Tweed Byron Hinterland, NSW – 4-Day Rainforest Trek
The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is a stunning four-day hike winding through the lush rainforests of the Tweed Byron Hinterland in New South Wales.
If you’re planning to take on this walk, here are some tips, insights, photos and important information to help you get prepared.
Jump to section:
- Costs & Booking
- Logistics & Getting There
- Budget-Friendly Alternatives
- Water Access
- Food Planning
- Campsites
- Setting up on Tent Platforms
- Waterholes and Swimming
- Family Friendlyness
- Signage and Navigation
- Trail Conditions
- Leeches, Snakes and Wildlife
- Extra Resources
- What to Expect Along the Track
- Final Thoughts
Costs & Booking
Transport to and from the hike is required and is not included in the price.
Logistics & Getting There
This is a point-to-point hike, meaning you start and finish in different locations. That makes logistics more involved than a loop trail, especially if you're driving yourself.
- Shuttle service: You can leave your car in Mullumbimby, which is often the most convenient and cost-effective option if you're taking the Vision Walks Shuttle (approximately $38 each way). Dan the Driver is an alternative private transport in the region.
- Coming From Outside the Region: If you’re flying in, the shuttle service may also pick you up directly from Ballina or Gold Coast airports. Gold Coast Airport is usually the more affordable option, offering more frequent flights.
- Important update: Overnight parking at the City Council car park on Station Street is no longer permitted. If you choose to park in Mullumbimby, you'll need to find an alternative spot and ensure that you check for any signage that prohibits overnight parking. Paid parking is available at the Mullumbimby Rugby League Football Club.
- Don’t leave your car at the trailhead: The Unicorn Falls car park is very isolated, and it's not recommended to leave a vehicle unattended for multiple days.
- Friend drop-off/pick-up option: If you’re lucky, you can rope in a few friends to help with logistics! To make their time worthwhile, consider inviting a friend to join you on the first leg of the hike, which includes visiting Unicorn Falls and Hell Hole Falls as a day adventure. Then ask another friend to meet you at the end to do Minyon Falls as a separate day hike. It’s a great way to share parts of the trail and manage logistics, plus, it adds a bit of social fun on both ends.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
- Unicorn Falls & Hell Hole Falls: You can park at the Unicorn Falls trailhead and explore the falls as a short day hike. From there, it's just a five-minute drive to reach Hell Hole Falls. Both are stunning and well worth visiting, even if you're not doing the full walk.
- Minyon Falls & Boggy Creek Walk: At the end of the GG Walk, the track finishes at Minyon Falls, but you can also drive straight there via Nightcap National Park if you're just visiting for the day. There's a large car park near the lookout, and you can do the Minyon Falls walking track or the Boggy Creek walk nearby without needing to commit to a multi-day hike.
- Rummery Park Campground: If you want to camp nearby and explore the area at a slower pace, Rummery Park campground is a great option. It's about $25 per night for two people and gives you easy access to day walks around Nightcap National Park, including Minyon Falls and the rainforest trails.
Photo: Unicorn Falls (Trailhead)
Water Access
There are rainwater tanks and rivers available along the trail. After heavy rain, the tanks should be complete. Still:
- Expect to carry 2–2.5L per person per day. More in summer.
- Don’t rely on tanks as a guaranteed source.
- There are plenty of river crossings.
- Always filter your water or use AquaTabs to purify it - no exceptions.
Food Planning
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Focus on high-calorie, high-protein foods.
- Freeze-dried meals are lightweight but expensive. DIY alternatives:
- Tuna or salmon satchels
- Peanut butter satchels
- Instant rice
- Flavoured couscous
- Wraps instead of bread'
- For my complete Lightweight Food List for 4 Days, check this blog post.
Photo: Campers Pantry freeze-dried meal cooked with our Terran Titanium Cookset.
Campsites
Along the 42km trail, there are three designated walk-in campgrounds, each thoughtfully equipped to enhance your hiking experience:
- Elevated Timber Platforms: Each campsite features 11 elevated timber platforms, designed to keep your tent off the ground, providing a flat and dry sleeping surface.
- Shelters: Basic shelters are available at each campground, offering protection from the elements and a communal space for hikers.
- Toilets: Composting toilets are installed at each site, promoting environmentally friendly waste management.
- Rainwater Tanks: Each campground is equipped with rainwater tanks. However, it's crucial to treat the water before consumption to ensure safety.
These facilities are designed to minimise environmental impact while providing essential comforts for hikers.
Setting up on Tent Platforms
Each campsite has raised wooden tent platforms with gaps between the slats and adjustable chains to help secure your tent. The platforms are 4x5m and fit two small 2P tents.
They are compatible with most freestanding and trekking pole tents, however, setup can be finicky, depending on your tent's type, shape, and size.
Tips:
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Bring extra straps and carabiners to tie off where the chains don’t reach.
Waterholes and Swimming
- Day 1: Whiskey Creek (5km in) and near Hell’s Hole Waterfalls.
- Day 2 & 3: No waterholes on the trail. A creek is available 500m past the Day 3 campsite.
- Day 4: Plenty of water spots and swimming opportunities on the descent.
Photo: River to Minyon Falls on Day 4.
Family Friendlyness
- Families with kids as young as 8 years old have completed the walk.
- Keep in mind the trail requires constant supervision due to little signage at times.
- It is considered an easy multi-day hike, but prior experience with overnight or long-distance hikes is recommended.
Signage and Navigation
The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is well marked with trail signage at key junctions, making it relatively easy to follow under normal conditions. However, after heavy rain or strong winds, fallen trees or overgrown vegetation can occasionally obscure the path, especially in more remote sections.
It's still important to carry a map (digital or paper) and have solid navigation skills. Even on marked trails, unexpected detours or trail damage can happen, and it’s always safer to be prepared.
Trail Conditions
Most of the track follows wide fire trails, which are generally easy to walk and well maintained. That said, there are also narrower sections of single track where the trail becomes more overgrown and less defined.
After rain, some areas can get muddy or slippery, and thick grass or scrub might brush up against your legs. For this reason, I recommend wearing long pants and gaiters, both for comfort and added protection from scratches, leeches, and ticks.
Photo: Fire trail at Day 3 of Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk
Leeches, Snakes and Wildlife
- Being a rainforest track, leeches are common, especially after rain. Don’t skip bug protection.
- Snakes are possible, especially in warmer months. Gaitors will add some protection and peace of mind.
- Rodents may be present around campsites – store food securely and avoid leaving it inside your tent! You may prefer to hang it over a tree branch in a fully enclosed food bag.
My recommendation:
-
Bushman Heavy Duty Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray (45% DEET) – it’s the strongest I’ve used and works better than anything else I’ve tried against leeches.
Extra Resources
If you’re planning your walk, feel free to use the resources I’ve prepared:
- GPX File with Waypoints (Trail + Campsites): You can upload this to apps like AllTrails and Garmin to help with offline navigation.
- What to pack: Everything You Actually Need for a Multi-Day Hike (From Real Experience)
- My Full Packing List (LighterPack)
What to Expect Along the Track
This hike isn’t just about the rainforest; it’s packed with scenic rewards. At the southern end, the trail starts near Unicorn Falls, a peaceful cascade surrounded by ferns and mossy boulders. It’s a beautiful place to start the walk, and it sets the tone for the days ahead.
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush subtropical forest, catch glimpses of the escarpment, and reach a number of scenic lookouts that offer sweeping views over the hinterland. Birdlife is abundant, from whipbirds and Kookaburras to the occasional eagle overhead, and the quiet, remote feel of the trail really sets it apart.
The final stretch of the hike brings you to Minyon Falls, where a large viewing platform gives you an incredible perspective over the dramatic drop. For those with time and energy, there's also a trail that takes you to the base of the waterfall, a worthwhile detour if conditions allow.
This track is more than just a point-to-point hike; it’s a chance to move slowly through a spectacular part of northern NSW that’s still relatively untouched.
Photo: Unicorn Falls (Trailhead)
Final Thoughts
This hike has been on my radar for a while, and I'm excited that it’s finally open.
Walking through lush rainforest, camping on elevated platforms in complete silence, and reaching Minyon Falls on the final day is an unforgettable experience. The track is well marked and varied enough to keep each day interesting, with a good mix of wide fire trails and narrower rainforest paths.
While conditions were wet in parts and there were a few obstacles along the way (especially fallen branches after rain), the trail felt remote in all the right ways. Unicorn Falls was a great start, and the views from the various lookouts throughout the walk were stunning. Each camp spot had its charm, and the entire hike felt well thought out and peaceful.
If you're planning to do it, I hope this guide helps you prepare. And if you’ve already done it, feel free to share your experience in the comments - I’d love to hear how it went for you too.