Northern Rivers NSW compasses the major towns of Ballina, Byron Bay, Casino, Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore and Tweed Heads including the world-famous holiday destination of Byron Bay.

If you are considering a holiday in this region, you won’t be disappointed. There is so much to see and do. The region is renowned for its beautiful white sandy unspoilt surf beaches, tranquil waterways, lush National Parks, dramatic mountain ranges, luxury resorts, boutique shopping, quaint villages, quirky rural communites and towns full of culture, local produce, buzzing cafes, excellent coffee, handcrafted beers and spirits, festivals, markets, live music, arts, crafts, galleries and museums. Northern Rivers is a visitors paradise where every turn engages a new sense of beauty and amazement. Picturesque locations abound.

My most favourite view in Northern Rivers is of Mount Warning, (Aboriginal word – ‘Wollumbin’), a majestic mountain in the Tweed Range. The mountain was formed from a volcanic plug of the now gone Tweed Volcano. Mount Warning was named by Captain James Cook who spotted the mountain from the Pacific Ocean. Today, the mountain is protected by the surrounding Wollumbin National Park and became part of the United Nations World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia in 1986.

Tens of thousands of visitors a year climb the 8.8 kilometre trial which involves scrambling the last section up a rock face using chains as a guide and aid. The summit offers 360 degree views over the Tweed Valley and various Ranges. Bushwalkers, photographers and visitors flock to the summit each morning to watch the sunrise. Due to Mount Warning’s proximity to Cape Byron, the Australian continent’s easternmost point, it is the first place on mainland Australia to receive the sun’s rays each day.

Since moving to Tumbulgum NSW in 2012, I have taken hundreds of photographs of Mount Warning; the star of the Tweed. The first sight of this magnificent mountain is when you turn off the M1 Motorway on to Tweed Valley Way towards Murwillumbah. The Tweed Valley Way meanderes through fertile sugar cane fields, lush green farms, curvaceous rivers and mountainous ranges on each side.  While driving along the Tweed Valley Way, it appears that Mount Warning moves from one side to the other …….. just like magic!