Natural beauty, country adventure, and the gateway to the rainforest
VISITOR GUIDE
TURN OVER FO R KYOGLE CULTURE
A welcome from our Mayor... Welcome to the beautiful land of the Bundjalung Nation. We recognise the clans of the Gullibul, Githabul, Banjalang and Wahlabul as First Nations people and the Traditional Custodians of this land. With elders actively involved in our many communities, we continue to learn and understand walking forward and living together in this land. You will soon see why we all love living here and we welcome you to share in all the natural beauty. A day spent in one of our World Heritage -listed national parks is a must, with spectacular views at the Pinnacle Lookout towards Wollumbin, and overlooking the farmland below. Sheepstation Creek Campground has undergone some improvements to its camping facilities that make it more comfortable to stay in the rainforest including a new short hike option toward Forest Tops. A leisurely drive ‘west of the range’ will have you experiencing traditional country hospitality at the cafes, shops and pubs in Woodenbong, Bonalbo, Mallanganee and Tabulam. A more active experience is available for all ages at the Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest, situated within a few kilometres of town, and why not enjoy some golf where the course will not disappoint. The Visitor Information Centre has much more information and is staffed by locals who are happy to help. Enjoy!
Councillor Kylie Thomas Mayor, Kyogle Council
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY Kyogle Council acknowledges the Gullibul, Githabul, Wahlubal and Banjalang people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters within the Kyogle Local Government Area, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
CONTENTS Start your Journey..........................05 Kyogle............................................06 Bonalbo.......................................... 08 Old Bonalbo...................................09 Mallanganee...................................09 Tabulam..........................................10 Wiangaree...................................... 10 Woodenbong ................................ 11 Natural Wonders ............................12 Our History & Heritage .................14 Arts & Culture ................................16 The Road Less Travelled.................18 Markets, Food & Local Produce.....20 Off the Beaten Track...................... 22 Sport & Recreation........................ 24 Our Neighbours............................. 26
Designed and published by Wild Honey Creative www.wildhoneycreative.com Cover Image by Jodie Harris Additional photography by Jodie Harris, Paul Daley, Jasmine Phillips and contributed by Council and local business.
Top to bottom: Families hanging out at the Kyogle Farmers Market, local honey production with Ferndale Bees, and high action as part of a television commercial production
DISCLAIMER: Kyogle Council and the Publisher have made every endeavour to ensure that details in this publication are correct at the time of printing. Neither Kyogle Council nor the Publisher accepts responsibility for any inaccuracy or misdescription, whether by inclusion or omission. Any standard of venues and/or services contained in this publication are indicative only and are based upon information provided to the Publisher. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.
UP FOR COUNTRY? KYOGLE In Kyogle you can find everything from untamed wilderness to new friends in our charming towns and villages. Be inspired by our wide open spaces, pristine rainforests and awesome views.
visitkyogle.com.au
Kyogle’s main street
Start Your Journey Kyogle is where the original Northern Rivers still exists, with lush rainforests, diverse cultures and rural landscapes. The name ‘Kyogle’ originates from the local Aboriginal word ‘Kaiou gal’, meaning ‘the place of the plain or bush turkey’. The area surrounding Kyogle township has been cared for over countless generations by the Gullibul people of the Bundjalung Nation. Further afield the Githabul, Banjalang and Wahlubal people cared for this country, contributing an extensive narrative of legends and cultural heroes to explain their origins and the natural features of their region. The Kyogle Council local government area (LGA) is 3589 square kilometres, with a total population of around 8900, approximately half of those live in and around the Kyogle township.
Grab a picnic lunch and head out for a day of exploration in our World Heritagelisted national parks or enjoy some leisurely recreation at Toonumbar Dam. Take a journey of discovery along the scenic Lions Road and view the historically significant Border Loop railway spiral and tunnel. You may choose to travel ‘west of the range’ and visit the villages of Woodenbong, Bonalbo and Tabulam, and continue the loop to take in the expansive views from the Mallanganee Lookout before returning to Kyogle. Whether you are admiring our beautiful scenery, sampling local food and produce, immersing in arts and culture, meeting our local people or enjoying our events, we hope you enjoy your stay in Kyogle!
Kyogle is often referred to as the hidden gem of the Northern Rivers. As well as being the gateway to the rainforest, this dairy and cattle farming country is also on the edge of the ‘rainbow region’, creating a unique blend of cultures and plenty of personality.
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Kyogle Whether it’s outdoor adventures, cafe culture, arts and crafts, history, or stunning nature walks, Kyogle has it all. The Kyogle Amphitheatre Parklands, alongside the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre, has BBQs and covered seating. It also is home to the monthly Kyogle Bazaar Market, which features live music, fresh produce and market stalls. To stretch your legs and get close to nature, head north over Barry McPaul Bridge for the Rainforest Walk. Stroll through Alcorn Park to the Labyrinth, a space for quiet contemplation that will help you ‘find yourself’. Another park with great facilities is Anzac Park, offering a kids’ playground, basketball courts, a pump track, skate park, BBQs and an outdoor gym. Head to the lookout on Fairy Mount for some wildlife spotting opportunities and amazing views. At the southern end of town is the Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest. Want more action? We’ve also got the Kyogle Community Gym, a golf course, bowls club, ten pin bowling and the popular Kyogle Memorial Pool. For those into arts, culture and history, the Kyogle Museum, Council’s Roxy Gallery and Kyogle Cinema (featuring the Australian Cinematography Museum) are too good to miss. Head off on our Art Deco walk along the main street, and be sure to stop at one of our restaurants, pubs or cafes for a drink or bite to eat. Our unique retail stores offer collectibles, antiques, and arts and crafts from our Kyogle creatives. As ‘The Gateway to the Rainforest’, Kyogle is also the perfect base from which to explore nearby World Heritage-listed national parks and our charming villages. We invite you to enjoy what we locals love about Kyogle!
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WELCOME TO OUR
Wanderland... EXPLORE 1. The Kyogle Labyrinth 2. Botanic Gardens 3. Art Deco Walk 4. Captain Cook Memorial Lookout 5. Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest — ride or walk the trails
ENJOY 6. The Roxy Gallery & KMI Hall 7. Kyogle Museum 8. Kyogle Cinema 9. Kyogle Library 10. Farmers’ Market — Saturday 8 am 11. Amphitheatre & Kyogle Bazaar
BE ACTIVE 12. Swimming Pool 13. Golf Club 14. Bowling Club 15. Tennis Club 16. Community Gym 17. Fish and kayak at Toonumbar Dam 18. Anzac Park — Pump track & skate park 19. Off-leash dog park
visitkyogle.com.au Malcolm Wallis Visitor Information Centre Corner of Summerland Way & Anzac Drive Phone 02 6632 2700
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Our Villages Bonalbo A CHARMING TOWN SURROUNDED BY STUNNING BUSHLAND Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, Bonalbo and surrounds has lots to offer. It’s a great place to stay while you explore the natural surrounds including Yabbra State Forest and Richmond Range National Park — where you’ll see the beautiful plant and birdlife that makes the area special. Make sure you check out the famed working dog statue, marking Bonalbo as the birthplace of working dog trials using cattle in Australia. There’s plenty of parks and kids’ activity spaces. Bonalbo has a one-of-a-kind ninehole course along the banks of Peacock Creek that is tricky but scenic. Right on the creek and next to the town swimming pool, the Bonalbo Caravan Park has affordable and pet-friendly campsites.
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO • Take a picture with the working dog statue and enjoy the rose gardens • Visit the stunning surrounding national parks
• Enjoy the Annual Agricultural Show and Working Dog Trials
Old Bonalbo A RICH HISTORY AND SCENIC SURROUNDS The name for Old Bonalbo comes from the local Aboriginal word ‘bunawalbu’ meaning ‘bloodwood tree’. Old Bonalbo looks out to Nooloiga (also known as Haystack Mountain) and there are plenty of nature adventures close by. To the north, the Clarence Way passes through the stunning Yabbra National Park, where the road is flanked by towering gums before opening onto rolling farmland with spectacular views of the craggy peaks of the mountains beyond. Heading south through Bonalbo, travel out to the Peacock Creek Camping Area, located in the beautiful Richmond Range National Park, which has excellent bushwalks where you’ll see and hear the local beauty.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO • Head 10km north to check out spectacular Bean Creek Falls
• Visit the heritage grave sites of early settlers Una Coe and Jane Robertson
Mallanganee SURROUNDED BY THE NATURAL SPLENDOUR OF OUR NATIONAL PARKS The name Mallanganee comes from the local Aboriginal word for ‘place of tall pines’ and the village and surrounds offer plenty for nature lovers. Stroll around the tranquil streets in the gorgeous evening light, and you will find yourself sharing the experience with gentle wallabies. Wake to the sound of birdsong when you stay at the peaceful camping and caravanning grounds.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO • Visit any of the six spectacular nearby national parks • Give the kids a run around at Everson Park in town
The Mallanganee Lookout has spectacular views to the rolling ranges of six different national parks, and if you’re up for a 4WD adventure, Cambridge Plateau Forest Drive will take you along the Richmond Range to Toonumbar Dam.
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Tabulam A QUIET VILLAGE ON THE BANKS OF THE MAJESTIC CLARENCE RIVER Soak up the natural beauty of the area and discover the fascinating history and strong Aboriginal culture in and around Tabulam. Take a stroll along the banks of the captivating Clarence River, and in town check out the beautiful murals by Lewis Walker, which give insights about the Wahlubal people and their culture.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO • See the landing spot of Dick Smith’s trans-Australian hot air balloon flight • Visit the Light Horse Monument
To learn about Tabulam’s connection to General Sir Henry George Chauvel (more usually known as Sir Harry Chauvel), and the Light Horse Brigade in World War I, head to the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument on Clarence Street. Each November hundreds of punters flock to the Tabulam Racing Club for the Spring Carnival, culminating in the Tabulam Cup. The annual Blueberry Festival is held every May.
Wiangaree THE TRUE ‘GATEWAY TO THE RAINFOREST’ Take time to stock up and explore our tranquil village before heading off for your rainforest adventure. At the southern end of the village, the grassy banks of the Wiangaree Lagoon are a perfect spot to picnic and sit and watch the water birds and turtles. On the way to the nearby Border Ranges National Park, you’ll find the historic Lynchs Creek Old School Hall. With stunning views and plentiful wildlife, you can easily spend a whole day exploring the walks and creeks. To the north is the prettiest and most dramatic road to Queensland, the Lions Road. Stop at the Border Loop Lookout for stunning views and marvel at this incredible feat of rail engineering.
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO • History buffs will enjoy the General Store’s collection of memorabilia • See how many turtles you can count at the lagoon
Woodenbong FULL OF FRIENDLY FOLK AND SURROUNDED BY SPECTACULAR SCENERY The name Woodenbong comes from the local Aboriginal word for ‘wood duck’. Stroll the streets of our town to take in some spectacular views and enjoy some of our famed country hospitality. On the last Saturday of February, May, August and November, the Woodenbong Public Hall hosts the Yowie Country Markets with live music, fresh food, arts and crafts, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a visit from the Yowie himself.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO • Get active at the pool or skate park precinct
• Tooloom National Park is a great place to start your adventures
There are national parks in pretty much every direction; Mount Clunie and Mount Nothofagus National Parks, Tooloom National Park and Koreelah National Park with access to Queen Mary Falls. Woodenbong has a range of accommodation options in town, including the caravan park and local bed and breakfasts.
Birdwatching APPRECIATING OUR UNIQUE BIRDLIFE The Kyogle area is a wonderful and exciting location for birdwatching and is fast earning a reputation as the place to spot some very special and rare species. These rich habitats offer satisfying food, safe shelter, and plentiful breeding grounds for a great variety of birds including the rare Albert’s lyrebird, marbled frogmouth, regent bowerbird, eastern bristlebird, and many more. Byron Bird Buddies has produced a guide ‘Bird Trails of Kyogle & Districts’, which details bird watching sites from the alluvial flats of the Richmond River to our World Heritage-listed rainforests. Pick up a guide at the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre or download the PDF online at www.byronbirdbuddies.com.au
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NATURAL WONDERS
Natural Wonders Our National Parks
Border Ranges National Park A World Heritage-listed rainforest, the Border Ranges National Park lies on the New South Wales and Queensland border and has its main entrance at Gradys Creek via Wiangaree. It encompasses 31,729 hectares of scenic rainforests including deep gorges with waterfalls that plunge hundreds of metres. A haven to native fauna such as Albert’s lyrebird and the pouched frog, the park offers spectacular views, pristine rainforest, waterfalls, sparkling creeks, steep escarpments and rugged ridges. It’s no wonder that bush walkers and birdwatchers flock to this park.
Sheepstation Creek
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Camping is available at Sheepstation Creek Rest Area and Forest Tops Camping Area and there are picnic areas and lookouts throughout the park.
NATURAL WONDERS
Koreelah National Park Koreelah National Park, in the north of NSW near the Queensland border, protects one of the state’s westernmost rainforest areas. Pockets of ancient rainforest hug steep slopes below Acacia Plateau and Mount Wilson. There is a camping facility located on a small grassy area beside Koreelah Creek.
The Pinnacle
Moore Park Nature Reserve A rainforest reserve with a towering strangler fig, this area is dominated by black bean and silky oak trees providing habitat for grey-headed flying-foxes and endangered black flying-foxes.
Richmond Range National Park
Cycads in the Border Ranges
Richmond Range National Park is accessed by travelling west from Casino on the Bruxner Highway towards the small village of Mallanganee. This park is renowned for its gum species, extensive old-growth forest and the stunning Cambridge Plateau. These internationally significant rainforests have an outstanding diversity of native plants and animals including many rare and threatened species.
Toonumbar National Park Toonumbar National Park is located on the Richmond Range and contains two World Heritage-listed rainforests, the Murray Scrub and the Dome Mountain Forest. The region is noted for its unique and complex natural environment, which protects several species of threatened plants and animals.
Richmond Range National Park
For more information: www.therainforestway.com.au or www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Afterlee Road from Kyogle provides the most reliable access for standard (2WD) vehicles to the Iron Pot Creek picnic and camping area.
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Our Heritage & History When local historians wrote about the Kyogle region, they seemed to feel the power and presence held by nature here. “Much of this history is indeed a chant, a song of slow change documented only by the rocks, the trees and the legends of the first Aborigines”, one wrote, and while the area has changed, that historical sentiment still rings true. Kyogle is derived from the local Aboriginal word ‘Kaiou gal’ meaning ‘the place of the plain or bush turkey’, and was cared for by the Banjalang, Githabul, Gullibul and Wahlubal people, whose strong culture continues in the region. European settlement took place in the late 1820s, and by 1843 seven cattle stations had leased the entire Upper Richmond, including the area around Kyogle, then known as Fairymount. Timber getters made serious inroads into the region’s resources from the 1860s. Stands of red cedar, which had attracted settlers at first, were all but stripped bare by the 1890s. An economic downturn in 1893 resulted in a fall in the value of the timber and vast quantities of the cut logs were abandoned. The Free Selection Bill, introduced by the NSW government in the 1860s, resulted in the subdivision of the large stations into farm selections and before long, there
Main street celebration of the opening of the CasinoKyogle railway line in 1910.
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were 551 farms in the district, the great majority of them dairy farms. An organised dairying industry began with the building of a creamery and, in 1905, Kyogle’s first butter factory. All this activity gave the small but thriving community a new status. In 1901 the name Kyogle appeared on official maps for the first time. In the same year a census recorded a population of 51. Ten years later the population had increased to over 1200 and the Kyogle district had become the North Coast’s most rapidly growing community. Advances in transport and infrastructure, spurred by the demands of dairy farmers for better market access for their products, included the construction of roads and bridges. In 1910, the railway came to Kyogle, providing a greater boost for the district’s commercial potential. However, widespread social and economic changes during the post-war decades had their impact on this region. The earlier symbols of rural wealth — butter factories and timber mills — gradually closed as the reasons for their existence dwindled. In 1950, when dairying was said to be at its peak, more than 520 dairies were functioning in the Kyogle district. By the late 1970s only 118 remained. Today there are fewer still. Despite this decline, dairying and timber products are still regarded as the economic mainstays.
The Kyogle Historical Museum AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF MAPS, STORIES AND MEMORABILIA The Historical Museum holds a detailed history of Kyogle and district, dating back to the pre-1900s. It features an extensive pictorial collection, maps, stories and items of memorabilia illustrating the path of the early selectors and settlers. Whether they were farmers, timber getters, railway workers or business people, their story is told here. The museum is situated in lovely new premises in Bloore Street, next door to the library, and is managed by the volunteer members from the Kyogle and District Historical Society. Many parts of other historical buildings around Kyogle have been used in the new building. Opening times are Tuesdays from 10 am till 1pm, Thursdays 10am till 2pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Entry is $4 (or $2 concession). Bus groups and others can ring and make appointments for outside these times. Members and non members may use the museum to do research during regular opening hours.
ADDRESS: 19 Bloore Street, Kyogle PHONE: 02 6632 1672
History of Kyogle Self-Guided Tour Many towns have stories behind their unique buildings, parks and community spaces; Kyogle is one of those towns. Stop in at the Malcolm Wallis Visitor Information Centre and pick up your copy of the self-guided ‘Foundation Stone Detective Tour’. This tour will take you to eight sections of the Kyogle township and, if your eyes are sharp enough, you will find a collection of 23 marble and brass plaques, foundation stones and dedication plates that have been placed around the town over the decades, and be able to answer all the questions on the back of the tour map. This is a great activity for kids and for those keen on a good walk around the town.
START AT: Malcolm Wallis Visitor Information Centre, corner of Summerland Way & Anzac Drive PHONE: 02 6632 2700 15
Arts & Culture Our area’s natural beauty and idyllic lifestyle have attracted an impressive variety of artists, makers and creators from a variety of artistic backgrounds. The region’s Indigenous artists share their knowledge of this land through their paintings, songs and dances and you will spot public art that strengthens our connection with Indigenous culture throughout the area. Nestled in our valleys and perched atop our hills there are many private creative studios including those of internationally acclaimed locals Jenny Kitchener and Ross Tamlin. In October 2022, the Gullibul people of the Bundjalung Nation invite you to the inaugural Dalaang Galii Wogun Festival to learn about the local area and celebrate Aboriginal art, culture and music. The area is home to a bevy of award-winning musicians, talented actors and filmmakers, published writers, and acclaimed dancers creating new works or teaching their skills. There’s a plethora of painters and potters whose work you will find at local galleries and art exhibitions, as well as available for purchase in local venues, cafes and shops. Wander past a local hall and you may hear Kyogle’s Semitones choir rehearsing, while the local theatre group prepares for its next show and the dance school limbers up. Creative workshops and events are often held at local community halls, private studios, at the Roxy Gallery and The Business Hive in Kyogle. For more information check out www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/events This page images from top: Arminel Nagas, Gullibul artist, creating work for Dalaang Galii Wogun Festival, Creative tradie, Col Garred, working with steel, and singer, Cynthia Denton, in her element. Opposite page images from top: Roxy Gallery opening. ‘Rose’ by Elani Mann, Roxy Gallery interior.
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The Roxy Gallery When you’re visiting Kyogle and discovering its rich tapestry of natural wonders, a visit to the Council’s Roxy Gallery in the main street is a must. The gallery is located upstairs in the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall with access via a lift in the new foyer entrance on Summerland Way, next to Clay Corner. The Roxy Gallery is run by volunteers and Council staff, with strong support from the Kyogle and District Arts Council. The aim of the Roxy Gallery is to present a broad artistic program to locals and visitors through a professionally curated exhibition space that can also be used as a workshop, event and meeting venue. The Roxy Gallery presents ever-changing exhibitions of various media that support and promote cultural diversity in the creative fields. It’s a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet, have a look around, or sit on the verandah and watch the world go by. With many of the artworks available to purchase, the next piece to take pride of place in your own collection could well be from here.
OPENING HOURS: WED TO SAT 10am - 3pm & SUNDAY 10am - 2pm Entry is free with donations always welcome.
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travelled
THE ROAD LESS
The Kyogle LGA is home to some of the most scenic and unique driving experiences in the Northern Rivers region, perfect for those who like to take the road less travelled.
Lions Road Originally an unsealed track between Kyogle and Beaudesert, this link road was built by the Lions Club in 1971 to create a faster travelling route to Brisbane. Now fully sealed, this is a very scenic (and shorter) drive across the border through the exquisite Border Ranges National Park and the historically significant spiral loop railway line. You can access the Lions Road by travelling by the Summerland Way and turning right at Gradys Creek Road at The Risk (around 20 minutes north of Kyogle township). Or travel to Kyogle from Queensland through Beaudesert, by turning left into Running Creek Road off the Mount Lindesay Highway at Innisplain.
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Border Loop The Border Loop is a major engineering feat, which involved building the railway line over the McPherson Range on the Queensland border. The project began in 1926 and even at the height of the Great Depression it employed around 1500 people. A memorial stone indicates the site where then-Commonwealth Attorney General JG Latham turned the first sod in 1926. This steep terrain required new engineering achieved by a series of tunnels forming a spiral loop. Upon completion it was possible to travel an unbroken journey from Brisbane to Adelaide. To get a great view of the Border Loop, turn off and stop at the viewing platform on the Lions Road, approx 47km from Kyogle. Locomotive enthusiasts can watch the trains come up one valley, pass through the mountain twice and cross the original track, thereby gaining 20 metres in height.
Summerland Way If you are tired of the traffic on the Pacific Highway, the Summerland Way provides a more relaxing and scenic inland highway. Stretching from Grafton to Woodenbong near the Queensland border, it bills itself as a ‘shorter, scenic alternative’ to the Pacific Highway.
The Rainforest Way The Rainforest Way is an exciting series of self-drive touring routes that let you explore the spectacular Gondwana Rainforests and World Heritage-listed national parks in the unique hinterland of Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland. It can be an alternate scenic route to the Pacific Highway or it can be a time-out to touch the earth, smell the rainforests and connect with something real. With the ancient volcanic caldera of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) at its centre, the main drive of the Rainforest Way leads you through the heart of Australia’s Green Cauldron, linking the towns and villages of Casino, Kyogle, Rathdowney, Beaudesert, Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Lismore and Byron Bay.
With 14 World Heritage-listed national parks and over 650km of scenic drives to explore, you can easily spend a week experiencing the high waterfalls, gorges and stunning escarpments with incredible vistas right across the region. There is an amazing concentration of primitive plants, including the world’s highest concentration of ancient Antarctic beech trees, hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks and over 170 bird species to discover. Then there are the numerous art galleries, cafes and wineries, fresh local produce crafted into tantalising delicacies, as well as alternative lifestyle communities where you can spend hours exploring all these hidden cultural wonders and getting back to nature. You can even get off the beaten track and have a more back-to-basics experience with some tourism operators offering 4WD-ing, camping and extreme nature and adventure-based tourism. For a full guide to the Rainforest Way, drop into one of the local Visitor Information Centres for more information or go to www.therainforestway.com.au
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Local Markets There is nothing more satisfying than strolling around a local market, supporting the locals and soaking up the atmosphere. The Kyogle region has a variety of markets held either weekly, monthly or seasonally. KYOGLE FARMERS MARKETS: Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street, Kyogle. 8am - 12 noon. Local produce, organic food, arts and crafts. ROTARY KYOGLE BAZAAR: Held the 4th Saturday of each month, at the Amphitheatre park, behind the Visitor Info Centre from 9am - 2pm. A huge variety of stalls and live entertainment. BONALBO MARKETS: Held on the 1st Sunday of each month, at the Bonalbo Hall, adjoining the park from 10am - 1pm. Worth the drive to one of our lovely little villages.
Kyogle Farmers Market
TABULAM COMMUNITY MARKETS: Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, in the Hall and surrounding grounds in Barnes Street (behind the Tabulam Co-op) from 9am - 2pm. WOODENBONG SEASONAL “YOWIE” MARKETS: Held on the last Saturday of the month at the end of each season in February, May, August, and November in the Woodenbong Public Hall grounds, 8 am - 2 pm.
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Rotary Kyogle Bazaar
Food & Local Produce The Kyogle region boasts some of the best cropping, beef and dairy lands around, so it’s no surprise that this passion flows from the paddock to the plate. Kyogle’s coffee culture is growing, with a number of boutique cafes that are perfect for a relaxing breakfast or lunch. You’ll find some of the region’s best steaks at our pubs and clubs, and family-owned restaurants including Indian, Chinese and other cuisines. Our food travels too! Local businesses are often asked to create picnic hampers to be enjoyed at a peaceful riverside spot, and events such as Long Table Lunches see food lovers from far and wide come to Kyogle to experience our local flavours straight from the farm.
You might have seen Kyogle’s giant bush turkey on the way into town, but have you seen our giant pumpkins? In January, Kyogle hosts the Summerland Giant Pumpkin & Watermelon Festival. Local businesses decorate their shops, and eateries have special themed dishes on their menus. There is a still-life art competition, pumpkin sculpting and a cooking competition for foodies. Pumpkins aside, you’ll find plenty of locally grown (and often organic) garlic, coffee, blueberries, mangoes, finger limes, avocados, macadamias, honey, pecans and a variety of beef and pork products grown or produced locally. If you miss the markets, many local shops and cafes stock locally grown goods, and roadside stalls can serve up some great finds.
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Off the beaten TRACK
Kyogle and its villages have a huge amount to offer cyclists of all ages and abilities. Along with the Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest offering some of the best trails in NSW, the Kyogle area also enjoys a unique combination of peaceful rural roads, stunning landscapes and welcoming country communities. All of these attributes combine to create cycling adventures that are challenging, rewarding, enriching and, most of all, unforgettable. A ride around Kyogle can traverse rich alluvial flats covered in swaying crops or dotted with inquisitive cows, sharp volcanic ridges striking hundreds of metres into the sky or ancient rainforests ringing with bird calls. Best of all, whether the ride tests your skills on the trails of the Mountain Bike Forest or challenges your endurance climbing a rainforest ridge, at the end of the day the effort will be rewarded with a smile, a cold beverage and a hearty meal in a genuine country village.
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KYOGLE MOUNTAIN BIKE FOREST The Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest is gaining a reputation as a great place to kick up some dirt. The park offers fun, flowing trails on rich, dark loam soil just minutes from the centre of Kyogle in the peaceful Boorabee State Forest. The trails are suitable for all levels of rider ability with green- and blue-level gravity and climbing trails plus a black-grade jumps trail for experienced air junkies, and it’s all free. All the trails end near the same central location; trails are arranged so that the easier trails are near the gate, and the harder tracks are further away so riders can progress through the park as their skills develop. The central hub means riders with different levels of skill can enjoy the park together as they can choose a trail that suits their skills and meet at the hub.
In 2022, the Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest will host numerous events including the Lismore Masters Games in September 2022 which will include trail running and mountain biking. In addition to the racing events, there are trail building workshops, social rides, and shuttle days throughout the year President of the Kyogle MTB Club Fiona Kerwin says it’s a friendly place to ride. “We will say hello and are always happy to ride along with others and show them around the park. The best part about the park, apart from the amazing flowing trails, is the unique central hub where all the trails finish ensuring you will generally meet up with other riders, plus it is basically impossible to get lost!” For more info: www.mtbkyogle.com
GRANDE TOUR DE BONALBO - GRADE 3 This three-day ride is for those who want to experience a great cycling adventure, striking scenery and the best of country hospitality. Climb through Ettrick Range west to Toonumbar National Park (over 450 metres in elevation over Peacock Creek) to beautiful Bonalbo where a well earned rest awaits. Back in the saddle for day two, the route winds through Old Bonalbo, past the striking Bean Creek Falls, then through the giant tree trunks of Yabbra National Park to Urbenville, where a tasty lunch awaits. Wind up the valley to Woodenbong — the jewel of the Border Ranges — to rest weary legs and prepare for the final day which will glide down the range, passing by Mount Lindesay, Old Grevillia, Grevillia and Wiangaree back to Kyogle where the journey first began. For more info: www.ridewithgps.com/ routes/29608464
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Sport and
Recreation
Kyogle and its villages have so much to offer locals and travellers who love to get active. Some facilities are managed by Council while others are privately owned or run by friendly volunteers. If you are planning to settle in our beautiful town, we have junior and senior clubs for most major sports codes including football, soccer and cricket. There are also dance schools, swim squads and social sporting groups as well as local bush walking groups, fitness classes and gardening clubs. Be sure to check local noticeboards for
Kyogle Memorial Pool
Ten pin bowling at the Commercial Hotel, Kyogle. Image supplied
classes and events.
All abilities outdoor gym on Anzac Drive, Kyogle
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KYOGLE: Golf course, bowling club, tennis courts, the Labyrinth, skate park, playgrounds, pump track, swimming pool (including water park), ten pin bowling alley, outdoor gyms, mountain bike park, rugby and soccer fields, netball and basketball courts, cricket grounds, shooting range
WOODENBONG: Cricket ground, swimming pool, outdoor gym, skate park, ½ court basketball, golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts
URBENVILLE: Bowling club
BONALBO: Bowling club, golf course, swimming pool, pump track, cricket ground, playground and outdoor gym
TABULAM: Skate park, rugby field, cricket ground, golf course
MALLANGANEE: Rugby field, cricket ground
CAWONGLA: Tennis court
Kyogle Bowling Club
Kyogle Golf Club
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Explore even more... We live in one of the world’s most beautiful locations — full of natural beauty, inspiring diversity and cultural charm. While you are here, why not stay a little longer and explore the delights of our neighbouring regions.
Image credit: Jewels Lynch
Tweed Region Introducing the Tweed, a place where sparkling seaside villages, riverside towns and hinterland hamlets create endless holiday experiences. From morning surf lessons to an afternoon gallery, lunchtime river cruise to a gin distillery tour and country drive to beach view cocktails. Find your moment in the Tweed. www.VisitTheTweed.com.au
Richmond Valley
Tenterfield
Located in the heart of the Northern Rivers in NSW, the Richmond Valley is a sanctuary waiting for you to discover
Sitting high in New England High Country, the Tenterfield region offers the perfect trifecta of countryside, national parks and history.
Reef meets beef in the Richmond Valley. From our pristine blue ocean waters and white sands, to luscious farming land and outdoor adventures — we welcome you to ‘explore next door’. www.DiscoverRichmondValley.com.au
From boutique shopping, local dining experiences and luxury accommodation, to scenic drives, national park adventures and camping – Tenterfield invites you to reconnect, explore, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. www.VisitTenterfield.com.au
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Lismore Region
Ballina
Tucked away in the hills, Lismore, Nimbin and its villages are renowned for alternative living, extraordinary artists and gourmet produce. It’s a dynamic and creative hub, with a mix of quirky shops and an array of dining alternatives.
The Ballina Coast and Hinterland is a playground for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers. Away from the coast, our hinterland is dotted with breathtaking villages. It’s a region characterised by great biodiversity. The lifestyle is laid-back and friendly, the communities warm and welcoming and the experiences authentic and diverse. So come, join in the fun!
The historic city centre houses a variety of fascinating boutiques, antique and curio shops, art and craft emporiums, and lots of al fresco cafes and eateries. www.VisitLismore.com.au
www.DiscoverBallina.com.au
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE • Maps • Brochures •L ocally-made gifts and souvenirs •F riendly volunteers to help you explore our region
Corner of Summerland Way and Anzac Drive, Kyogle NSW 02 6632 2700 | www.visitkyogle.com.au | Or find us on Facebook 27
