Jetsettersblog

On the eastern most coast of Australia lies the Green Cauldron, now officially recognised by Tourism Australia as a National Landscape, which takes in much of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.

Within the ancient geology of this landscape are Wollumbin – Mt Warning – the first place in Australia to see the sun rise – and the magnificent Gondwanan rainforests, offering not only a world heritage wilderness experience but a proximity to a range of world class tourism experiences.

“The Northern Rivers, or the Byron region as it is more commonly known offers a truly authentic Australian holiday experience,” says CEO of Northern Rivers Tourism, Russell Mills.

Our delightful beaches and surfing lifestyle contrast with the tranquility and refreshing beauty of the rainforests, less than an hour away. We’re particularly proud of the fresh regional food, the arts and creativity of our residents, a strong health and wellbeing focus and a thriving market culture which often brings these all together.”

Presenting at ATE 2009 are some great examples of the experiences on offer in the Northern Rivers and Australia’s Green Cauldron

Mt Barney Lodge

Right on the rim of the Green Cauldron is Mt Barney Lodge, offering an ecotourism experience with a great diversity of attractions and accommodation styles.

For the adventurous there’s rock climbing, abseiling, night adventure, bushwalking, sunset ecotour and mountain guiding.

Others can sit and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding rainforests.

Santai at Casuarina
With its lush tropical gardens, lagoon style pool and Balinese inspired architecture; this resort offers a true luxury experience.

Santai Domain Resort is an award winning development, conveniently located 15 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 30 minutes away from Byron Bay.

Gold Coast Airport

Getting to the Northern Rivers has never been easier with 50 flights a day providing connection for international passengers either directly or from other major Australian airports.

Located right on the border of the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast airport is undergoing major redevelopment, which will see it become a modern international gateway while retaining that friendly welcoming feel unique to arriving in regional Australia.

Byron Easy Bus

Byron Easy Bus services Gold Coast, Ballina-Byron and even Brisbane airports for visitors into the Northern Rivers.

As well as its extensive charter service for inbound travellers and the conference/meetings markets, they offer a wide range of tours encompassing the whole region.

Friday on the Beach – Byron Bay

Right in the heart of Byron Bay, a stroll from the beach is Friday on the Beach, one of the premier places to stay in this iconic Australian town. for Fridays and any other day of the week!

All nineteen lovingly refurbished rooms have ocean views across the rolling surf of Byron’s main beach and some have private decks.

Byron Bay Ballooning

A truly special way of experiencing the region is to fly above it and catch the sun as it rises over the ocean on an early morning balloon flight with Byron Bay ballooning. Chances are you will be among the very first in Australia to see the sun rise at this most easterly point in the country.

Byron Bay Ballooning offers views from the coastline to the rainforests and the rich farming lands in between, with a sense of style and of course, safety.

Gaia Retreat & Spa

Winner of the 2008 Conde Nast Award for Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa, Gaia Retreat is a special place where guests have the wonderful gift of choice. The best local organic produce is used by Gaia’s chefs to create superb dishes each day.

Gaia Retreat is in the hinterland of Byron Bay and Ballina and boasts a team of exceptional healers and therapists to cater for every individual need of its guests.

Ramada Hotel & Suites

Ballina is one of the major regional towns of the Northern Rivers and right where the mighty Richmond River meets the sea is the Ramada Hotel & Suites

This eighteen month young property offers high quality accommodation on the waterfront, with suites offering spectacular river or hinterland views. The Ramada is a perfect central base from which to explore the Northern Rivers.

The Byron region offers just about everything experience-seeking travellers could want. A mild climate all year round, natural coastal and hinterland beauty, easily accessible towns and villages and a wonderful sense of being able to live like a local.

“With Gold Coast Airport now officially recognized as NSW’s second international gateway we are delighted to be able to offer an expanded range of products and experiences to international travellers,” adds Russell Mills.

Top towns

The diversity of tourism experiences in the Northern Rivers region is also shown by two quite different towns being selected in the Top 10 for Australian Traveller magazine’s top 100 best towns in Australia recently. A third town in the region, Evans Head, also made the Top 100 in 95th position.

“It is great that Yamba was voted number one and Byron Bay number seven for different reasons reflecting the tourism experiences we have to offer,” says Russell.

At Yamba, a new style of tourist accommodation has emerged, that of the new look YHA. A 90 bed YHA hostel opened lat last year, bringing a new level of accommodation to the Clarence Coast and surrounding region and appealing to international travellers with a love of independent travel.

With roof top pool and modern café and bar, it offers state of the art accommodation catering for backpackers through to families and includes a variety of room styles ranging from multi share to family ensuite.