It is a walk that weaves through the ancient Gondwanan rainforest and ancient volcanic landscapes of the Northern Rivers, rainforest that was saved thanks to the remarkable efforts of the hippies and alternatives that made a stand for the rainforest of the region.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has now opened the four-day three-night Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk that allows you to experience what those old hippies in the hills thought was so important to preserve for future generations. It is an incredible new 42km multi-day walking adventure in the Tweed Byron Hinterland on Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal Country, part of the Bundjalung Nation.
It winds through the Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Nightcap National Park letting you explore the beauty and wonder of one of the most biodiverse spots in Australia.
When the NSW state government was planning to log parts of the forests at Terania Creek ‘The newly-arrived counter-culture banded together and for the first time in Australia’s history stood up against logging,’ explained Stephen Wyatt in his book Rainforest Warriors: the hippies were right.
The fight for the forests at Terania led to a broader campaign that finally led to the declaration of the Nightcap National Park, the Whain Whain and Mount Jerusalem National Park becoming National Parks and being preserved for the future.
Gidjuum Gulganyi means ‘Old People’s Track’ and was the name jointly chosen by the Widjabul Wia-bal Native Title Holders and Minjungbal Bundjalung people. The name recognises that the track passes through traditional lands walked by the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal peoples for thousands of years.
Walk and camp
The challenging walk rewards visitors with magnificent scenery including lush rainforest, plunging waterfalls and sweeping views of the Tweed caldera mountains, before finishing at the spectacular Minyon Falls lookout.
Along the track are three new campgrounds each with 11 elevated sleeping platforms, available for walkers at the end of each day as part of self-guided or guided packages.
Experienced walkers can tackle the track carrying their own packs and supplies by booking a three-night self-guided camping package. A shuttle service is also available to book transfers from nearby airports or towns to and from the track.
Visitors who would prefer some extra support and want to learn about the flora, fauna and history of the area can book a tour with an expert guide.
Those seeking a shorter walk can explore sections of the multi-day walk and side trails of varying lengths and difficulty.
For more information or to book visit: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/gidjuumgulganyi.
View the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk 60-second video and animated 3D flyover map.
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