BE IT be body boarding on world-famous waves, climbing an extinct volcano, cycling through historic country town streets or mountain bike riding down challenging tracks, the North Coast is rich in holiday activities.
The region's natural resources, from sparkling beaches to rainforest and majestic hinterland rivers, provide a host of both adrenalin-packed and laid back, relaxed options.
Here are some of the best sampled by The Land staff and their families.
Climbing Mount Warning
A REMNANT of the extinct Tweed Volcano, Mount Warning (named by Captain Cook who spotted it as he sailed past) is the first place on mainland Australia to receive the sun each day.
That's why making the 4.4 kilometre trip to its summit, especially if you go in the dark, is well worth the effort. How long it takes depends on your fitness but five hours is recommended.
It gets steep at the end and chains are set up to assist but the 360 degree views are astounding.
The rainforest environment is also a haven for wildlife. Beware leeches and even in the middle of summer a jumper is recommended as the summit is cool. No fee.
Biking activities
CYCLING, mountain bike riding and BMXing - there are hundreds of trails through picturesque country, forests and quaint country towns across the North Coast.
Visitor centres have brochures with trail lengths, degree of difficulty and highlights, along with town cycle way routes.
Kids also flock to the Casino BMX track (free) and the Byron Bay Bike Park, which has more than 6km of trail through open paddock, forest gullies and timber plantation, along with a pump track (a short course of bumps, jumps, curves and beams). Day pass $10.
Whale Watching
ONE of the big drawcards of the North Coast, migrating Humpbacks can come within 3km of the coast.
Popular viewing spots include the Lighthouse Walk at Byron Bay, Iluka Bluff, Muttonbird Island nature Reserve at Coffs Harbour and Lennox Head. Tours operate from several beach towns.
Riding the rivers
CANOEING, kayaking, tubing, water skiing or sailing the Clarence River, one of the country's largest waterways at 400km long, is an experience like no other.
The Nymboida Canoe Centre is a hub for river activities on the Clarence and has a full canoe and kayak hire and instruction service for beginners to advanced paddlers. Or visit Exodus Outdoor Adventures at Buccarumbi.
Shan Goodwin
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
