8.8 C
Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Learn about your local birds on the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens story walk

Latest News

E-bikes destroyed by police in Tweed

Thirty-five e-bikes that were seized during police operations near Tweed Heads have been destroyed, say police.

Other News

Bird flu reaches Western Australia

H5 avian flu has officially arrived in Western Australia, first discovered days ago in a dead migratory seabird near Esperance (700 km south-east of Perth), and since found in numerous other birds.

Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.

Shark culls not the answer

It has been a confronting and devastating year with a 12-year-old killed by a shark in Sydney and another shark attack in Coogee over the weekend. The NSW government has said there is nothing off the table in response to the latest shark incident. But it is vital that we don’t just start going out there and randomly culling sharks.

Speaking and listening

All of a sudden Council’s supposed experts condemn the Wilsons Creek weir water quality during rain events, which would...

Dancing and fundraising for our children’s future

The recent premeditated killings of several children in Australia by their fathers has raised the issue of filicide (the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child) alongside the issue of domestic violence (DV) and femicide (the intentional murder of women or girls) as key areas that need research to help understand why these things happen.

Mullum Hospital site

I would like to acknowledge the letter printed in The Echo dated 3 June from Gary Opit and Carmel...

Learn about the birds of the Richmond region during the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens story walk. Photo supplied

Discover the perfect shady spot for a walk with the family or on your own, while reading  the story-walk book The Hide and Seek Tree of Rainforest Creek. Written by local author Lee Duncan and illustrated by local artist Laila Paige, written exclusively for the Lismore library, this walk tells the story of many favourite local birds.

The 12 illustrated panels are a great way for parents, guardians and carers to take a walk with the kids and learn about the birds of the Richmond region Tracey Whitby, President of the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens told The Echo

Hoop Pine Forest at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens. Photo Marie Matthews

‘The Lismore library installed the story walk as a series of pages (panels) of a book set up through the Hoop Pine Forest,’ explained Tracy. 

‘It is a guessing kind of story with clues in each panel that you can discover the answer to in the following panel and teaches everyone about local birds.’

The Story Walk begins at the BBQ near the visitor’s center gardens at 313 Wyrallah Rd, Monaltrie. The walk is suitable for youngsters four years and older and adults too. A pair of walking shoes, insect repellent and a bottle of water are recommended.

‘Which bird from Rainforest Creek is the best at hide and seek? You’ll have to come for a walk to find out!’ said Tracy.



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Helping hands create strong communities

Volunteering fosters meaningful connections and Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre creates a shared space where people from all backgrounds and circumstances gather.

Lismore wants a a safe, accessible and long-term home for the Hannah Cabinet

The Hannah Cabinet was created by Lismore master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM over six-and-a-half years and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant pieces of contemporary decorative furniture.

Facing the River in chapters

Tweed Shire Council is telling the full story of how the Tweed community has rebuilt since the 2022 floods, and further damage from the 2024 floods and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Putting their money where their mouth and conscience is

Climate action group Rising Tide say they will disrupt business at Tweed City ANZ today, as local long-term customers withdraw their life savings from the bank.