Alahar

Alahar is a remote and ruggedly beautiful locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, offering a true escape into the Australian bush. With its dramatic escarpments, ancient rainforests, and winding country roads, this sparsely populated area feels a world away from the coast. It’s a place for self-sufficient travellers who appreciate raw nature, quiet solitude, and the thrill of discovery — perfect for a detour on a self-drive itinerary through the Northern Rivers hinterland.

Highlights & What to See

• Border Ranges National Park – explore World Heritage-listed rainforest with walking trails leading to panoramic lookouts over the Tweed Valley and out to the Gold Coast skyline.
• Sheepstation Creek – a peaceful spot for a picnic or a short bushwalk, with tall eucalypts and the chance to spot lyrebirds and pademelons.
• Alahar Road scenic drive – a winding gravel route through lush farmland and forest, offering glimpses of the McPherson Range and distant volcanic plugs.
• Night sky gazing – minimal light pollution makes this one of the best spots in the region for stargazing, especially from the higher elevations.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors pass through Alahar in a couple of hours while exploring the Border Ranges. If you plan a short walk and a picnic, allow half a day. For a deeper experience, combine with a full-day loop from Murwillumbah or Kyogle, taking in the national park and scenic lookouts. The area is best visited in the cooler months (April to October) when the roads are dry and the air is crisp.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Border Ranges National Park – directly adjacent, with excellent walks like the Pinnacle Lookout track.
• Kyogle – a charming country town with a historic main street and the gateway to the Richmond Range.
• Murwillumbah – the closest major town, offering cafes, the Tweed Regional Gallery, and the start of the Tweed Valley Way.
• Nimbin – the famous alternative-lifestyle village, about 40 minutes south via scenic back roads.
• Lamington National Park – just across the border in Queensland, with ancient rainforest and the iconic O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk.

Please check official sources for current details.