Top Walking Trails of Byron Bay

STORY BY HOMECAMP
There are plenty of coastal walking trails around Byron Bay. Photo by Mairead Cleary.

My hope is that through this book people might experience a connection with nature that they'll want to repeat again and again.

Mairead Cleary – Author, 'Byron Trails'

We sat down with Mairead Cleary, author of the new Byron Trails guidebook, to talk about her favourite walks in and around Byron Bay. 


Hi Mairead, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your book Byron Trails came about?
I’m originally from Ireland but moved to Byron in 2008. My background is in engineering and renewable energy but for many years I’ve been wanting to combine my interest in sustainability and mental wellbeing. The Byron Trails book was one of the things that has come from those shared interests.

I love the idea of giving people an experience of nature and I know how good it is to walk and to spend time in Nature. The research proves it. My hope is that through this book people might experience a connection with nature that they’ll want to repeat again and again.

As well as being an author, I use my passion for writing and communication in the sustainability projects that I continue to work in and create written content for.


People seem to be naturally drawn to the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers region in general, what do you think is so special about this area?

I think one of the most attractive elements of this area is that you get lush rainforest and beautiful coastline with sandy beaches almost side by side. It can be an place of rejuvenation and regeneration if people slow down, tune in and let it be.

Left: Mt Matheson Loop. Right: Minyon Falls. Photos by Mairead Cleary.

You must’ve seen so many special things while researching for the book, what are some of the more memorable moments?
Some memorable moments were discovering the ‘giant’s causeway’ rock formations at Fingal Head, the picturesque little gem that is Shaw’s Bay and the bush tucker trail in Cabarita Beach. None of these places are new but I hadn’t known they existed until I went looking for them. It was lovely to just go out and explore with no idea of what I would find.


What are your favourite walks from the book, and why?

  1. Cape Byron Lighthouse walk because it has such a diversity of landscape and views, taking in coastal and rainforest track.
  1. Mt Matheson Loop has some of the most beautiful rainforest in the area and is at elevation which makes it an ideal walk to do in warmer weather due to its cooler temperatures.
  1. Lennox Head to East Ballina is an invigorating and expansive coastal walk that will blow the cobwebs away.
  1. Goonengerry Waterfall Loop is a quiet, peaceful walk in the hinterland that takes you to waterfalls with views across to Nightcap National Park.

Where do you think you’ll be venturing out to next time you go walking?
Most likely to the Cape Byron lighthouse walk. I do that walk most days during the week if I can. And further afield it’s time to do the Minyon Falls loop again. I haven’t done it for a while and it’s a great day out.

 

You can buy a copy Mairead’s book online at byrontrails.com.

Marshall's Creek, hidden away in sleepy New Brighton. Photo by Mairead Cleary.