Flying
The Rainforest Way is serviced by a number of airports all of which have regular daily services from most eastern cities. Lismore, Ballina and Gold Coast Airports also have access to hire car services. Or visit our services directory for local providers.
Driving
The East Coast of Australia - just south of Brisbane and only an hour from the Gold Coast (Queensland) and Byron Bay (New South Wales), the Rainforest Way lets you easily discover, at your own pace and in your own way, the most extensive, best preserved and most biodiverse sub-tropical World Heritage listed rainforests in the world.
From Brisbane
Entry points to the primary route of Rainforest Way or one of the loops and trails can be found at -
Nerang: Take the Pacific Highway and exit at Oxenford and start the Tamborine Circuit (tourist drive 8) and discover the rainforests, wineries and cafes.
Or if you’re heading further south take the Beaudesert exit at Nerang and follow the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road. Discover the Numinbah Valley, and drive into the volcanic valley of the Mt Warning Caldera to Murwillumbah. A beautiful alternative to the Highway.
Logan Shire: Take the Mt Lindesay Highway to Beaudesert and start the Main Range Loop which includes the spectacular Falls Drive west of Boonah
Or continue along the Mt Lindesay Highway as a scenic alternate route to New South Wales or detour via the Lions Road and the magnificent Border Ranges National Park into Kyogle;
From Sydney
Exit the Pacific Highway at Woodburn and head to either Lismore or Casino. From here you have a number of options depending on what you want to discover. Or stop at the Visitor Information Centre at Woodburn for more information.
Heading to Brisbane? The Rainforest Way provides the perfect scenic alternative to the relentless stream of traffic on the Pacific Highway. Taking the Summerland Way section of the Rainforest Way from Casino to Beaudesert you will be surprised as you remember how pleasant it is away from the endless roadworks and congestion as you wind your way through quiet country towns and villages, green farmland and cool rainforests. Enjoy the Journey!
Already here or just want more information?
There are a number of accredited Visitor Information Centres throughout the Rainforest Way area whose local staff and volunteers will be happy to provide you with more detailed information:
Beaudesert & Tambourine Mountain
1300 881 164 www.queenslandshiddenoasis.com
Boonah
07 5463 2233 www.boonahtourism.org.au
Casino
02 6662 3566 www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/tourism
Gold Coast
1300 309 440 www.verygc.com
Kyogle
02 6632 2700 www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au
Lismore
1300 369 795 www.visitlismore.com.au
Murwillumbah & Tweed
1800 674414 www.tweedtourism.com.au
Travelling Around…safely!
Make the most of your time discovering the Rainforest Way and make sure you check road conditions before setting out on any of the unsealed roads and especially the current status of roads and walking tracks in any National Parks you wish to visit. You can do this by contacting the local Visitor Information Centre, local council, police or vist the RACQ website.
Essential Information
Climate - the Northern Rivers of NSW and South East Queensland is renowned for its moderate temperature throughout the year. However there are some distinct seasons to remember: December to March is generally considered the 'wet season' so be prepared and it can be extremely cool at night in these beautiful mountains even during the warmer months so always bring something long sleeved.
Daylight Savings - don't forget daylight savings from October to April each year. NSW participates but Queensland does not. So crossing the border may mean also adjusting your timepiece by one hour.
Bushwalking - always plan ahead and prepare before going on any walk in the bush or national parks. Always remember to stay on established trails and obtain maps of the area. Conditions in parks may change depending on recent weather conditions so check with the local authorities before heading off.
Fishing - Liceneses are required for freshwater fishing in NSW. Please check
Driving - While the primary route of the Rainforest Way is fully sealed some of the loops and trails have stretches of dirt road. While in good weather these are suitable for most cars they should be treated with caution particularly during or immediately after wet weather. Check with the local Visitor Information Centre on general conditions before heading off.
Towing a Caravan - Some roads along the loops and trails of the Rainforest Way are not suitable for caravans so please check with the Visitor Information Centres before heading off. There are numerous parking areas or caravan parks where you can leave your van while you take the car and head off for an adventure for the day.
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