Big Volcano® Visitor Guide

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What's Old in the Big Volcano? 

Stack 2013

For current updates see What's New in th Big Volcano?

23 December, 2013Updated Inter-Action Experiential Learning name to Inter-Action @ Outward Bound.  Specialising in outdoor education school camps, adventure camps and corporate training/coaching programs customised to suit your requirements.

23 December, 2013 Mt Warning B&B Retreat website revamped with new look and fabulous photo albums.  Holiday Accommodation for couples, families & small groups, located on the banks of the Tweed River just 5 minutes drive to Wollumbin National Park and a Mt Warning climb.

Updated.  We've added an excellent scientific discovery video to the original story Nightcap Oak: A New Rainforest Tree Species for New South Wales, published in 2001, which details the discovery and documentation of a new rainforest tree found in the Nightcap National Park.

22 December, 2013 Updated a number of already published stories with YouTube videos:

Mount Warning Climb now has two videos, one showing the efforts of spry young kids, and the other from a rather more mature couple.

Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Established as a marine reserve in 1982, after 10 years of lobbying by local users, Julian Rocks is one of Australia's top dive spots.  The single video spot is in playlist format, so if you enjoy scuba diving, you're welcome to hang around here for a while, after reading the informative article by Wandy Brouwer & Tim Hochgrebe of Planula Diver's Retreat.

The Lions Road Scenic Link history story, now has an excellent video showing a goods train on the approach to the popular train spotting "spiral loop" tunnel section of the rain link from Kyogle to Brisbane.

The Walk of Remembrance and Centaur Memorial editiorial, originally published in 2003, now has a very informative video detailing the history and eventual location of the wreck of the hospital ship, AHS Centaur, which was sunk by a Japanese submarine boat in 1943.

A very short clip showing the long white sands of Wooyung Beach, decorates the story for Wooyung - A History, which details how the Cherry family came to own and operate the very popular Wooyung Beach Holiday Park.  You'll also find an introduction to Wooyung Nature Reserve, with information about the habitats and species found there.

An interesting video introduction discussing the benefits of yoga practice is now part of the detailed article "The Paths of Yoga - Unity in Diversity", which is a brief introduction to the origins of Yoga and the various philosophical systems, written by Filomena Aversa, a practitioner and teacher who conducts yoga retreats in Byron Bay, Bali and Thailand.

Bicycle Rides and Bushwalks of the Tweed Valley now features two videos, one showing the delights of a local bicycle tour operator from Byron Bay, and the other by local racing bike riders, sporting a downhill run to Murwillumbah, from the border gate at Numinbah on the Murwillumbah - Nerang Road.

A great video from Echonet about the Tweed Foodie Festival has been added to "Murwillumbah: Place of Many Possums and Great Lunches!", by Carmel Harris, originally published in 1997.

Our first story in 1997, about the diet, habitats and food sources of Wedge-tailed eagles by then NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Ranger, Bob Moffatt, now features two videos spotlighting Wedge-tailed eagles; the first from a Darwin nature park educational talk, and the second, a beautiful display of a pair of Tasmanian "wedgies" in flight.

6 December, 2013 Updated Professional Trapping Supplies .  New location and contact phone numbers!  New camera trap accessories for Scoutguard products.  For all your animal trapping, wildlife surveys and field research needs including cage traps, folding traps, accessories, animal control and animal rescue products.

29 November, 2013Updated Bushwalking, bike riding and horse riding tours listings, and Weekend Markets and Farmers Markets directory pages with new markets listings.

17 November, 2013 Updated Midginbil Hill.  The Tweed Hinterland group specialists, with facilities suitable for groups from 25 to 140 people, accommodation includes a guest lodge, bunkhouse, barn - with full commercial kitchen, and a rainforest camp ground.  Ideal for weddings, school camps and outdoor education, family reunions, and works celebrations.

10 November, 2013 Updated Motels directory with new listings, deleted old outdated listings, and included descriptions and booking links for selected motels in Ballina, Byron Bay, Bilinga (close to Gold Coast Airport), Casino and Kingscliff, plus booking links only for other selected motels in the region.

3 November, 2013Updated listings and descriptions in Big Volcano Accommodation Directory categories for Family and Small Group Accommodation, Guest Houses, B&B Inns and Lodges, Holiday Apartments, Hi Rise units, Condominiums, Holiday Resorts, and Holiday Units, Flats and Townhouses.

2 November, 2013Updated Big Volcano Accommodation Directory categories for Backpacker and Youth Hostels, Bunkhouses and Dormitories, Health Resorts, Relaxation & Pampering Retreats, Holiday Units, Flats and Townhouses and Guest Houses, B&B Inns and Lodges.

27 October, 2013Updated Professional Trapping Supplies with new catalogue for IR security cameras, camera traps and native animal and mammal trapping supplies.  For all your animal trapping, wildlife surveys and field research needs including cage traps, folding traps, accessories, animal control and animal rescue products.

Reconyx IR Motion Sensor Cameras. Scoutguard ZeroGlow and Noglow motion sensor cameras, EcoGlow and Updated with new models!  Infrared Camera traps, ideal for Wildlife Research and Field Surveys, RECONYX Silent Image Game Cameras have been the choice of Australian universities and wildlife researchers since 2002.

Spypoint Cameras are ideal outdoor security cameras.  This Australian distributor web site has a new catalogue, with a range of remote wireless and motion sensor infrared ir cameras which are ideal for farm security, crop and livestock monitoring, capital equipment surveillance, vandalism and graffiti observation.

25 October, 2013 Updated North Queensland Animal Control Services and Cairns Snake Removals with new QLD state DEHP accredited Licensed Spotter/Capture and Damage Mitigation services, plus updated camera traps catalogue.

17 October, 2013 New! Kallora Escape B&B web site with realtime booking available, updated with new look and fabulous photo album.  Couples only bed and breakfast guesthouse in the Currumbin Valley, Gold Coast hinterland. Ideal for a midweek mini break or weekend getaway.

8 October, 2013 Updated Affordable places to stay, priced between $80 and $150 per night, and Honeymoons, Anniversaries, Romantic Holidays and Special Occasions in the Byron Bay, Tweed Valley, Gold Coast hinterland region of New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.

5 October, 2013Real Estate; Properties, Tourism Businesses for Sale category updated, with customer and directory listings for established real estate agents, including locality and contact telephone numbers.

30 September, 2013Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre Updated.  A NSW NPWS Historic Site open daily, features a mangrove boardwalk and walking track winding through the site and free use of picnic facilities with electric barbecues.  The Cultural Centre has a fine museum, and a shop offering aboriginal art, crafts and souvenirs. The shop and museum are open Monday to Wednesday, 10am-3pm.  Museum entry $15 per adult, $7.50 concession and children.

Private tours, small groups, school groups and special interest groups of 20+, are welcome.  Indigenous guides are available by arrangment, to provide guided interpretive tours through the museum and site with its relics, flora and fauna. $p.o.a.

24 September, 2013New!  WOLLUMBIN NATIONAL PARK RE-OPENS TODAY!  NSW Govt media release.

Three months ahead of schedule Wollumbin National Park will reopen just in time for the school holidays, Environment Minister Robyn Parker announced today.

Ms Parker and Lismore MP Thomas George visited the park to say thanks to national parks staff for their hard work and acknowledged the community and local businesses for their patience while the summit track and car park were being cleared of debris.

"After being severely damaged by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in January this year the NSW Government committed $200,000 to rebuild the popular 4.4km Wollumbin/Mount Warning Summit Track," Ms Parker said.

Wondering what else is available?  Here are a few alternatives to climbing Mt Warning

16 September, 2013 New! Kallora Retreat B&B now Kallora Escape B&B updated with new breakfast and dinner menu, photos and packages.

Updated Professional Trapping Supplies Under new management!  New catalogue.  For all your animal trapping, wildlife surveys and field research needs including cage traps, folding traps, accessories, animal control and recue products, as well as farming, pastoral property and public spaces security IR cameras.

10 September, 2013 Reconyx IR Motion Sensor Cameras. Updated with new models!  Infrared Camera traps, ideal for Wildlife Research and Field Surveys, RECONYX Silent Image Game Cameras have been the choice of Australian universities and wildlife researchers since 2002.

4 September, 2013 New! Motels, Motor-Inns, Hotels (Pubs) & Hotel/Motels categories listings brought up to date and selected properties able to be checked for availability and booked directly via Booking.com (affiliate) link.

21 August, 2013Updated Ecotourism Resource Centre extensively.  Many categories link checked and updated where needed, removed where no longer current. Site descriptions also updated and new categories added for Tourism Business Toolkits & Resources and Online Activism.

Updated Amusements, Cinemas, indoor and kids entertainment, sports centres, skating rinks, ten pin bowling, aquatic centres, outdoor and kids entertainment etc.

20 August, 2013Updated > Dining: > Cafes and Teahouses, > Takeaways and > Wedding and Function Hire Services categories to include new listings.

12 August, 2013Due to popular request Hastings Cove Holiday Apartments :  The Family Adventure Holiday 2 Adults + 2 Kids Stay for 7 nights for only $882. And choose one FREE activity: Whale Watching or Sailing Catamaran (free lesson) or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctury or Tweed Endeavour Cruises. *Valid when booked before 11th November with checkout by 18th November 2013.

4 August, 2013 NEW! Grafton 2 Yamba House Boat Hire Located 30 minute upstream from Yamba, great fishing, beautiful scenery, and friendly townships are just a sample of what this river has to offer.  Our 2-8 berth houseboats offer a touch of elegance and luxury on the Clarence River, where you can cruise from Harwood bridge to well past Grafton with nearly 350km of waterways to use and 100 islands to visit.

Updated Houseboats, Boat and Yacht Charter - Houseboat holidays are a great idea for a family holiday. Get out on the water for a complete change. Change the scenery with every step, while maintaining all the comforts of home!

Also updated Family and Small Group Accommodation, ideal if you're looking for family friendly and small group accommodation suitable for groups of 6 - 20 people.  And at the other end of the scale, you can find Honeymoons, romantic honeymoon destinations, elopements, anniversaries, special occasions and romantic holiday accommodation in our Honeymoons, Anniversaries, Romantic Holidays and Special Occasions directories.

27 July, 2013 NEW! Cougal Park Bed and Breakfast Guesthouse. Nestled on the boundary of Border Ranges National Park, Cougal Park offers 3 guest suites only, each with north facing verandah and scenic views.  Suites have a large ensuite bathroom, and all the home comforts.  Relax and enjoy the serenity of nature and the company of your hosts and fellow guests over a traditional home made breakfast and other meals (by arrangement).

23 July, 2013 Updated Summergrove Estate photos, restaurant opening times, facilities and functions venue details.

17 July, 2013 Updated Mount Warning B&B Retreat with new alpine style ensuite cabin suitable for couples +1. 

28 June, 2013 NEW! Hastings Cove Holiday Apartments :  The Family Adventure Holiday 2 Adults + 2 Kids Stay for 7 nights for only $882. And choose one FREE activity: Whale Watching or Sailing Catamaran (free lesson) or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctury or Tweed Endeavour Cruises. *Valid until August 31st 2013.

218 June, 2014 Updated > Weekend Markets & Farmers Markets listing for Tweed Twilight Markets.

20 June, 2013NEW! > Community Groups & Associations updated to include Lupus Association of NSW Inc..  Also checked links for > Government Services and updated where needed.

17 June, 2013 Updated > Dining: > Cafes and Teahouses, and > Takeaways categories to include new listings in Murwillumbah.

27 May, 2013 NEW! > Eco Tours and Nature Tours category with new Glow Worms Gold Coast nocturnal tours, Australia's only 4wding Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour.

Updated > Day Tours and Cruises and > 4WD Tours, Adventure Tours and Cruises listings for Mountain Trek Adventures - The original and most experienced 4WD tour operator to the World Heritage listed National Parks of the Gold Coast hinterland and beyond, and Southern Cross 4WD Tours - Gold Coast & Brisbane Hinterland 4WD Day Tours, eco-tours & customised packages to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland, Lamington National Park, Mt. Tamborine & O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in off-road 4wd's.

25 May, 2013 Updated > Transportation: Scheduled and Charter with airport, transfers, coach, bus and taxi information for the region.

20 May, 2013 Updated Berger Houseboat Holidays vessels, Pacific Blue and Gypsea Belle with new photos and details.  Also updated the customer kudos with Facebook feedback and comments.

17 May, 2013 Updated > Midweek and Weekend Specials with new specials and breaks.

15 May, 2013 NEW! Big Volcano Tourism Blog.  The second post offering Mt Warning Climbing Alternatives, as a result of Wollumbin National Park being closed due to storm damage and repairs.

9 May, 2013Updated Accommodation directory categories; Camping Grounds, Caravan Parks and Holiday Parks, Pet Friendly Accommodation and Cabins, Chalets and Lodges listings for Wooyung Beach Caravan Park.

6 May, 2013NEW!  Big Volcano Tourism Blog. New post.  Alternatives to Mt Warning Climb as Wollumbin National park is closed.

6 May, 2013 Updated Professional Trapping Supplies Under new management!  For all your animal trapping, wildlife surveys and field research needs including cage traps, folding traps, accessories, animal control and recue products, as well as farming, pastoral property and public spaces security IR cameras.

3 May, 2013 Updated Mount Warning B&B Retreat with new accommodation photos, updated facilities and services, and Things to See and Do, with alternatives for the popular Mt Warning Climb.

27 April, 2013 NEW!  Big Volcano Tourism Blog.  Check us out, like and share posts, and follow us for interesting news and informative ideas in the local area.

23 April, 2013Updated Hastings Cove Waterfront Holiday Apartments with new special.  Stay in May! Book 3 or more nights and get 1 extra night FREE!*.  See web site for more details and conditions.

23 April, 2013Updated Berger Houseboat Holidays with a new boat!  Pacific Blue is a 2-12 berth houseboat with luxury appointments, plenty of room both on the upper and lower decks, four separate queen bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a 6 person spa tub on the top deck!

18 April, 2013Updated Hanging Rock Chalets Property for sale, with private spacious 5 bedroom open plan residence, and three chalets on 4.62 ha (approx. 12 acres) of flora/fauna sanctuary adjoining the Queensland/New South Wales border reserve, and World Heriage listed national park. It will ideally suit experienced tourist accommodation managers seeking an exciting property with great prosepcts, or treechange family looking for a nature retreat lifestyle.

15 April, 2013 Updated Kallora Country Retreat, under new management!

10 April, 2013Updated Midginbill Hill web site.  large group accommodation, affordable weddings and Outdoor Education school camp specialists.  A working cattle farm on 400 acres situated beneath the awesome escarpments of the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park, between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Midginbil Hill is ideal for a nature based wedding or group event, conference, school group camp, group weekend getaway or camping trip or school holiday break.

21 May, 2013 Updated Bushwalking, Bicycling and Horse Riding to include story links.

1 April, 2013 Various national parks related pages updated with link to current NPWS Fires, floods and park closures.

03 March, 2013 Hanging Rock Chalets Property for sale, with private spacious 5 bedroom open plan residence, and three chalets on 4.62 ha (approx. 12 acres) of flora/fauna sanctuary adjoining the Queensland/New South Wales border reserve, and World Heriage listed national park. It will ideally suit experienced tourist accommodation managers seeking an exciting property with great prosepcts, or treechange family looking for a nature retreat lifestyle.

07 February, 2013New! Grand Opening in March.  Summergrove Estate is a sensational function and reception venue located just 15 minutres drive from Gold Coast Airport.

The ultimate function venue, Summergrove Estate specialises in weddings, functions and corporate events, with an in-house meetings and event planner to assist with all your needs.  Facilities include onsite luxury couples accommodation, 80 seat restaurant with internationally awarded chef, scenic 18 hole golf course, lawn tennis court, 25m swimming pool, and beauty centre offering guest only exclusive treatments.

07 February, 2013 Various Accommodation categories updated, including > Boutique Accommodation, > Couples Only Accommodation, > Health Resort, Relaxation & Pampering Retreats, > Honeymoons, Anniversaries, Romantic Holidays and >Holiday Resorts.

07 February, 2013 Activities and Attractions categories updated include Museums, Historic Places and Heritage Buildings and Natural Attractions listings.

07 February, 2013 Retail and Services categories also updated include > Conference Venues and Corporate Retreats, > Function Centres and Reception Venues, > Wedding Venues and Dining: Restaurants & Bistro's, licensed and BYO

4 February, 2013 Natural History category pages entirely updated.  All pages checked, information updated where called for and photos added.  External links checked and updated or deleted.  Includes information about volcanic origin of region, Introduction to World Heritage Rainforests and World Heritage nomination summary, Properties of the Gondwana Rainforests, rainforest types of the region, national parks, and more.

30 January, 2013 Updated Midginbill Hill web site.  large group accommodation, affordable weddings and Outdoor Education school camp specialists.  A working cattle farm on 400 acres situated beneath the awesome escarpments of the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park, between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Midginbil Hill is ideal for a nature based wedding or group event, conference, school group camp, group weekend getaway or camping trip or school holiday break.

23 January, 2013 Sunrise Cove Kingscliff Holiday Apartments web site updated with virtual panorama and sldieshows and apartment interiors. Check it out if you're looking for self contained family friendly waterfront holiday accommodation at Kingscliff.

2 January, 2013Updated Camping Grounds contact details for Queensland PWS., Tourist Attractions, M.I.C.E. - Meetings, Incentives, Conference & Events Services, and Retail Outlets; Shopping Centres & Malls.

For prior updates, see What's Old in the Big Volcano? - 2012


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