The best of NSW’s Northern Rivers region

The Northern Rivers region is a regular feature on many travel bucket lists, and it’s crystal clear to see why. With sensational beaches, lush hinterland rainforests, epic waterfalls, and so much more, it’s a fantastic destination all year round. Sitting close to the Queensland border, it’s the perfect getaway location, particularly for those New South Wales residents that don’t quite want to travel interstate. With many popular towns making up the region, like Byron Bay, Ballina, Tweed Heads, and the Clarence Valley, you can explore what makes this region just so special all with the help of your rental car. This blog will be all about the best of the Northern Rivers Region.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a famous holiday spot that is loved by locals and celebrities alike. With white-sanded beaches and glorious surf, you’ll have a chilled-out time holidaying here. The town is easily walkable, with plenty of amenities as well as world-class restaurants at every corner. Head to one of the many beaches that are just a stone’s throw away, including Main Beach, Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach, the Pass, and many more. Or, head inland to the Hinterland and experience a stunning waterfall, Minyon Falls; its 100-metre drop will have you in awe. Of course, a must-do activity here is checking out the sunrise at the most easterly point in mainland Australia, the Byron Bay Lighthouse. It’s pure magic.

Ballina

Ballina is another surf town with heaps of gorgeous beaches. Definitely less busy than Byron Bay, it’s the perfect place to head to if you just want to chill out and relax with little people around to disturb you. The beaches here are wild and rugged, and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With plenty of eateries, cafes, and more, you can have the perfect chilled-out holiday without ever leaving the Ballina border.

Tweed Heads

Tweed Heads and its surrounding villages is home to over 37 kilometres of beautiful coastline, including beautiful spots like Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff, Mooball and Duranbah. If you’re not at the beach enjoying the sparkling shores, then you’ll likely be enjoying the beautiful national parks that surround the area. The Wollumbin Mount Warning is home to some of the mighty Gondwana Rainforest, which is the most ancient rainforest left here on earth.

Clarence Valley

Clarence Valley is home to a handful of surf towns, like Yamba, Wooli, and Iluka to name a few. Whatever town you choose to stay in, whether it’s the surf towns along the coasts or the inland ones like Maclean and Grafton, you’ll be captivated by the charming energy throughout. It’s the perfect spot for a trip from the busy city of Brisbane, as Clarence Valley is just a three-hour drive from the thriving city. Visit here if you want to enjoy endless miles of untouched beauty - it’ll be a trip worth taking, that’s for sure.

The Northern Rivers region is just something special. Whether you’re travelling from interstate, or up from the busy and bustling cities of Sydney or Melbourne, it’s definitely a trip worth taking. Each town has a unique magic to it, that’ll leave you longing for your next break here - before your current one has even ended! With some of the best surf spots in the country and endless white-sanded beaches throughout, it’s a great spot for those that love to relax on the coast.