Discover the Trails of Mount Jerusalem National Park

Mount Jerusalem National Park, located in the Byron Bay hinterland, is a nature lover’s paradise just 50 minutes from Byron Bay. This park, which lies on the outer rim of the ancient Tweed Caldera, offers an array of walks, bushwalks, and hikes that weave through diverse ecosystems, providing an excellent escape into the natural world. Whether you’re visiting from Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, or Uki, this park is easily accessible and makes for an ideal day trip.

As you explore the park’s walking tracks, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering eucalypt forests, subtropical rainforests, and warm temperate ecosystems that dominate the creek lines. The diverse landscapes create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. Keep an eye out for some of the park’s unique and threatened species, such as Albert’s lyrebird, known for its impressive mimicry, and the elusive red-legged pademelon. You may also spot native birds feasting on the bright red berries of the bangalow palm, especially during the winter flowering season.

Mount Jerusalem is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The park supports over 16 threatened mammal species, 11 threatened bird species, and a number of threatened plant species. The sounds of the forest are just as remarkable, with the distinctive calls of the wompoo fruit-dove and the screech of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo echoing through the trees. If you’re lucky, you might even see an echidna or a pademelon making its way across the forest floor. The park’s lush rainforests are not just visually captivating but ecologically vital, offering a refuge for these rare species.

Forming part of the Tweed Caldera, which was once an active volcano around 21 million years ago, Mount Jerusalem National Park is a fascinating geological site. The erosion of the Tweed Shield Volcano over millennia has created the vast, 1,000-metre-deep Tweed Valley, stretching across 40km. The park itself forms part of the southeastern rim of this ancient caldera, with the headwaters of the Tweed, Brunswick, and Wilsons Rivers flowing through the area. These rivers, alongside the surrounding valleys, contribute to the area’s breathtaking beauty.

For those planning a visit, the park offers a variety of trails suited to different levels of experience. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed walk, a more challenging hike, or simply want to cool off by one of the park’s beautiful creeks or waterfalls, there’s something for everyone. The park is open year-round, though access may be restricted during periods of extreme weather or fire danger.

When planning your visit, consider timing your trip during the spring, when rainfall has brought the creeks and waterfalls to life, or during summer, when the heat makes the cool, refreshing waters of the park’s streams and waterfalls particularly inviting.

Want to find the best trails in Mount Jerusalem National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.