NSW’s newest hike is a 4-day walk through ancient volcano lands

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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The walk blends culture with rainforest views.

A grand new 42-kilometre walk through the lush hinterland of northern New South Wales is set to revitalise the region for nature lovers and cultural travellers alike. The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, which means Old People’s Track in the language of the Widjabul Wia-bal peoples, has now opened as one of the newest major walking experiences in the state – part of a $450 million investment in visitor infrastructure across NSW national parks.

Traversing ancient Bundjalung Country through Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap National Parks and the Whian Whian State Conservation Area, the four-day, three-night walk offers a deep immersion in rainforest, eucalypt forest, cascading creeks and clifftop lookouts. The trail follows the rim of an ancient shield volcano and culminates at the spectacular Minyon Falls.

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk Minyon Falls
The trail follows the rim of an ancient shield volcano and culminates at the spectacular Minyon Falls. (Image: Daniel Parsons/DCCEEW)

But what sets this walk apart isn’t just the scenery – it’s the experience. Designed for experienced bushwalkers and those seeking a more adventurous escape, the walk includes three designated campsites each with 11 elevated timber camping platforms, shelters, toilets and rainwater tanks (the tank water will need to be treated before drinking). Suited for both self-guided and fully guided walkers, with selective commercial licenses being offered for multi-day packages, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk has been designed to be as enriching as it is sustainable.

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk Yelgun Kyoomgun campground
Along the track are three new campgrounds. (Image: Daniel Parsons/DCCEEW)

Formerly referred to as the Tweed Byron Hinterland Walk, the trail has been developed in close partnership with the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal peoples, who have inhabited and cared for this land for thousands of years. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service says opportunities for local Aboriginal-guided experiences will be a key focus.

Optional side tracks include a short hike to Unicorn Falls and further trail linkages to surrounding villages and rail trails are in the works. The aim is to further stimulate regional economies in the Tweed, Lismore and Byron local government areas.

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk Scrub-Creek walking track
The challenging walk rewards visitors with magnificent scenery. (Image: Daniel Parsons/DCCEEW)

A shuttle service is also available to book transfers from nearby airports or towns to and from the track.

With sweeping views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the ancient Gondwanan rainforest and peaceful creek crossings, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is poised to become one of Australia’s most meaningful and memorable bushwalking experiences.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit, a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

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    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’, all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience. Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

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    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

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    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

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    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

    NSW’s newest hike is a 4-day walk through ancient volcano lands