The most northerly stretch of coastal New South Wales is as diverse as it is interesting, catering equally to leisurely backpackers, hard-core surfers, and holidaying families.

On the coast there's an array places to stay from quiet fishing villages to trendy resort towns like the ever popular Byron Bay. These are scattered in between national parks, rainforests, picturesque fields, and deserted golden beaches, just waiting to be explored.

Sixty kilometres inland or so, the spectacular mountainous hinterland lurches out of the coastal plain. Dense forests surround the ex-volcanic peaks, ridges, and valleys which since the Aquarius Festival in the seventies, have become home to a large population of alternative lifestylers. Festivals, dances, and markets are commonplace throughout the various communities whose alternate styles have become a colourful and prominent part of life.

One of the most popular holiday destinations in on the east coast, Byron Bay is a gathering place for surfers, travellers, young families, hippies, or anyone seeking a relaxed and alternative atmosphere amid some delightful climate and scenery.

Apart from the golden beaches with perfect breaks which has made Byron a surfing mecca since the sixties, the town itself has a mixture of trendy cafes and restaurants, alternative boutiques, surf stores, pubs and clubs. There's a healthy live music scene, a huge range of accommodation, and a variety of activities from hang gliding to learning to trapeze! Competition for tourist dollars is high making the region predominantly good value, however the area does get packed during high season so book ahead.

Inland and in the hills, the once declining dairy town of Nimbin has never been the same since the Aquarius Festival in 1973, encouraging people to get "back to the land". Now an active alternative centre with numerous communes in the area, it's a unique place to come and experience the counterculture movement.

In town and following the alternative theme are several cafes, a museum, art and craft stalls, and a permaculture garden. A good opportunity to mingle with the super friendly locals is at the dances and festivals held throughout the year. The most famous of these is the Marijuana Harvest Ball at the end of April. Out of town, the countryside is spectacular. Nightcap National Park is close by and contains a number picturesque walks including the historic Nightcap Track, which has some particularly superb views over the western end of the range.

Back on the coast and about twenty kilometres north of Byron is the seaside village of Brunswick Heads. Set on the mouth of the Brunswick River, the area is well known for it's excellent fishing, good surfing and swimming conditions. Not far from it's busier and better known southern neighbour, the town provides a haven for those seeking a quieter pace.

Further north and close to the Queensland border, Murwillumbah is located on the banks of the Tweed River in the beautiful Tweed Valley. This mountainous banana and sugar growing region makes a great base from which to explore the towns backdrop of Mt. Warning and further west, the Border Ranges National Park.

Ballina is a peaceful fishing port set on the mouth of the Richmond River. The town's ideal temperatures, golden beaches, scenic farmlands, and laid back rural atmosphere have led it to become a popular holiday destination. There are many sights and attractions in the area including The Big Prawn Complex and Maritime Museum, although the main draw-card remains the gorgeous coastline. Activities include cruises up the Richmond River and 4WD rainforest tours not to mention the great sailing, fishing, surfing and swimming that Ballina is renowned for.

Just up the coast is the rapidly expanding coastal village of Lennox Head. Halfway between Byron Bay and Ballina, the town boasts some of the best surf on the coast and has become a prime hang-gliding site. Back from the beach, the tannin brown Lake Ainsworth has close to perfect conditions for windsurfing and sailing.

Thirty five kilometres inland from Ballina, the large, rural town of Lismore is the regional centre of the New South Wales far north coast. Laying on the edge of the Richmond River, mountainous hinterland, and three World Heritage rainforests, the town's wide, tree lined boulevards are home to some interesting museums, galleries, and other attractions synonymous with the areas environment.

Another thirty kilometres west, the smaller township of Casino is a fine example of the typical Australian country town. The grand old buildings surrounded by numerous parkland's set along side the Richmond River combine making Casino an attractive place to visit. In town, check out the Casino Folk Museum or unwrap a picnic in one of many peaceful settings. Out of town you can try fossicking for gold and quartz of a bit of freshwater fishing.