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Calling all outdoors enthusiasts. Today, NSW has welcomed a stunning new four-day walking trail, leading hikers on a 42-kilometre track past lush rainforests, stunning volcanic landscapes and some of the state’s most magnificent waterfalls. The name of the trail, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, was chosen by the Widjabul Wia-bal Native Title Holders and Minjungbal Bundjalung people, to honour the ‘Old People’s Track’ walked by Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal peoples for thousands of years.
The magical new trail is the sixth NSW Great Walk to open in the past two years, with others popping up in the Blue Mountains (quickly becoming the country’s most lusted-after hiking trail) and the Snowy Mountains. Keen to get moving? Here’s everything you need to know about the brand-new Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk.
Where is the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk?
The new 42-kilometre is found on Minjungbal Country, part of the Bundjalung Nation in northern NSW – just north of Byron Bay in the Tweed hinterland. Getting there from Sydney would take around eight-and-a-half hours in the car – so if you’re planning on driving, it’s worth turning it into a road trip. You’ll either want to stop by at a magical beach town for a night (Port Macquarie or Yamba would get our votes) or rent a campervan and pull in at a beach on the way.
How far is the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk?
The walking trail stretches for 42 kilometres through the Gondwanan rainforest and past the ancient volcanic landscapes of Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Nightcap National Park.
Where does the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk go?
Starting at the etherally-titled Unicorn Falls Walking Track in the hills above Mullumbimby, the trail winds its way through Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Nightcap National Park before finishing at the spectacular Minyon Falls lookout – one of the most beloved natural wonders in the Northern Rivers region.
How long does the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk take?
It’s advised to give yourself four days and three nights to complete the trail, with camping sites carefully positioned along the route.
Can you camp on the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk?
Yes you can – in fact, we’d say the camping sites on this walk are one of its key drawcards. Buried deep within dreamy forests, the carefully-crafted campsites each feature 11 raised sleeping platforms which give walkers a guaranteed comfy place to camp after a day of action. Since camping sites are limited, you’ll need to book ahead – with self-guided camping packages as well as guided tours available to book via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website.
How difficult is the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk?
NSW National Parks and Wildlife – the people responsible for bringing the trail to life – describe this walk as “challenging”, so you might want to get in some practice day hikes in and around Sydney before setting out for this four-day adventure.
How to get to the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk
From Sydney, you can either take on the eight-hour drive, or fly into Ballina or Gold Coast airports. A shuttle service is available to book, with transfers running from nearby airports and towns – meaning you can get a seamless drop-off and pick-up at the beginning and end of your hike.
Want to treat yourself after your big walk? Book a spa session at Mullumbimby’s magical Russian-inspired bath house, then check into one of our favourite hotels in the Byron area.
How to book the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk
You can learn more about the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk and book over here.
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