Road trip: The Northern Rivers Region and the Rainforest Way

Starting from Casino, drive west to Mallanganee, where you can stop at the lookout for spectacular views over the Richmond Range – if it’s a clear day you’ll be able to see the distant volcanic plug of Mt Warning (Wollumbin). From there, you can travel into Tabulam and cross the Clarence River on the longest timber truss bridge in the southern hemisphere.

Once you're back on the road, drive north through the historic village of Bonalbo, a great access point for the World Heritage rainforest and Richmond Range National Park. Here, you can hike past rare spotted gums and settle in for a quick lunch at the Cambridge Plateau Picnic Area.

Criss-cross two states and the McPherson Ranges on the Lions road, built by the town’s Lions Clubs in 1971. You’ll start from the charming town of Kyogle, which sits on the Richmond River, encompassed by rainforest.

Starting from Nerang on Queensland’s Gold Coast, head south-west to Beechmont where you can enjoy the green pastures which surround the town while learning about the close-knit community.

After Beechmont, follow a rainforest drive through the Binna Burra section, which is home to hundreds of waterfalls and walking trails, or continue on to Canugra, where you can turn off for the O’Reilly’s Green Mountains section. Try the 16-metre high Tree Top Walk, see glow worm caves and swing across the rainforest on a flying fox. Walk short sections of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, or spend four days hiking the entire 54km trail.

Beginning in the hinterland town of Beaudesert, less than an hour from Brisbane – you’ll drive west to Boonah. Here you can browse the galleries and craft shops, buy fresh produce from the roadside stalls and check out the distinctive heritage buildings.

Drive south through farmland and rainforest, stopping to bushwalk around Mount Toowoona, taking in river views from Carrs Lookout, while visiting Teviot and Queen Mary Falls. From here, continue past Daggs and Browns Falls towards Killarney and Legume, heading east to Woodenbong.

This drive will take you around the base of the Tweed volcanic caldera, offering stunning views of the iconic Wollumnbin (Mount Warning) and the spectacular caldera escarpment. From Murwillumbah, follow Tourist Drive 32 to Wollumbin (Mount Warning) National Park for a rainforest boardwalks, and then onto the historic village of Uki where you can visit the restored Uki Buttery, which now is host to a thriving arts and crafts community.

Explore the galleries, theatres and performing arts space around Lismore before driving east along the Bangalow road to Bexhill and turn left. Following the signs to the village of Rosebank, you’ll drive through the picturesque farmland and lush foliage of the surrounding hills.

Head towards the village of The Channon, home to a famous monthly market, then travel through Nimbin, the cradle of Australia's counterculture since the 1970s. See remnants of the area's volcanic activity at Nimbin Rocks, drop into the Nimbin Candle Factory or stock up on organic produce at the Nimbin Farmers Market, held each Wednesday. From here you're a one-hour drive to the quaint township of Bangalow and Byron Bay.

Starting in Kyogle, pick up a Border Ranges brochure from the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre. From there, head north through Wiangaree to the World Heritage rainforest of Border Ranges National Park. Here, you can follow one of the many walking trails from the Sheepstation Creek campground or trek through primeval rainforest on one of three trails to Brindle Creek. Enjoy a picnic at the Antarctic Beech picnic area, taking in views over the Lost World wilderness area out towards the Queensland border.