Rayners walking track offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of Mount Jerusalem National Park, nestled near Mullumbimby in the North Coast of New South Wales. This easy 4-kilometre walk is perfect for families, particularly those introducing children to the wonders of the Koonyum Range. The track begins on Koonyum Range Road, where you’ll soon find yourself walking through an enchanting forest of scribbly gums and hairpin banksias, their distinctive shapes casting interesting shadows on the ground. The walk is mostly shaded, with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, creating a peaceful atmosphere as you make your way along.
After about 1.6 kilometres, you’ll reach the tranquil waters of Rayners Dam. The dam’s surface, stained by tea tree, reflects the surrounding landscape in stunning detail, offering a beautiful spot to pause and take in the scene. Along the way, you'll pass through three gentle stream crossings, where wildlife sightings are common. The area is home to yellow-tailed black cockatoos, satin bowerbirds, and koalas, making it an exciting destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above.
The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the forest is awash with vibrant wildflowers, adding splashes of colour to the surroundings. As dusk falls, the track takes on a magical quality, with nocturnal creatures like long-nosed bandicoots, sugar gliders, and southern boobook owls becoming more active. For those keen to explore more of the Byron Bay hinterland, consider extending your adventure with the child-friendly Boggy Creek walk in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, or the longer Minyon Falls walking track in Nightcap National Park.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
- What to bring: Drinking water, sturdy shoes, hat, raincoat, suitable clothing for all weather, first aid kit, sunscreen, snacks.
- Please note: There is no drinking water available in the park. The park may close temporarily due to poor weather or fire danger.
Total distance: 4018 m
Max elevation: 454 m
Min elevation: 391 m
Total climbing: 121 m
Total descent: -121 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Jerusalem National Park.
Rayners walking track is located in the Koonyum Range area of Mount Jerusalem National Park, accessible from Mullumbimby. To reach the trailhead, start by driving south on Jubilee Avenue, then continue straight onto Coolamon Scenic Drive for about 1 kilometre. Turn right onto Wilsons Creek Road and drive for 5.1 kilometres before turning right again onto Koonyum Range Road. From here, travel for 2.6 kilometres until you enter the park, then continue for another 2.3 kilometres. The trailhead will be on your right. The road to the trailhead is a mix of sealed and unsealed sections, with Koonyum Range Road being a dry weather road, so it’s best to avoid this route after heavy rain. While most of the roads are suitable for 2WD vehicles, access can be tricky in wet conditions. Limited parking is available along the side of Koonyum Range Road, so it’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends when the area can get busier.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Mount Jerusalem National Park
Mount Jerusalem National Park is a hidden gem nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, just a 50-minute drive from the coast. This tranquil park is the perfect escape for nature lovers, offering a serene introduction to the beauty of the Tweed Valley. Whether you’re keen to explore the park on foot, horseback, or simply enjoy its picturesque waterfalls, there’s something here for everyone.
As you wander along the park’s walking tracks, you’ll encounter a stunning variety of landscapes. Towering eucalypt forests give way to subtropical and warm temperate rainforests that line the creek beds, creating a rich tapestry of green that feels both timeless and rejuvenating. These tracks provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with each bend in the trail revealing new sights and sounds.
The park is home to an array of wildlife, some of which are threatened and rare. Albert’s lyrebird and the red-legged pademelon are just two of the species that inhabit this lush environment. If you’re lucky, you may spot native birds flitting among the bright red berries of the bangalow palms when they bloom in winter. For those who enjoy the quiet solitude of the bush, the park offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s taking a moment to relax by a creek or catching the peaceful sound of a distant waterfall.
Mount Jerusalem National Park’s easy access from Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Uki makes it an ideal destination for a day trip, while its diverse ecosystems are sure to captivate bushwalkers, birdwatchers, horse riders, and anyone with an appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re looking to get your boots muddy on a trail or simply enjoy the scenery, the park offers an experience that’s both rejuvenating and awe-inspiring.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Jerusalem National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve
Favourite
Broken Head Nature Reserve
Favourite
Border Ranges National Park
Favourite
Springbrook National Park
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Main image: John Spencer © DPE
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
1 Review on “Rayners Walking Track (4km)”
A gentle and family-friendly stroll through open forest and past little streams, Rayners Walking Track feels like a nice intro to the quieter side of Mount Jerusalem National Park. It is easy underfoot with a calm, peaceful vibe and the water at Rayners Dam makes a pleasant halfway point.