers of New South Wales

Welcome to New South Wales, where sunshine spills onto islands, beaches, rivers and rainforests. This six-day round trip from vibrant Byron Bay will take you to the places where you can experience the Northern Rivers region at its very best. Be welcomed to country by a First Nations elder, explore the islands off Coffs Harbour on a stand up paddleboard, walk through the lush landscapes of Dorrigo National Park and discover the beauty of the Brunswick River on a kayaking adventure. Wildlife, scenery, culture and history – this place has it all.

Start
Byron Bay, Australia
Finish
Tweed Heads, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PZSB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 11

Why you'll love this trip

  • Start your adventure by being welcomed to country by a Arakwal Bumberbin Bundjalung First Nations elder and learn about the culture and customs that run through this part of the country.

  • Step into the ancient Gondwana Rainforest of Dorrigo National Park and let your local leader teach you about the flora and fauna you pass as you walk towards a serene waterfall.

  • Visit Synchronicity farm, a social enterprise which promotes eating local and seasonal produce. Explore the farm and learn about their important mission.

  • Uncover the natural wonders of the Brunswick River with a First Nations nature enthusiast during a kayaking adventure, looking out for turtles, stingrays and dolphins in the clear blue waters.

  • Explore the stunning Solitary Islands Marine Park off the coast of Coffs Harbour during a stand up paddleboarding tour with a local guide and learn about the area’s connection to the Gumbaynggirr people.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

Famous lighthouse in Byron Bay during sunrise, NSW, Australia
Brunswick head beach on a sunny day, NSW, Australia
PVOSB_new-south-wales_dorrigo-national-park
Traveller in front of Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo NP, NSW, Australia
Fresh fruit picked on Cape Byron Aboriginal tour
Cape Byron Aboriginal tour local leader
Freshly picked from Cape Byron Aboriginal tour

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Welcome to New South Wales! Your adventure begins in Byron Bay with a welcome meeting at 8am at the Byron Bay Visitor Centre. Here you’ll meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers. Early risers may like to head out before the meeting to watch one of the bay’s famous sunrises. After your meeting, you will be welcomed to the land by a highly respected Arakwal Bumberbin Bundjalung First Nations elder. Learn about the rich culture and customs that run through the Northern Rivers region and the importance of the natural elements of the land. You will be able to carry this knowledge with you and see the respect for the First Nation’s culture in the landscapes you explore. Continue on to Yamba, a delightful fishing town with a laidback atmosphere. Here you’ll spend the night at a charming hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, a perfect spot for soaking in the spectacular scenery.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Byron Bay - Welcome to Country and First Nations Experience
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Hit the road again and travel down to Coffs Harbour. This city is famous for its Big Banana monument, but its gorgeous beaches and abundant marine wildlife are the real stars of the show. Off the coast you’ll find the Solitary Islands Marine Park, and while here you’ll join a local guide for a stand up paddleboarding experience and see the region through the eyes of the Gumbaynggirr people. Back on dry land, venture inland and come upon Bellingen, or “Bello” as it’s affectionally known to the locals. Tucked away among emerald hills, this little country town has a modern outlook – it’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring trendy boutiques, wholefood cafes and quirky craft markets. Settle into your lodge accommodation and meet the alpacas who live on the property, then perhaps check out the excellent on-site restaurant run by a celebrated local chef.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Solitary Islands Marine Park - Stand Up Paddleboarding with Gumbayggirr Local
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today will be spent exploring the magic of Dorrigo National Park. It’s a wonder this ancient Gondwana rainforest isn’t better known, but that’s lucky for you – exploring without the crowds allows you to really connect with this magnificent natural landscape. Join your local leader on a gentle walk through lush rainforest as they let you in on the secrets of the flora and fauna within the park. Listen out for the call of lyrebirds and keep an eye out for Australian brush turkeys. Come upon the Crystal Shower Falls, a stunning cascade of water tumbling into a pool below, then continue along to the end of the track. There may be the chance for a picnic lunch after your walk, so you may like to bring some snacks along with you. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further explorations, perhaps head out kayaking on the Bellinger River.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dorrigo National Park - National Park Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning you’ll pay a visit to Synchronicity farm, a social enterprise focused on promoting local and seasonal produce for health and environmental benefits. Explore the farm's gardens and workshops on a guided tour while learning about their mission, then return to the road and head north. If the days line up, you may stop off at a local community or farmers market on your travels, or perhaps pause to marvel at the historic Protesters Falls or Minyon Falls. The area is rich with creative enterprises and you may like to swing by local designers, artisans, brewers, bakers or coffee roasters as you amble through the hinterland villages. Arrive at the small coastal town of Brunswick Heads and settle into your old-school retro inspired accommodation. This evening you may like to dine at the iconic Hotel Brunswick, take a stroll along the beach or tuck into some fish and chips.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coffs Hinterland - Synchronicity Farm Guided Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Rise and shine! Set out this morning to explore the Brunswick River on an exciting kayaking adventure. Join a First Nations nature enthusiast who will guide you around Brunswick Heads and past a series of beautiful river beaches. Your guide will point out fascinating wildlife as you paddle – it’s common to see turtles, fish, stingrays and even dolphins. Learn about the indigenous culture of the region, hear about ancient stories and customs passed down through generations and find out how the First Nation tribes lived off the land. Take some time out on the riverbank to relax or cool off with a swim in the clear blue waters. Later in the day, drive through more scenic hinterland the town of Tweed Heads, boasting amazing views of Mt Warning. On arrival, perhaps pay a visit to a local art gallery, explore the quaint nearby towns of Burringbar and Uki, or take a walk along one of the sprawling beaches around Pottsville. Tonight, you may like to head out for a final dinner as a group and look back on all you’ve seen and done.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Brunswick Heads - First Nations Kayaking Adventure
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your New South Wales Adventure will come to an end in Tweed Heads after breakfast this morning.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Motel (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Byron Bay - Welcome to Country and First Nations Experience
  • Solitary Islands Marine Park - Stand Up Paddleboarding with Gumbayggirr Local
  • Dorrigo National Park - National Park Walk
  • Coffs Hinterland - Synchronicity Farm Guided Tour
  • Brunswick Heads - First Nations Kayaking Adventure

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our New South Wales’ Northern Rivers trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month
You have the flexibility to change your travel plans up to 28 days before your scheduled departure, and you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees. Some exclusions may apply. Learn more

Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. This trip finishes in Tweed Heads, but there is the option of a free transfer to Byron Bay with the Trip Leader - Drop off at Byron Bay will be 12pm.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates