The Rainforest Way….the way to the rainforests!
The Rainforest Way is more than just a way to the rainforests it is a ‘way’ of experiencing the region – a way of life, a way of seeing and a way of doing things. It can be an alternate scenic route to the Pacific Highway or it can be time out to touch the earth, smell the rainforests and connect with something real.
With the ancient volcanic caldera of Mt Warning at the centre, the main drive of Rainforest Way leads you through the heart of the region linking the towns of Casino, Kyogle, Rathdowney, Beaudesert, Canungra, Nerang, Murwillumbah, Nimbin and Lismore. It is along this primary route that you will find the loops and trails that are your way to the rainforest.
Take it all the way …
With 14 World Heritage listed National Parks and over 650kms of scenic drives to explore you can easily spend a week. Experience high waterfalls crashing into steep gorges, stunning escarpments with broad vistas, an amazing concentration of primitive plants, including the worlds highest concentration of the Ancient Antarctic Beech tree, hundreds of kilometers of walking tracks, and over 170 bird species to find.
And then there are the numerous art galleries, fresh local produce crafted into tantalizing delicacies, cafes and wineries as well as alternative lifestyle communities where you can spend hours exploring all these hidden cultural wonders….
Or experience just the bits you want to …
With seven loops and trails from a half day to full day experiences you can choose a rainforest hinterland experience to suit you. No matter where you are starting from you can easily access an enchanting glimpse of these amazing rainforests, short walks into lush green stands of ancient ferns and palms, crystal clear streams that you can picnic beside or gorgeous views to take in.
Looking for a bit more….
You can even get off the beaten track and have a more back to basic experience with some tourism operators offering 4WDing, primitive camping and extreme nature and adventure based experiences – just contact one of the local Visitor Information Centres for more information or check out the tour and attractions list for something a little bit more exhilarating.
Whats the best time of year?
This area has a very mild to warm temperature throughout the year with the highest rainfall during February and March. Evenings in the mountains can be much cooler especially during Winter which is perfect to site in front of a cabin fire, but the days are usually quite mild.
What is World Heritage?
World Heritage sites are of international significance.
They are chosen for their outstanding natural values and include the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon in the USA and the Serengeti National Park in Africa. The worlds heritage is what we inherit from the past, live with today, and pass onto future generations.
The World Heritage emblem symbolizes the interdependence of cultural and natural properties, the central square is a form created by people and the circle represents nature.
The two are inextricably linked.
For more information about the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, click here.
