Found up on the NSW North Coast, the Tweed Caldera is a beautiful area that boasts amazing views, pristine waterfalls, and some excellent hikes. Jordan guides you through five day hikes in the Tweed Valley.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Bundjalung Nation, the traditional Country of the Bundjalung people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

Tucked away in Bundjalung Country, the Tweed Caldera is one of the most prominent features of the NSW North Coast. Formed by a shield volcano that erupted about 20 million years ago, the Tweed Valley Region plays host to a slew of stunning natural environments, including a stellar lineup of hiking trails that’ll surely wow Explorers of the area.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

1. The Pinnacle

Skill level: Intermediate
Distance: 1.8km out and back 
Duration: 1hr
Highlights: Spectacular mountain views, sunset

The World Heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park is one of the Tweed Valley’s most untouched rainforest areas and The Pinnacle is one of the best views of the Tweed Caldera. The main lookout is only 200m from The Pinnacle parking space, but the track keeps going down to another lookout spot.

This trail beyond the main lookout is quite steep and involves climbing down rocks, so sturdy shoes and extra care are recommended. We went at sunset and the alpenglow was incredible!

 

 

Side note: The Tweed Range Rd entrance to Border Ranges National Park was closed at the time of writing, so you might need to take the western entrance through Wiangaree Forest Rd like we did.

2. Brindle Creek

Skill level: Intermediate
Distance: 6.9km out and back 
Duration: 2.5hr
Highlights: Swimming holes, two waterfalls, rainforest walks

Also nestled in Border Ranges National Park, the gorgeous Brindle Creek track will take you to two pristine waterfalls huddled within the rainforest. Evans Falls is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot sunny day when the water is crystal-clear blue.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

 

 

There’s also plenty of camping areas near Brindle Creek so I recommend making it an overnight trip — trekking Brindle Creek during the day and then enjoying sunset from The Pinnacle. You can either camp at Forest Tops or Sheepstation Creek, and bookings need to be made in advance.

3. Christies Creek

Skill level: Advanced
Distance: 8.5km loop
Duration: 3.5hr
Highlights: Off-trail hiking, swimming holes

In between Murwillumbah and Burringbar you’ll find the lesser-known Mooball National Park, home to several blue swimming holes and some of the most adventurous off-track bushwalking I’ve ever experienced. From Tweed Valley Way, drive down the dirt road into the national park and park at the trailhead for Burringbar Mountain. We hiked Christies Creek as a loop trail, starting from the trail on the right and walking back to the car park from the trail on the left.

Although Christies Creek is strikingly beautiful and untouched, this trail requires an extremely advanced level of bush navigation experience and it’s essential that you use a GPS navigation like AllTrails for the entire hike, checking it very often so you don’t get lost. Even then, you might still have to navigate your own way in the direction the trail takes.

Read more: Navigating With a Map & Compass

We took a soak when we first reached the creek. The water was milky blue, quite cold, but refreshing nonetheless, and a great break after our first bush bash.

 

 

Hot tip: Once you reach the creek (and just beforehand), there won’t be a trail any longer. We just followed the creek and then had to trek uphill through the bush to get back to the main trail. Overall, the Christies Creek trail takes a lot of effort but is rewarding nonetheless. Also, be sure to bring mosquito spray! It’ll help immensely when you’re down at the creek.

4. Brummies Lookout via Condowie Road

Skill level: Intermediate
Distance: 11.9km out and back
Duration: 2.5hr
Highlights: Incredible mountain views

Located on the western side of Wollumbin National Park, this stunning trail boasts picture-perfect views of Wollumbin but from a different perspective. From Tyalgum, you’ll drive on a dirt road for a while and park at the gate via Condowie Road. This trek is perfect in the latter half of the day when the afternoon sun sprays onto Wollumbin. Consider utilising AllTrails for this one.

 

5. Clarrie Hall Dam Wall Trail

Skill level: Intermediate
Distance: 7.7km out and back
Duration: 2hr
Highlights: Damside views, orchid spotting

Just outside of the village of Uki you’ll find Clarrie Hall Dam, a truly underrated spot. From the main car park, the beginning of the trail will have you walking beside the dam, with a few lookout spots over the water. The track then goes uphill and over to the other side of the dam, so if you’re after a leg burner, this is one for you.