Nature, Culture, and Solar Power: 4 Unmissable Activities Under $25 on the North Coast

Sealy Lookout

1) Walk Among the Treetops at Sealy Lookout

If you’re craving breathtaking scenery without the price tag, head to Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) in the Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour. This sky bridge experience allows you to walk 15 metres above the forest floor, delivering panoramic views from the mountains to the sea. More than just a lookout, the area connects directly to the Gumgali Track, an interpretive walk infused with Aboriginal stories and vibrant art. It’s a free and enriching way to immerse yourself in both the natural beauty and cultural depth of the region.

2) Ride the World’s First Solar Train in Byron Bay

Byron Solar Train

Byron Solar Train, All aboard for an eco-friendly ride on the Byron Solar Train, the world’s first solar-powered passenger train. This 25-minute return journey costs just $12 for adults and takes you through a corridor of coastal rainforest and protected wetlands between Byron Beach and North Beach stations. The train’s two distinctive red carriages not only offer a unique way to explore the area but do so with net-carbon-positive credentials, making it a perfect blend of nostalgia and sustainability.

 

3) Be Dazzled by teamLab’s Blossoming Art at Yarilla

Yarilla Arts and Museum

Step into a world of constantly shifting colour and form at Yarilla Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour, where Japan’s renowned art collective teamLab presents a mesmerising digital installation. Blossoms bloom and dissolve before your eyes in a space that blurs the boundaries between art and technology. Inspired by teamLab’s internationally acclaimed exhibitions in Tokyo and beyond, this experience is an evolving visual poem that changes from one moment to the next—ensuring that no two visits are the same.

4) Walk the Rainforest with the World’s Oldest Living Culture

Sea Acres National Park

In Port Macquarie, the Sea Acres National Park offers more than just tranquil boardwalks through lush coastal rainforest. Join a guided walking tour led by an Aboriginal ranger for just $20, and you’ll uncover the deep cultural roots of the land. Along the way, you’ll learn about native plants, traditional bush foods, local language, and ancient Dreamtime stories that have been passed down through generations. It’s a moving and memorable way to explore the environment through a First Nations perspective.

For more information, visit:
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au (Sealy Lookout and Gumgali Track)
https://byronbaytrain.com.au (Byron Solar Train)
https://www.yarrilaartsandmuseum.com.au/ (Yarilla Arts and Museum)
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au (Sea Acres Rainforest Centre)

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