Credit: Life Portraits – www.lifeportraits.photography

What to Expect from the Tweed Valley and Byron Bay Hinterland Rainforest Experience

Nestled in the lush green rainforest of the Tweed Valley and Byron Bay Hinterland lies a walk unlike any other: the newly opened Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. This four-day, three-night guided trek with Connect Adventures takes you deep into the beating heart of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest, across traditional lands of the Bundjalung Nation, and through some of the most spectacular rainforest scenery Northern New South Wales has to offer.
If you’ve been dreaming of immersing yourself in nature where towering rainforest trees meet crystal-clear creeks, and ancient volcanic landscapes shape every view – here’s what you can expect from this unforgettable Tweed Valley and Byron Bay Hinterland experience.
The Connect Adventure journey is guided by qualified and experienced wilderness guides. Every member of our team shares a passion for helping guests feel connected – to place, to self, and to the deeper rhythm of the land. While snacks and meals are nourishing, delicious and generously prepared using mostly local produce — because food should be a joy, not just fuel.

The Ancient Journey Starts in Mount Jerusalem National Park

The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (Old Peoples Track) begins in the shadow of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), at Unicorn Falls and the edge of the spectacular Mt Jerusalem National Park. This is Minjungbal country and is a haven of biodiversity. Threatened rainforest trees and rare orchards, shy pademelons, and the mysterious song of lyrebirds greet you as you weave your way up forested ridgelines and across fern-filled gullies.

Connect Adventures’ expert guides share rich stories of the land’s cultural and ecological history, offering a connection to place that few experiences can match. With small groups and plenty of time to soak it all in, you’re not just walking through the rainforest – you’re experiencing a journey with the sounds of nature, the silence, the smells, the light, the colours, and being close to the earth.

Into Nightcap National Park — A New Chapter of the Journey

As the track leaves Mt Jerusalem National Park behind, it transitions into the wilderness of Nightcap National Park and traditional lands of the Widjabul Wia-bal people. There is no better place to view the Wollumbin Caldera and expansive views of the upper Tweed Valley.

The spectacular views continue along the historic Nightcap Track, revealing hidden gems that few outside of hikers ever encounter. Expect serene rainforest mornings filled with melodic birdsong, cool creek crossings, and golden afternoons where filtered sunlight paints the forest in soft, shimmering hues.

Each day’s journey is rewarded with peaceful campsites, fully catered with nourishing local food and the option to have your pack transported — leaving you free to fully savour every step of this magical hinterland.

Continuing to Minyon Falls — Views Worth Every Step

While the walk itself remains deep within the Tweed Valley and Byron Bay Hinterland, the soaring views along the way stretch far beyond. On clear days, glimpses of Cape Byron shimmer on the horizon, the iconic lighthouse a distant white speck. Inland, the impressive Tweed River valley, layers and folds of geology and rich agricultural lands are ever present.

One of the walk’s true highlights is reaching Minyon Falls – a majestic cascade plunging into a deep, mist-laced gorge, surrounded by ancient subtropical rainforest. While not directly on the main route, those with time and energy can extend their journey to the base of the falls, where the roar of water and the cool spray offer an impactful experience from below.

A Deeper Kind of Adventure

The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk isn’t about racing to a finish line; it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and letting the rhythm of the rainforest reset you. With Connect Adventures’ passionate guides leading the way, every step carries deeper meaning — from understanding the cultural significance of the land to appreciating how these ancient forests shaped the identity of the Tweed and Byron Bay hinterland regional park.

Evenings bring stories, connection, and quiet wonder under the stars and forest canopy. Each night, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the rainforest: the croak of frogs, perhaps the boobook owl, and the soothing hush of the breeze moving through ancient trees.

Walk Ready — Body, Mind, and Spirit

If you’re considering stepping into this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Connect Adventures offers a “Walk Ready Kit” to help you prepare. From trip preparation, safety information and training tips, it ensures you’ll arrive ready for the journey ahead.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone yearning for a reconnection with the nature, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk invites you into a story that stretches back tens of thousands of years — and it’s one you’ll carry long after your boots leave the forest floor.