3 radical trails worth checking out in Tweed Valley

The Tweed Valley (Bunjalung Nation) is in the far north-eastern corner of NSW. The landscape is rugged and geologically takes its form from a huge Volcano eruption that happened over 23 million years ago…From the countryside to the coast the Tweed volcano created an environment that is so incredibly diverse and well worth coming to explore. 

I’ve been lucky enough to explore so many beautiful parts of the area, but the three I’ve linked below are locations where I do find myself continually going back to run/hike time and time again.  Time to add these epic trails to your ever-growing list! More details are below.  Happy Trails :)

1. Mt Cougal ‘East Peak’ Hike (8km, 498m Elevation, Hard)

Mt Cougal is the first major peak on the Northern side of the Tweed Caldera.  This is by far my favourite hike in the region and the view blows my mind every time! The start is located at the end of Garden of Eden Road just a short drive from Murwillumbah a rad little country town. At the foot of the climb, you follow the fence (QLD/NSW Border) up to the base of the east peak.  Contour around to the right for about 50 meters and follow the trail marking ribbon to scramble up a steep rock section to the summit. From the summit, there are excellent views of the entire Tweed Valley with views down to Byron Bay lighthouse and Westwards towards the Springbrook Plateau. I suggest doing this in the cooler months of the year and please do not attempt unless you’re an experienced hiker.

2. Cabarita Headland – Hastings Point via Coastal Banksia & Melaleuca Bush Tucker coastal trails. Run (7km, Easy)

I’ve only discovered this out-and-back trail over summer and found it perfect during the warmer days due to its natural shading…This area is of high conservation significance because of the habitat and value it provides for local flora and fauna… the Coastal Banksia is an important winter food source for fauna because other natives are not flowering.  During European Settlement this area lost about 75% of the Coastal Banksia Forest and woodland. This trail was created by the Cabarita Beach Dune Care to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and since 2012 revegetation/plantings of several local species that were used for food, medicine or materials have been carried out.  The trail also features interpretive signage which is a great way to learn about the various uses of plants along the trail. Cabarita Beach is also beautiful, so a post-run swim should always be on the cards…Heaps of great food options with plenty of epic cafes in town also.

3. Wooyung – South Golden Beach ‘Billinudgel Nature Reserve’ Run (10km, Easy)

Another great out-and-back coastal trail option full of native plants and wildlife - a great spot for bird spotting, with Black Cockatoo’s regularly spotted in the area. This trail is generally very quiet and a perfect place to run if you’re chasing some solitude. Flowing along a shady sandy paperbark forest it’s great to run all year round. I suggest that you run the trail in one direction and then return via the beach shoreline (low tide ideally) and keep your eye out for huge shells or take a refreshing swim in the ocean along the way. The closest town is Pottsville which also offers some great options for either food or beverages post-run.