Exploring Tyagarah Nature Reserve on Australia’s Gold Coast

Located on a beautiful coastline that runs between the Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, the Tyagarah Nature Reserve is the perfect place for a wandering spirit to come and take a rest.

Far from a simple beach for the kids to play, the reserve is a very unique spot that offers both fun activities such as fishing, and gives a more cultural experience through its perfect preservation of ecology and wildlife. Indeed, Tyagarah is not to be taken as a light family vacation if you want to explore it fully – there are simply too many special things to see that you can’t afford to miss them. For a well-rounded trip and the opportunity to have the best experience possible, here are some tips that you should keep in mind.

Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal culture, Pixabay

The important thing to realize about Tyagarah is that it needs to be approached with respect. The nature and the resources of the reserve have been home to the Bundjalung nation for generations, and the local Arakwal tribe of people still have a connection to it as well. It holds a spiritual importance, and if you plan to visit it, then take into consideration the centuries of indigenous people who have lived there and how they contributed to the beauty of the place.

Wildlife and Ecology

Tyagarah is actually a home to more than 30 threatened species of plants (such as green-leaved rose walnut and red lilly pilly), and several threatened species of animals (the long-nosed potoroo, for example). It’s a great idea to observe the tracks and the salt marshes or the place if you want to see interesting life forms and diverse wildlife, but you have to bear in mind that this will require patience. Peaceful, quiet exploration is encouraged, and to get the best experience we’d recommend getting a pair of binoculars. Even if you were never the kind of person to sit still and observe animals, you might want to try it here – it’s simply relaxing and gives you a unique opportunity to feel closer to nature.

How to get there

The reserve is very accessible, and you can reach it by car, by bike, or simply by using public transport. You can find some maps that will help you figure it out. There’s plenty of parking space around so you shouldn’t have any issues finding a spot, and you can get an entry after paying an $8 fee. Bear in mind that smoking is not allowed. As we’ve said before, this is a place that needs to be treated with respect, and smoking will invoke harsh penalties. You also won’t be able to bring your pet with you, but assistance animals that are certified are absolutely allowed as long as you call the park in advance and bring your papers with you.

Where to stay

Accommodation can be surprisingly comfortable, and if you’re willing to splurge, you can stay at Partridge Cottage and Geoffs Shed – it’s a good place for a family visit. There are plenty of these cottages around, but they can be a little expensive, so get some money ready to cover it. For those who are short on cash, Airbnb is your best choice. If you need to stay within a certain budget, Airbnb can also help you earn travel credit through a referral program, which is a pretty great idea for people who travel a lot. Another great alternative is staying in one of the Tyagarah trailer sites. However, bear in mind that there are active reptiles in these areas, so it might not be the best idea if you’re travelling with small kids.

When to visit

When the weather is nice, basically. Spring and summer are by far your best options, because not only will you not have rain to bother you, but you’ll get to see humpback whales pass from the Great Barrier Reef to Antarctica. Summer is great for its pleasant heat and the fact that you can enjoy relaxing on the beach and swimming to your heart’s content.

Stay safe

Before you do anything, make sure to download an emergency app, just in case. It has all the emergency numbers and info you might need, and it can help others locate you using your phone’s GPS. There’s not much to worry about at the reserve, but some common safety tips might come in handy: take sunscreen with you and take steps to stay in the shade during your visit (especially in summer because temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees in some areas). Don’t do alpine sports or hike alone, and plan your trips ahead – bring food, water, maps, first-aid kit, and safety gear for all occasions. Set up camp only in designated camping areas, and pay attention to how you dispose of your waste. Littering is generally not tolerated here.

See the best spots

There are so many great things to do here! From numerous picnic areas (Broken Head and Brindle Creek are the best), to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and walking track. You can surf at the Tallow Beach, or if you’re a culture buff, you can check out the Minjungbal Aboriginal Culture Centre. The Pass Cafe is a good place to dine, and there are numerous trails and lookouts that are perfect for long walks.

The Tyagarah is definitely a place for more adventurous travellers. While it does offer plenty of spots to relax and take it easy, the charm of it is in exploration and its wild nature. If you crave to get active, this is the place to see.

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About The Author:  Zara is a regular contributor at TheWellnessInsider, a traveler and a mother of two. Originally from Chicago, she found her place in the sun in Perth, Australia. Passionate about spreading the word about fantastic places to visit and creating a better world for the generations to come.

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Image Source:  Pixabay