Best Day Rides from Ballina: the Rainforest and Rivers loop to Nimbin
From Salt Creek Motorcycles
Point the bike west out of Ballina and within half an hour the flat coastal cane country gives way to the green, folded hills of the Northern Rivers. This is one of the most rewarding day rides you can build from a Salt Creek machine: a loop that trades beaches for river valleys, rainforest and a string of quirky hinterland villages.
The route strings together the regional hub of Lismore, the tiny creative village of The Channon, a walk to a World Heritage waterfall in Nightcap National Park, and the famously colourful town of Nimbin. Expect open highway sweepers on the run in, then tighter, tree-lined valley roads once you climb into the ranges.
It is a relaxed rider's day rather than a knee-down blast. Ride it slowly, stop often for coffee and a rainforest stroll, and let the subtropical scenery do the work on the way back to the coast.
Along the way
- 1
The Big Prawn, Ballina
A fitting warm-up photo stop on River Street before you head west. The oversized prawn is a well-known local landmark and an easy place to regroup at the start of the loop.
- 2
Lismore
About 30 minutes west along the Bruxner Highway, Lismore is the creative and commercial heart of the Northern Rivers, with good cafes, galleries and plenty of parking to fuel up on coffee and top off the tank.
- 3
The Channon
A small, laid-back hinterland village built around The Channon Tavern. If you time your ride for the second Sunday of the month, the long-running Channon Craft Market is worth the visit.
- 4
Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park
Follow Terania Creek Road into the World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park. Park at the Terania Creek picnic area and take the gentle 1.4km return rainforest walk to the falls, named for the 1979 protest that helped save the forest from logging.
- 5
Nimbin
Reached from The Channon via the winding Tuntable Creek Road (around 18km), Nimbin is the region's alternative-culture icon, packed with colourful murals, cafes, galleries and handmade goods.
- 6
Return via Lismore to Ballina
Drop back down out of the hills to Lismore, then rejoin the Bruxner Highway east for the easy run home to Ballina and the Salt Creek base.
Before you go
- Fuel strategy: fill up before leaving Ballina and top up in Lismore. Services in the smaller villages are limited, so do not leave the ranges running low.
- Road surface: the valley roads to The Channon, Nightcap and Nimbin are narrow, twisty and can carry gravel, damp leaf litter and shade patches. The final approach to Terania Creek can be rough, so ride well within your limits.
- Weather: this is subtropical country. Summer downpours and fog on the ranges reduce grip and visibility quickly, so pack wet-weather gear and check the forecast before you set off.
- Hazards: watch for wildlife, wandering livestock, cyclists and slow tourist traffic, especially on blind corners and near village centres and market days.
- This is a suggested route only. Roads, closures and conditions change, so confirm current conditions and ride to your own experience and the day's weather.
Ride it on a ReviRide bike
Helmet and 800 km/day included.
Routes are suggestions only. Roads, conditions, and access can change — check current conditions, ride to your ability and the conditions, and obey all road rules.