january-2010

HUB
BYRON BAY HINTERLAND
It’s
a long way down from the sandstone
escarpment at Minyon Falls to the
bottom of the densely-wooded gorge. Due to
the recent rains, the falls are crashing down
nicely. A rich loamy forest scent fi lters into
our nostrils. The call of butcher birds breaks
through the ranks of sentry-straight eucalypts.
Here in the Nightcap National Park, we feel
like we’re in the middle of the wilderness — yet
we’re just a few minutes’ drive from a fabulous
cup of coffee.
That’s the joy of the Rainforest Way, the
scenic route through the Byron Bay hinterland
that takes in 14 World Heritage-listed national
parks and more than 650km of scenic
drives. You can enjoy the glory of verdant
wilderness, while never straying too far from
creature comforts.
At Minyon Falls, for instance, you can take
an easy stroll along the scenic walk to Boggy
Creek, or if you’re feeling really energetic, the
8km loop walk to the base of the falls. Then, to
reward yourself for your exertions, head for the
nearby Eltham Valley Pantry. Housed in an
antique wooden building surrounded by pecan
orchards, this charming café-restaurant is the
best place to savour delicious home-cooked
fare, while the kids run around outside. “We
use local organic eggs for our breakfasts, we
bake all our own cakes and desserts, and we
roast our own coffee to ensure best quality
and freshness in the cup,” says co-owner,
Julie Rhodes.
From here it’s not far to Nimbin, a pretty
country village that was Australia’s hippie
50 JANUARY 2010
From waterfalls and Buddha
walks to home-roasted
coffee and handmade
candles, the Rainforest
Way of northern New South
Wales is full of delights
WORDS UTE JUNKER
headquarters in the 1970s. You
will still spot plenty of hangovers
from the hippy days, including
the kaleidoscopic murals that line
Cullen Street, alternative healers
and shops like Nimbin Organics,
which stock the best local produce.
Drop in to try the delicious goat’s
cheese made at Nimbin Valley Dairy,
on the outskirts of Nimbin.
Perhaps Nimbin’s most delightful
attraction is the Nimbin Candle
Factory. Housed in an old butter
factory, this candle producer creates
gorgeous candles in all colours and
shapes. Visitors can also see them
being made the old-fashioned way.
“There’s nowhere like this, where you can
walk in and see candles being made,”
says co-owner Lisa Fry, who explains
that following traditional methods
creates better-quality candles. “Our
candles create light: they burn
properly, they don’t smoke, they don’t
have any chemical nasties in them.”
The new-age spirit can also be
felt at the Crystal Castle, a 10-acre
family-friendly destination at nearby
Montecollum. You don’t have to be
into alternative therapies to savour
the castle’s many attractions. “Our
visitor feedback tells us that most
people spend between three and
four hours here,” says owner,
Naren King.
Photos: Tourism New South Wales
Nimbin Valley Dairy’s farmers
Goat cheese delights