Connect Adventures - Uki
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Guided multi-day walking company in Northern NSW. Their tours are all-inclusive of transport, expert and...
The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is a breathtaking hiking trail that connects the Tweed and Byron Hinterland via Mount Jerusalem National Park, Nightcap National Park and Whian Whian State Conservation Area, with designated camping areas and scenic lookout spots dotted along its 42 kilometre 3-night, 4 day-track.
Meaning Old People’s Track, the walk passes through the ancient traditional lands of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal People of the Bundjalung Nation, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Hikers along the trail are richly rewarded with a diversity of landscapes and settings, ranging from millenia old rainforest to native blue quandongs and stands of eucalypt trees, cool streams and creeks, stunning waterfalls and lookouts and the towering Wollumbin, all set around the expansive green caldera of an extinct shield volcano.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a more laid-back nature-lover, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk offers something for everyone and can be explored as a multi-day hike or by enjoying shorter sections as a half or full day walk.
Choose this hike if you love:
Stunning natural beauty – Traversing ancient Gondwanan rainforest and tea-tree rocky scrub, you’ll navigate through cooling forests and past sparkling creeks, beside rockpools and waterfalls while resting to the sounds of nature at low-key camp spots.
Diverse flora and fauna – As a largely untouched area with sections of ancient native forest, expect to see native wildlife along the trail. Over 270 native animal species thrive in this special area. Keep your eyes and ears open to spot birdlife like the yellow-tailed black cockatoo and the Albert’s lyrebird, along with rare plant and tree species not found anywhere else.
Cultural connection – Learn about local Aboriginal heritage and the significance of this Country to the traditional custodians, the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal People of the Bundjalung Nation.
Map out your Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk experience to get the most out of your nature escape, whether you’re planning to take a half day walk, a full day hike or a multi-day trek.
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Location: The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is in northern NSW with the trail head located at Manns Road in the Tweed region and the end point at Minyon Falls Lookout and picnic area in the Byron region.
Distance: The full walk is a 42kilometre 3-night, 4-day trail traversing Mount Jerusalem National Park, Nightcap National Park and Whian Whian State Conservation Area You can also choose your own adventure and explore shorter sections of the multi-day walk and side trails, with several options varying in length and difficulty.
Difficulty: The walk comprises mostly Grade 4 tracks that are suited to self-reliant, experienced bushwalkers (you can opt to book a guided walking tour) with basic directional signage provided along the way.
Best time to visit: The ideal months for hiking in the northern NSW region are Spring (September through November) and Autumn (March through May), when it’s not too hot and not too cold.
Please note: This is a remote walk. The weather is unpredictable and prone to storms and flooding. Be mindful of fire season risks and be equipped for changing conditions.
Be sure to check weather and safety alerts on the NPWS webpage before you head out each day.
Facilities: The trail has basic directional signage to guide you onwards and the 3 designated camping spots each have camping platforms, picnic tables, timber shelters with water tanks, hand-washing and drop toilets.
Please note: Water needs to be boiled or treated with purification tablets before drinking.
Carpark and toilets available at Manns Road track head and at Minyon Falls picnic area.
Return Transfers: Take the hassle out of getting there and book a return transfer with Vision Walks Eco Tours. Transfers are available from multiple locations.
If you do not book a transfer, it’s recommended that you get dropped at Manns Road track head. It’s not advised to leave your vehicle in this very remote location overnight. You will also need to arrange a pickup at Minyon Falls carpark at the end of the walk. The access roads may become impassable in wet weather, so plan accordingly.
Book ahead: To secure your spot on the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, you’ll need to pre-book. Tackle it self-guided and hike 42km over 3 days carrying your tent and gear, sleeping at secluded campgrounds with raised platforms. Guided experiences are also available if you require more support.
Want to enhance your hiking experience? Consider booking a guided tour of the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk.
Knowledgeable local guides will enrich your hiking adventure along the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk by sharing insights into the local flora, fauna and heritage of the area – booking ahead for all of these options is a must!
Connect Adventures specialise in fully supported, guided walks through stunning national parks and conservation areas in northern NSW, with immersive experiences that highlight the natural beauty and cultural significance of these landscapes.
They have two offerings to experience the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk:
Vision Walks – Eco Tours offers a wide range of immersive nature experiences in northern NSW led by expert local guides with backgrounds in environmental science and Indigenous culture. They offer unique, small-group walks and wildlife tours including these two options to experience the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk.
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Before heading out on your Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk adventure, consider the following hiking tips to maximise your comfort and safety out on the trail.
Get the right gear: Given most of the walk comprises Grade 4 trails for experienced walkers, be sure to have the right clothing and equipment before you set off. Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes, a fitted pack and breathable attire. Plus everything you need for a good night’s sleep if tackling the multi-day walk – a light tent, warm sleeping bag and camp light. It’s always a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit too.
Follow the trail: The walk has basic directional signage so don’t rely on this alone to navigate – make sure you pack a detailed trail map and pop a compass in too.
Keep your energy up: It’s critical to stay hydrated and energised along the walk. Bring fuel-restoring food and snacks, plenty of water reserves in case the camp’s water tanks are dry and consider packing electrolytes to add to your water for fast replenishment.
Check the weather: Always check the forecast before you go and plan accordingly, packing a hat and sunscreen or a rain poncho or winter beanie depending on the outlook!
Let people know: Phone reception is not guaranteed along the length of the trail so let friends or family know your travel dates or carry an emergency beacon to be extra safe.
Be sure to travel lightly along the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk to ensure it can be enjoyed by hikers for years to come.
This eco-friendly nature walk is designed to be a sustainable tourism experience that will foster advocacy for environmental conservation, minimising impacts on the environment while inviting people to connect with nature and culture.
Here are our green travel tips for your Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk experience:
What goes in must come out: As with most nature hikes, there are no bins along the way so plan your pack well to minimise waste and be sure to bag all your packaging and rubbish to carry out and dispose of responsibly.
Take only memories: Remember that you’re entering a protected landscape that provides habitat for countless native animals with cultural significance dating back thousands of years. Bring home great stories from your visit but leave everything else in its place.
Be a Gidjuum Gulganyi custodian: Become a friend of the walk by observing any dangers or damage along the trail and reporting back to the NSW National Parks and& Wildlife Service.
We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.