The Northern Rivers area of
New South Wales covers approximately 800 kilometres between
Sydney and
Brisbane and includes state electorates of
Tweed,
Ballina,
Lismore and
Clarence. The area has a sub-tropical climate making it an excellent option for holiday makers and visitors alike. Having so much area to cover, there are heaps of great holiday and tourists sights to see, which makes one visit not long enough.
Beautiful sandy beaches (Author's Photo)
If you are a beach lover, white sandy beaches are as far as the eye can see with surf lifesavers for your safety. However, if you are looking for a quieter option,
Killen Falls at Tintenbar is just what you need. Situated on Emigrant Creek, Killen Falls has a large swimming hole with some deep sections and a ten-metre waterfall at one end. There is a good size carpark at the summit and a short hilly walk down a trail to the swimming pool. The trail is not suggested for people who are unsteady on their feet as there is uneven terrain in some parts. The waterhole is open every day all year around and entry is free. When the water is clear, visitors enjoy snorkelling the falls rock floor.
Swimming hole at Killen Falls (Author's Photo)
At the small town of
Knockrow you will come across
The Macadamia Castle and Animal Park. Children can enjoy an interactive experience with all animals including wildlife experiences and rabbit petting. You may like to start your visit with a train ride around the park so you know where to find everything and then end with a game of mini golf or a family bar-be-que. A gift store is incorporated in the main building along with a café, tables and chairs if you prefer to purchase your meal on the day. I can vouch for the macadamia and apricot jam sold on the premises, which tastes great on toast.
Animal Park for children at The Macadamia Castle (Author's Photo)
At holiday times, students can spend a day with senior keepers either as
Wildlife Guardians (years 7 to 11) or Keeper for a Day (years 12 to 18). Students are able to learn about the conservation of our local wildlife, building animal enclosures and animal husbandry practices.
If you are into reptiles, this area is for you (Author's Photo)
Ballina is home to
Thursday Plantation. The plantation was named by owner Eric White who received notification on a Thursday advising him he was granted a crown lease of land to harvest Tea Tree plants. What was so unique about this was that the mail only arrived once a week.
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Products (Author's Photo)
Products at Thursday Plantation are made from pure plant oils therefore do not contain any synthetic parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl ether sulphate or harsh detergents. They are also not tested on animals. The range includes health and beauty products with the goal of relieving skin abrasions back to a healthy state.
Theatre at Thursday Plantation (Author's Photo)
When you first walk into the building, you are encouraged to sit in the theatre where a brief video takes you through the history of the plantation, its products and where their goal is today and into the future. A very well stocked shop has every product you could ever want and specials can be found in the basket at the front door.
The Candle Factory, Nimbin (Author's Photo)
, a town in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales is home to
The Candle Factory. The factory is located in the old Butter Factory just to the north of the town. It is open seven days a week from 9.00am to 5.00pm on week days and shorter times on weekends and public holidays. What makes this particular factory different from others is that non-toxic candles are made by using an age-old method of dipping each individual wick continuously in hot wax to create a perfect taper. Vegetable dyes are used to make the colour. The colours of the different candles were amazing and there are just too many to make a quick choice.
Bryon Bay and
Ballina are close enough to Brisbane for a weekend away and with plenty of things to do, you won't be disappointed with your choice of holiday destination.
