hero media

3 new multi-day guided walks are coming to the Northern Rivers

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Three new guided walks will take guests through the coast, rainforest and volcanoes of the Northern Rivers region.

From cool towns with delectable dining options to gorgeous beaches without the crowds to striking volcanic hinterland and escarpments, there are many reasons the Northern Rivers region is starting to gain the recognition it’s owed. And while there are many different types of holidays a traveller could enjoy here, Connect Adventures is offering three new, deeply immersive, multi-day walking experiences through the diverse landscapes of the region.

“We seek out incredible landscapes and create multi-day journeys that allow people to experience the Northern Rivers and surrounds in ways they couldn’t otherwise," said co-founder Kathryn Woods. “We combine real wilderness adventure with the support and comfort that comes from having everything taken care of, while also creating meaningful connections with the environment, local communities and fellow walkers".

The new multi-day walks

1. Gibraltar Washpool World Heritage Walk

The Needles Walking Track in Gibraltar Range National Park
Explore the Northern Rivers with three new guided walks.

Wander through one of northern NSW’s most remarkable World Heritage landscapes on this four-day, 55-kilometre walk through the Northern Tablelands. With a small group of walkers, discover granite ridges, dry eucalypt forest, sub-alpine swamps, waterfalls and ancient rainforest. Stop along the way for views over the Clarence Valley and towards the coast, spot the endangered and endemic Gibraltar Range waratah, and walk through the world’s largest remaining stand of coachwood-dominated warm temperate rainforest. Along the way, stop in local communities and taste some of the region’s best food and drink.

2. Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk – “Forest to Coast"

Scenic country views of Mount Warning in the Tweed Range
Start in the caldera of Mt Wollumbin/ Mt Warning. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This brand new extension adds a fifth day to Connect Adventures‘ current Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (meaning “Old Peoples Track"). Traverse the Traditional lands of the Widjabul Wia-bal & Minjumgbal people of the Bundjalung Nation. Starting in the caldera of the ancient volcano of Mt Wollumbin/ Mt Warning, nestled in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. Make it to Minyon Falls lookout over four days, then swap walking shoes for kayaks and paddle along the Brunswick River. The journey ends with a river swim in Brunswick Heads and lunch at the iconic Brunswick Heads Hotel.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

3. Coastal Long Weekender – Bundjalung National Park

Aerial over kayaker on the Brunswick River on the North Coast
Swap your boots for paddles on the Brunswick River. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This one takes walkers along the coast, from Evans Head to Iluka before crossing the Clarence River by boat to Yamba – all over three days and 39 kilometres. With your group, walk past beaches, coastal heath, headlands, wetlands and Gondwana Rainforest. Keep an eye out along the way for furry locals on land, like kangaroos and echidnas, as well as whales and seabirds offshore. After the river crossing to Yamba, reward yourself with fish and chips.

The details

Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park
Soak in the views from Minyon Falls lookout. (Credit: Visit Lismore)

Connect Adventures walks are all-inclusive and limited to 10 guests per walk. Be led by experienced local wilderness guides, while your gear is transferred for you each day and camp is set up before you arrive. Spend each night in spacious tents with comfy bedding. And enjoy meals prepared using local produce and native ingredients.

Cost: From $2295
Bookings: Book directly via Connect Adventures
Experience needed: A moderate level of fitness is recommended, along with some walking experience.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
View profile and articles
Barrington coast
NSW North Coast

Barrington Coast’s best-kept secret is hiding inland

Switch waves for waterfalls and uncover the Barrington Coast’s hidden high country. 

Read more
Wollumbin (Mt Warning)
Tweed

The creative Tweed Valley town that’s becoming a cultural hotspot

Set between mountain and river in the Tweed Valley, the artful town of Murwillumbah was always destined to be cool.

Read more
Gondwana forest
NSW North Coast

The best places in NSW to experience World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests

NSW’s ancient World Heritage rainforests provide the ultimate short stay to escape our modern lives. 

Read more
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo
NSW North Coast

Bellingen: the riverside town bordered by rainforest and waterfalls

This creative, colourful town on the Waterfall Way on NSW’s Coffs Coast promises outdoor adventures, festivals and culinary experiences that rival the Big Smoke – and it should be top of the list for your next long weekend.

Read more
hero media

Your guide to a summer staycation in Sydney

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

    Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

    Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

    Where to stay

    The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney
    Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.

    Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

    Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom
    Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

    Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

    The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

    Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

    Where to drink & dine

    1. The Bar

    the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar
    Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

    Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

    Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

    The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of  Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

    On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

    Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

    2. The Place

    the Fullerton Hotel the place dining
    Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

    On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

    3. Local gelato

    Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks
    Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

    What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

    What to do/see

    1. GPO Heritage Tour

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby
    Be awed by the building’s history.

    Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

    From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

    2. Circular Quay

    aerial of circular quay sydney
    Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

    An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

    3. Royal Botanic Gardens

    view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden
    Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

    It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

    4. Theatre Royal

    a show at Theatre Royal
    Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)

    Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

    Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.