Falling in love with the region – 4 ways to experience the romance of the Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast

When it comes to romantic things to do in the Northern Rivers and Tweed Region, we are spoilt for choice. From the hinterland to the coast, there’s a plethora of enticing places to take that special someone or someone you love.

Here are four ideas for the adventurous at heart with the one you love.

Venture into the forest

Listening to birdsong, taking a dip in a waterhole and cooling down in the shade of rainforest canopy is a refreshing way to spend the day with someone you love. Choose a trail or two in one of our many National Parks, such as the Nightcap National Park, Wollumbin National Park or Jerusalem National Park. Fancy chasing waterfalls? Take your loved one on an invigorating bushwalk to beautiful Killen Falls, Protestors Falls or Minyon Falls, all just a short drive inland from Ballina and Byron Bay.

Keep it fresh with a walk to Minyon Falls. Photo by Andrew Kapitzke

Cruise the pristine waterways

Cruising down a tranquil river at sunset with a glass of sparkling – it’s the epitome of romance. Try the dreamy sunset cruise or a Rainforest Lunch Cruise on the Tweed River with Tweed Eco Cruises. Out of the Blue Adventures in Ballina provides a sunset cruise on the impressive Richmond River. Byron Bay Eco Cruises offers a range or morning and evening cruises plus private cruises on the Brunswick River. Prefer a paddle? Hire a kayak or SUP from Watersports Guru in Kingscliff and go exploring together. Or for a truly unforgettable wildlife experience, snorkel with turtles.

Explore the tranquil waterways. Photo courtesy of Watersports Guru

Feel it in the air

Thinking of proposing? What better way to do it. Air T&G Helicopters will take you on a romantic aerial tour along the scenic coastline south of Ballina, landing at a secluded freshwater lagoon for an intimate picnic. See the sun rise as you drift peacefully above the rolling hills of the hinterland in a hot air balloon with Balloon Aloft. Leaving from Byron Bay, soak in the magnificent views and then top it off with a gourmet breakfast at Three Blue Ducks restaurant.

Let your cares drift away on a hot air balloon adventure. Photo courtesy of Balloon Aloft

Pack a picnic for two

Settle in for a glorious sunset at one of the spectacular picnic locations in the region. Relish a curated picnic, grazing board or hamper. The Picnic Portal set up gourmet picnics from Kingscliff, Tweed Coast, Brunswick River and Byron Bay. Try Luxx Hampers if you’re in Byron, and The Luxury Table in Ballina. Or create your own – pick up a feast of freshness at one of our local farmer’s markets, deli stores or farm gates.

Enjoy your picnic at one of these smooching spots.

Fingal Lighthouse, Fingal Head
Norrie’s Headland, Cabarita Beach
Clarrie Hall Dam, Uki
Harry’s Hill/Christmas Beach overlooking the Brunswick River, ideal at sunset
Pat Morton Lookout – Lennox Head, perfect at sunrise
Boulder Beach, Skennars Head – the rockpools there are a fave of the Hemsworth family
Lighthouse Beach, Ballina