Take a side trip to the village of Federal, as you head towards Nightcap National Park. The magnificent Minyon Falls area has a picnic spot with views and walks, where you can marvel at the precipitous falls and ancient World-heritage listed rainforest.

Visit the World Heritage Rainforest Centre at the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre and learn the story of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and collect maps and information before heading out to explore this very scenic region.

Follow the Tourist Drive 32 to Wollumbin (Mt Warning), around the crater of this extinct volcano now carpeted with rich farmlands and enchanting rainforest. In the World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park you will love the exhilarating walking trails under rainforest canopy.

11km further along, on the banks of the beautiful Tweed River, Uki is a charming village on the Rainforest Way touring route with spectacular views. On the third Sunday of the month is the Uki Buttery Bazaar, a village market with local arts and crafts and delicious food.

Continue from Uki on Kyogle Road for about 7km, turning right onto Byrrill Creek. This winding country route contains 10km of unsealed road. Travel 35km and take the entrance to Mebbin National Park, on Mebbin Forest Road on the left. Enjoy the Byrill Creek Walking Track through sub-tropical rainforest and ancient fig trees.

You will also find the surrounding area rich with scenic hinterland, arty villages and picturesque country drives.

Consider making a stop at Protesters Falls, named after the logging protests of the 1970s that saved this precious patch of rainforest and and walking to a cascading waterfall to enjoy splendid views from Mount Nardi picnic area.

The nearby village of The Channon comes alive on the second Sunday of each month with the not-to-be-missed craft market that’s been operating for over 40 years.

Another great side-trip from Lismore is via Bentley Road, or the scenic route along Nimbin Road, north to Kyogle, on the meandering Richmond River at the base of Fairy Mountain.

You will find many opportunities to explore untouched wilderness in this part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

Travelling west on the Bruxner Highway towards Tabulam, stop on the way at Mallanganee lookout for tremendous views over the Richmond Range.

Continuing onwards, take an optional detour and turn right at the historic bridge onto Tabulam Road. This route takes you through Jacksons Flat to pretty Bonalbo, an historic cedar getting town.

There’s also an option to continue north via Urbanville, situated in the headwaters of the mighty Clarence River with fishing, fossicking and canoeing activities, and Woodenbong, nestled in volcanic country with spectacular mountain scenery and on to Kyogle before looping back to Casino to make for a full day’s drive.

Tooloom National Park is just under two hours' drive north of Tabulam and part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia World Heritage Area.

This idyllic spot has great opportunities for walking, picnicking and birdwatching. You will also be treated to scenic views of the Great Dividing Range.