Over 8km of walking tracks through the pristine magic of our rainforest

Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat occupies 102 hectares (approx. 250 acres) bounded on three sides by Numinbah Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, an area of World Heritage significance. The escarpment of Mount Springbrook and the ridge to the north is the New South Wales state border with Queensland.

Guiding you through the lush tranquility of our genuinely pristine rainforest are over 8 kilometres of walking tracks. They wander throughout our property, 60% of which is protected by our Voluntary Conservation Agreement.

Many of our guests are so entranced by their surroundings that they never leave the property between arrival and departure.

Our rainforest walks are well signposted
A path in the Retreat through the rainforest of the Far North Coast of New South Wales
A path in the Retreat through the rainforest of the NSW Far North Coast
An elevated walking path in the Retreat through the rainforest of the NSW Far North Coast
The retreat has 8 kilometres of rainforest walks
The rainforest of the Crystal Creek are in the Tweed Valley near Byron Bay and the Gold Coast
If you're into romantic hikes with your loved one, Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat has 8km of walks including along the creek itself
The rainforest of the Crystal Creek are in the Tweed Valley near Byron Bay and the Gold Coast
The pristine clear waters of Upper Crystal Creek

Our four walking tracks

8 kilometres of walking tracks at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat
Rainforest Walk
Rainforest Walk		 Length: 1.5km
Duration: 45min round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Starts from the creek track which is entered from the path between Tamarind and Quandong on the lower part of the main lawn area. It has about 10 minutes of steep track. It’s best enjoyed by following the direction of the arrows on the map above.
Boundary Circuit
Boundary Circuit		 Length: 4.5km
Duration: 90min round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
This walk begins at the same point as the Rainforest Walk and re-joins that walk as it returns to the creek near the glow worms. It too is best enjoyed by following the counter clockwise arrows on the map.
Lookout Hike
Lookout Hike 		Length: 4km
Duration: 90min round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Starts from the creek track which is entered from the path between Tamarind and Quandong on the on the lower part of the main lawn area. As the only way to a lookout is up, this is a steep hike ascending approximately 250 metres.
Rockhopper's Ramble
Rockhopper's Ramble		 Length: 1.5km
Duration: 45min round trip
Difficulty: Easy
The word “ramble” says it all. It also starts from the creek track which is entered from the path between Tamarind and Quandong on the lower part of the main lawn area and branches off the Rainforest Walk just before the creek bridge and follows the creek all the way to the entry gates and back up the roadway. Or follow the roadway down to the gates and walk back alongside the creek.
This map shows the central area of Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

What to bring on your rainforest walk

  • Take one of our excellent maps – the paths are well signposted too.
  • Take one of our walking sticks for extra support. As wilderness tracks they can be uneven underfoot as well as slippery, rocky and mossy.  The walking sticks are available outside the entrance to our Guest Games Room near reception.
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Wet weather gear
  • Comfortable walking shoes – hiking boots if possible
  • Camera (and suitable water-resistant bag or pouch)
  • Binoculars
  • Swimmers (in the warmer seasons)
  • You may want to book one of our Picnic Packs so you can take your time and stop for lunch at one of the rest spots along the way.

Enjoy our birdlife

As Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat is directly adjacent to Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park, it’s a hot spot for birdwatching. In one three-hour morning session, 41 species were sighted and identified. As well as the Brush Turkeys, keep an eye out for the Regent Bowerbird, Satin Bowerbird, Rainbow Lorikeets and many other beautiful parrots and wrens.

Rainbow Lorikeets are plentiful in the area

Noisy, vibrant Rainbow Lorikeets are plentiful in the area.

The Regent Bowerbird is a shy but elegant creature

The Regent Bowerbird is a shy but elegant creature.