The Byan Yangala Loop Walk offers a peaceful and immersive journey through some of the most pristine sections of the Gondwana rainforest, just a short drive from Byron Bay. This 6.5-kilometre circuit trail, located within the Whian Whian State Conservation Area in New South Wales, invites you to explore a diverse landscape of wet and dry eucalypt forests, and lush rainforest. The walk typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, making it a perfect option for a half-day adventure.
The name Byan Yangala translates to ‘day walk,’ and this trail certainly lives up to its name, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Starting from Rummery Park campground, which provides convenient facilities for hikers, you’ll begin your journey by following the loop clockwise. This direction ensures you’ll enjoy the walk with minimal encounters with other visitors, allowing you to fully soak in the tranquillity and the soothing sounds of the birdsong that fill the air.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the distant coastline and the expansive Snows Gully Nature Reserve. The towering trees along the path create a sense of awe, as their vast canopies shelter a rich diversity of wildlife. Cross the numerous creeks that wind through the landscape, where the calls of Fleays barred frogs and pouched frogs echo in the stillness. Keep your eyes peeled for kookaburras perched high in the trees, or if you’re lucky, you might spot a koala dozing among the branches. Birdwatchers will find plenty to delight in, with the opportunity to see elusive species like the rufous scrub bird and the striking regent bowerbird, so don’t forget your binoculars.
The Byan Yangala Loop is not only a beautiful walk in its own right but also serves as a gateway to other nearby trails. For a longer day of hiking, consider exploring the rainforest-lined Boggy Creek or taking in the dramatic Minyon Falls, where the water cascades over rocks into the pool below. After your hike, treat yourself to a well-earned rest at one of the picnic areas, where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
- Be prepared for some steep sections along the track, which may require extra care.
- Several creek crossings are navigated via duck boards and stepping stones, which can become slippery when wet.
- During periods of high rainfall, be ready to wade through shallow water in some areas.
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Total distance: 6686 m
Max elevation: 492 m
Min elevation: 361 m
Total climbing: 425 m
Total descent: -415 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Clunes, Dunoon, Federal, Kyogle, Lismore, Mullumbimby, Nimbin
Getting to the trailhead in Whian Whian State Conservation Area.
To reach the trailhead for the Byan Yangala Loop Walk, head to Rummery Park campground in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area. If you’re coming from the eastern park entrance via Rosebank, drive along Minyon Drive past the Minyon Falls picnic area, crossing over the causeway. Continue on Minyon Drive until you reach the Peates Mountain Road intersection, where you’ll turn right. Rummery Park campground is just 100 metres to the north. If you’re approaching from the southern entrance via Dunoon, head north along Nightcap Range Road to the top of the range. Turn left onto Peates Mountain Road, and you’ll find the campground about 100 metres further.
Please note that the Peates Mountain link to Gibbergunyah Range Road is now closed and gated at Rummery Park. The park roads are a mix of sealed and unsealed surfaces, with some narrow and winding stretches. Both 2WD vehicles can access the trailhead in all weather conditions, and parking is available at Rummery Park campground.
Located just 30 kilometres north of Lismore in northern New South Wales—around 730 kilometres from Sydney—Whian Whian State Conservation Area is a rewarding destination for walks, bushwalks, and hikes. Bordering Nightcap National Park, it offers a variety of all trails through ancient rainforests, creeks, and ridgelines, with options for walking, mountain biking, and horse riding.
Trails wind through towering kauri, bunya and hoop pines, offering chances to spot native wildlife like goannas, kookaburras, and brushtail possums. The area also supports threatened species including the spotted-tailed quoll, koalas, and Albert’s lyrebird, whose calls often echo through the forest during cooler months.
For longer adventures, Rummery Park campground is a great base. Once a forestry camp, it now welcomes overnight bushwalkers tackling routes like the Historic Nightcap Track from Mount Nardi, 18 kilometres to the west. Day walkers will find plenty of trails suitable for a quick forest escape or longer hikes with scenic stops for swimming or a picnic.
Each season offers something special. In autumn and winter, the cooler weather suits longer bushwalks. Spring brings wildflowers and the Freedom Marathon. Summer is best spent swimming in Boggy Creek’s clear pools. With over 520 plant species and 10 broad ecosystems, the biodiversity here is striking.
This is also a place of deep cultural significance. The Widjabal people of the Bundjalung Nation have lived in and cared for this land for at least 4,000 years. Timber-getters arrived in the 1830s, and many of today’s walking tracks follow routes originally cleared for the red cedar trade.
Looking for hikes and trails in Whian Whian State Conservation Area or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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