Visit New South Wales

FROM NORTH-EAST NSW TO THE QLD BORDER
With resident hippies, surfers, rich urban escapees, actors and artists, this region has become a curious mix, with everyone knowing they live in a relaxed, unique destination. It sums up the travel brochure dream nicely with its quiet beaches, lush rainforests, buzzy seaside resorts and picturesque rivers and valleys.

> Byron Bay's world-famous surf beaches will delight surfers and divers – and those seeking an alternate experience will find new age therapies on every corner in Nimbin. The National Parks, rivers and rainforests will keep nature lovers happy, while abundant fresh local produce from Tweed Heads will satisfy the gourmands. Just be careful you're not seduced by the laid-back, blissful lifestyle. It's a fact that many tourists visit here, and decide to stay – forever!

For more information, go to:
www.visitnsw.com.au
www.tropicalnsw.com.au

FAMOUS FOR...

Its local stars Paul Hogan, star of Crocodile Dundee lives here with his wife and child when in Australia, as do bestselling Aussie author Di Morrissey, members of rock band Midnight Oil; and leading vocalist, Grace Knight.

Gourmet produce Gorge yourself on speciality coffee, macadamia nuts, 'bush tucker' and exotic fruits. Agri-businesses through the Ballina/Byron Bay hinterland and the Tweed Valley cater to Sydney and Brisbane's gourmet cuisine markets.

Australia's most easterly point A visit to the world famous seaside resort town of Byron Bay wouldn't be complete without a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's most easterly point.

First spot in the nation that sees the sun In his 1770 voyage Captain Cook named Mount Warning and used it as a navigational aid. It was formed from the core of an ancient volcano, and the sunrise from its summit is one of the best on the east coast.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Wander from your camping spot into an older world.

There's a cuppa here to suit just about anyone. At the region's Koala Tea Company in South Lismore, you'll find old favourites such as Earl Grey and Breakfast teas, as well as Dreamtime Tea, No Worries Tea, After Dinner Mint Tea, St Johns Wort Tea and Echinacea Herbal Tea.
Some of the prettiest camping sites are here, such as Rummery Park in the Whian Whian State Forest, close to the spectacular Minyon Falls. For a bird's eye view of the Tweed Valley and Mt Warning, the Pinnacle, Tooloom Falls and Brindle Creek, head to Blackbutt Lookout.
Locals have fought to keep Byron environmentally and socially aware. While tourism is a booming industry, it still boasts no McDonalds, no high rise buildings, no traffic lights and no parking meters. Byron's live music scene is also well-known. The town hosts the annual East Coast Blues and Roots Festival www.bluesfest.com.au
Exotic fruits from around the world are available at Tropical Fruit World, an extensive hillside property in the Tweed Valley. Here you can gorge yourself on everything from chocolate pudding fruit and jak fruit to babaco or monsterio.
Rainforest meets the sea. The region has 6 spectacular World Heritage Listed areas, with most of them having some access to visitors.
Anyone for a coffee? Drop into Wombah Coffee Plantation, near Grafton for a chocolate coated coffee bean or great latte.

Images

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Climate

The region is well-known for its idyllic climate all year round, with temperatures around the mid 20s (Celsius).

Distance from Sydney

Byron Bay is 790km (494 miles) north of Sydney on the Pacific Highway. Grafton is 640kms from Sydney while Lismore and Nimbin are about a ten hour drive. Domestic flights to Ballina or Lismore are also available.

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