Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk Adventure

Welcome to Byron Bay.

Arrive at your accommodation this afternoon and settle in before meeting your guides and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Take time to unwind, explore the local shops or dip your toes in the ocean before our adventure begins.

Meals Included: Dinner
Walking Distance: 

This morning, we join Arakwal woman, Delta Kay from Explore Byron Bay, for a guided cultural tour around Walgun Cape Byron Lighthouse and Australia’s most easterly point.

We listen as Delta shares powerful Dreaming stories, learning about local Aboriginal culture, bush tucker, and the deep connection the Arakwal people have to this land and sea.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy Byron Bay your way — perhaps take a kayak with dolphins, learn to surf, or simply relax in one of the town’s many cafes or beaches before we gather for dinner and discuss our first day on the Gidjuum Gulganyi trail tomorrow.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walking Distance: 5km

Walk from Manns Road Trail Head to Sand Ridge Campground.

Today we begin our guided journey along the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. Over the coming 4 days we’ll explore this stunning landscape that is so rich in cultural and natural significance.

After being picked up in Byron Bay, we travel through the Byron Hinterland and into the Tweed Valley, the heart of the Wollumbin caldera. We stop at the iconic town of Uki for a morning cuppa and collect some fresh bread rolls from the bakery for lunch. It’s then time to make our way to the trailhead at Unicorn Falls carpark in Mount Jerusalem National Park.

Carrying only a daypack, our walk begins through eucalypt forest and then on to the riparian-lined cascade of Unicorn Falls. Leaving the falls, we make our way along the newly opened “old peoples track”. Hell Hole is the unlikely name of our lunch spot, but despite its name, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy our freshly made salad rolls for lunch.

We then continue to Sand Ridge Campground, crossing Sand Ridge Road bridge and facing one more incline before arriving in time to set up our campsite, ready to settle into our first night immersed in this ancient Gondwana Rainforest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 8km

Walk Sand Ridge Campground to Yelgun Kyoongun Camp.

Nothing quite compares to waking up amongst the trees, listening to nature’s chorus all around! It’s a perfect way to greet Bundjalung Nation and a fresh new day on the trail. We have a challenging day ahead with over 1000 stairs, so we start with a hearty breakfast and fresh coffee.

After an initial climb, we reach the first lookout which showcases stunning views to Wollumbin across Mount Jerusalem National Park. We spend time walking amongst the ancient old-growth blackbutt forest, skirting the warm temperate rainforest.

At the next lookout, we stop for a well-earned rest and refuel with lunch. All while soaking up panoramic views of the ever-present Wollumbin in the distance. Shortly after continuing, we can take a 500m side trip to a third lookout at Mount Jerusalem Cliffs. The expansive views here stretch across Doon Doon Creek to Doughboy Mountain and the Border Ranges National Park on the opposite side of the caldera.

This afternoon, we leave Mount Jerusalem National Park and transition into Nightcap National Park, where we notice the vegetation changing again. We’re surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest where many unique plant and animal species teach us about Earth’s evolution.

We hike along the historic Postman’s Track section of the trail, catching a glimpse of the ocean and reach Yelgun Kyoongun, our campsite for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 16km

Walk Yelgun Kyoongun Camp to Weeun Weeun Camp.

After yesterday’s excursion, we wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another spectacular day walking NSW’s Gidjuum Gulganyi through Nightcap National Park.

With most of the climbing done, it’s a shorter walking day today. One where we get to enjoy the wet and dry eucalypt forests as we ascend the ridgeline on some old fire trails. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife today as we wind our way through. The forest is home to goanna, tree-dwelling lace monitor, red-legged pademelons, plus many other species and birdlife.

The fourth lookout is yet another perfect lunch spot, offering uninterrupted views across Coopers Creek to Goonengerry National Park. We pause here to enjoy the scenery before continuing on and arriving at Weeun Weeun Camp by mid-afternoon.

Once we’ve set up, we have time to relax, explore and maybe find a spot for a dip. Weeun Weeun Camp sits on the edge of Wanganui Gorge and boasts breathtaking views of the valley, cliffs and waterfalls. It’s a very special spot to settle in for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km

Walk Weeun Weeun Camp to Minyon Falls

Our last morning offers a bit of a surprise for breakfast (our lips are sealed). It’s then time to pack up and head along the cliff tops of the Wanganui Gorge towards Minyon Falls, a spectacular 130m single plunge waterfall.

It’s our final day exploring the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, and we savour the stroll through undulating terrain and eucalypt forest. We have several creek crossings again in the warm temperate rainforest before reaching the end of the trail and enjoying a delicious morning tea at Minyon Falls. Against a backdrop of spectacular views, we relish those undeniable feelings of awe – walking 42km of Bundjalung Nation, the traditional lands of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjumgbal people.

But, before we pack away our boots, we have one last short section to explore. It’s a 1-hour walk down to the base of the falls to the plunge pool. This section allows us to look for koalas and experience the forest of palm trees and feel the cool spray of water refreshing us as we approach the falls.

A picnic lunch of fresh local produce awaits us when we head back up to the top of the falls, and we enjoy the last of those incredible views as we feast. It’s then time to load our gear into our private mini-bus and depart Nightcap National Park. Driving through the hinterland on the southern side of the caldera, we stop briefly in Federal before arriving back in Byron Bay late in the afternoon.

We recommend not booking your homeward flights for this evening to avoid any unexpected stress. If you wish to extend your stay in the Tweed Byron area or the greater NSW North Coast region, we are happy to assist with any additional accommodation or travel needs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking Distance: 6km or 12km

We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as MODERATE to CHALLENGING
(see our grading system)

This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information.

Unicorn Falls to Sand Ridge Camp

Distance: 8km
Elevation Gain: 375m
Elevation Loss: 275m

Sand Ridge to Yelgun Kyoongun

Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 925m
Elevation Loss: 525m

Yelgun Kyoongun to Weeun Weeun

Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 250m
Elevation Loss: 575m

Weeun Weeun to Minyon Falls lookout

Distance: 6km
Elevation Gain: 150m
Elevation Loss: 200m

10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US

Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by the Gondwanan rainforest. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic, allowing you to complete the full itinerary ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver

Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. Starting and finishing in Byron Bay, you’re first welcomed by Arakwal woman Delta Kay, before hiking the full Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. We’ve planned this itinerary so you get the full experience and time to relax ….. you won’t leave feeling unfulfilled

Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides are also nature facilitators with skills to immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature whilst walking the trail (included activities such as an introduction to Shinrin-yoku ‘Forest Bathing’ ) <learn more about Forest Bathing here> ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion

Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so pre-tour training walks, training programs, and group chats online are provided leading up to your walking tour (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet your guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness. Many people underestimate the difficulty of walking this trail and end up under-prepared and unfulfilled ….. so we invest in your preparation

Meaningful Moments
we will bring your Gidjuum Gulganyi experience alive ….. a guide book and phone App can’t do this as well as our local guides

Flexibility (2 guides)
our departures have 2 experienced guides. Having 2 guides means we can better cater for group dynamics and individual needs. Factors such as sickness, injuries and incidents can mean changes to the itinerary become necessary, and if there was only 1 guide then these changes will impact on your expectations and your level of enjoyment ….. avoiding this is why we always have 2 guides

Safety
our wilderness trained guides carry comprehensive group first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and safety equipment. Our Adelaide based guide supports a local guide on this tour. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services. There isn’t mobile phone coverage along sections of this trail ….. so for your safety, we always have multiple communication devices

Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence 

Small Groups
a maximum of 9 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment, and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd

Travel Assistance
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with travel insurance. If you’re arriving from interstate or from international destinations we can also package any accommodation, flights, and add-ons in addition to this tour. Package your Gidjuum Gulganyi walk with us and save stress, time and money

This adventure includes hiking, creek crossings, elevated boardwalks, steep inclines and declines, uneven surfaces, rocky trails, plus moving luggage to and from accommodation.  Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking.