Mebbin National Park Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mebbin National Park with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking trails, food and drink scene, places to stay, and more.


Introduction to Mebbin National Park

Mebbin National Park is a mesmerizing, green paradise located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. This 4,000-hectare park is a significant part of the central Eastern Australian temperate forests ecosystem. Visitors to Mebbin National Park can expect to experience a sound range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the region.

List of Places to Visit in Mebbin National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mebbin National Park has a rich cultural history that attracts tourists seeking educational and experiential journeys. When visiting the park, you must make a stop at:

  • Tweed Regional Museum: Located in Murwillumbah, Tweed Regional Museum provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the regional history, including Aboriginal, government, and pioneers’ legacies.
  • Tweed Valley Historic Railway Visitor Centre: dating back to the early 20th century, the Tweed Valley Historic Railway features heritage train rides, a station with a gift shop, and memorabilia displays.

Natural Attractions of Mebbin National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mebbin National Park offers various natural attractions, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the park’s natural heritage. The following destinations should be on your list:

  • Mebbin National Park Circuit Track: This route is a challenging 9.6 km long walk that meanders through the rainforest, offering majestic views of magnificent waterfalls, flora, and fauna.
  • Clarrie Hall Dam: A man-made lake sitting at the Richmond River catchment, Clarrie Hall Dam has a capacity to hold 16,000 megaliters of water and offers visitors access to water activities such as swimming, canoeing, and boating.
  • Mount Warning: Rising above the Byron Bay hinterland is Mount Warning, a massive volcanic remnant that offers breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mebbin National Park

Mebbin National Park boasts numerous hiking and biking trails that cater to varying degrees of fitness and interests. Here are the most notable trails you shouldn’t miss:

  • Lyrebird Loop Walking Track: This 4.8 km circuit walk takes about 2-3 hours to complete and offers magnificent views of the park’s flora and fauna.
  • Nullum House Group Camping Area to Kyogle: This 30 km mountain-biking trail takes you deep into the park’s beautiful rainforest, providing you with a genuine Australian bike-riding experience.
  • Pinnacle Walk: Accessed from Pinnacle Road within the park, this hiking trail will lead you to the park’s highest peak, Pinnacle Mountain, providing breathtaking views of the ancient Tweed Volcano’s caldera.

Best Things to Do in Mebbin National Park: Activities and Tours

Mebbin National Park offers various outdoor activities, events, and tours to tourists visiting the park. Here’s our recommended list of activities you shouldn’t miss:

  • Rainforest Adventure Tours: While here, don’t miss the chance to experience a 4-inch go-kart along winding forest tracks and narrow channels.
  • Camp And Enjoy the Wildlife: Camping is a popular activity in Mebbin National Park, and numerous campsites are available, such as the beautiful Searcher’s Campground, offering guests an opportunity to camp, experience nature, and stare into the starry sky.
  • Cool off in the Park’s Stream: 22-Mile Causeway is a popular spot where visitors can cool off in the park’s freshwater stream.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mebbin National Park

This itinerary is curated to cover most of the popular things to do and places to visit within Mebbin National Park:

Day Activity
Day 1 Tweed Valley Historic Railway Visitor Centre
Day 2 Pinnacle Walk
Day 3 Rainforest Adventure Tours
Day 4 Lyrebird Loop Walking Track
Day 5 Searcher’s Campground
Day 6 Nullum House Group Camping Area to Kyogle mountain-biking trail
Day 7 Clarrie Hall Dam

Food and Drink Scene of Mebbin National Park

Must-Try Dishes

After a long day of exploring and hiking, you’ll undoubtedly be hungry and thirsty. Here are some perfect meals to try when in Mebbin National Park:

  • Prawn tacos
  • Seafood platter
  • Finger-licking grill

Local Beverages

The best way to quench your thirst and complement your meals is with some local beverages. Here are the local drinks you must try:

  • Tweed Valley cider
  • Two Volcanoes Coffee

Where to Stay in Mebbin National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mebbin National Park provides various accommodation options to suit every traveler’s budget and preferences. Here are our top picks:

  • The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat: This is one of the park’s most luxurious accommodations and offers a beautiful rainforest hideaway.
  • Tallowood: This Lodge combines luxury comfort and modern decor and is set amongst a peaceful environment on a hillside.
  • Twin Falls Bush Cottages: These cottages offer visitors a unique experience by hosting them in a forest of Red Cedars next to the beautiful Hosanna Creek.

What to Buy in Mebbin National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visiting Mebbin National Park offers you the chance to buy exciting souvenirs and local products to take back home as a memento of your adventure. Some of the most popular products you should buy include:

  • Tweed Valley cider and beer
  • Two Volcanoes Coffee
  • Homemade oils and jams

Local Culture and Customs of Mebbin National Park

The park is home to the Grafton and Widjabul Wia-bul people, the Bundjalung people’s descendants. Visitors should, therefore, show respect and courtesy when exploring the park’s culturally significant areas.

Best Time to Visit Mebbin National Park

The best time to visit Mebbin National Park is during Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November). Temperatures are mild, and the surrounding landscapes are gorgeous.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mebbin National Park

Do:

  • Respect the park’s environmental guidelines and rules.
  • Stay in designated areas while camping and protect the park’s wildlife and flora.
  • Go on a guided tour and ask questions to learn more about the park.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disturb the park’s wildlife by feeding or harming them.
  • Don’t litter or damage the park’s facilities.
  • Don’t light fires outside of the park’s designated fireplaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mebbin National Park

  • Visitors to the park should be careful when hiking on some of the park’s challenging trails by ensuring they carry plenty of fluids and wearing appropriate footwear.
  • Visitors should be mindful of the ever-changing weather conditions and ensure they carry waterproof hiking gear.
  • Swimming in some park streams and rivers can be hazardous due to unpredictable currents. Ensure you observe the water’s conditions before taking a dip.

Health in Mebbin National Park

While there are minimal health risks in the park, visitors should ensure they carry mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites and avoid tick bites, which can cause Lyme disease. Additionally, you should carry adequate personal medication if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Getting to Mebbin National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mebbin National Park

The nearest airports to the park are:

  • Gold Coast Airport: Located 30kms north of Murwillumbah and is a 40-minute drive from the park.
  • Ballina Byron Gateway Airport: Located 56 kms south of the park and is a 55-minute drive from the park.

Bus Stations Near Mebbin National Park

The main bus stations near the park include:

  • Murwillumbah Bus Station
  • Coolangatta Bus Station

Other Options

Lyft and Uber ride-sharing services are also available in the parks surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Mebbin National Park

The best way to explore Mebbin National Park is either by biking or walking. The park has numerous well-designed trails that can be explored to uncover hidden gems within the park.

Where to Go Next from Mebbin National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mebbin National Park is close to some exciting tourist destinations. Here are some recommendations:

  • Byron Bay: Located about an hour’s drive from the park, Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most popular coastal towns offering golden beaches, whale watching, and an active night scene.
  • Gold Coast: Located about a 40-minute drive north of Murwillumbah, the Gold Coast boasts numerous attractions such as theme parks, beaches, and touristy activities.
  • Nimbin Village: Nimbin Village is a short 20-minute drive from the park and is a unique village with numerous cultural and historical attractions, offering visitors some of Australia’s best cheese, beer, and coffee.

Conclusion

Mebbin National Park is a paradise, offering visitors an opportunity to explore nature, learn about rich history and culture, and participate in various tourist activities. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself with the park’s hiking and biking trails or just want to unwind and relax at the park’s camping grounds, Mebbin National Park has something for everyone. With this guide, you now have all the information needed to plan the perfect trip to Mebbin National Park. Happy travels!