Ballina's Breathtaking New 42km Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is Now Open

Kunal Kalra - profile photo
· 2 min read
Ballina's Breathtaking New 42km Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is Now Open

Adventure awaits in the heart of the Northern Rivers! A brand-new walking experience has landed in New South Wales, and it's nothing short of extraordinary - welcome to the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk.

This isn't just a bushwalk - it's a 42km, four-day, three-night journey through some of the region's most spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The trail meanders through lush Gondwanan rainforest, ancient volcanic formations, and offers jaw-dropping views of the Tweed Caldera mountains.

Highlights include the dramatic waterfalls of Mount Jerusalem National Park, the serene trails of Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and the stunning lookouts of Nightcap National Park. The journey ends at the iconic Minyon Falls, a truly rewarding finale to a remarkable trek.

But the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is more than just a scenic escape - it's a powerful cultural experience. Named from the Bundjalung language, Gidjuum Gulganyi means "Old People's Track," reflecting the deep spiritual and ancestral connections of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal peoples, traditional custodians of this land. Walking this trail is a chance to follow in the footsteps of those who have cared for Country for millennia.

While the full route is considered challenging, the walk has something for everyone. Visitors can explore selected sections or take on side trails of varying lengths and difficulty. For those committing to the entire trek, three newly established campgrounds provide comfort and convenience, each offering 11 elevated sleeping platforms.

This spectacular trail is a win for locals and visitors alike - encouraging outdoor adventure, deepening cultural understanding, and showcasing the natural beauty of the Ballina region.

So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your boots, pack your gear, and hit the trail. The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk is a powerful new chapter in Australia's bushwalking story - and you'll want to be part of it.

Ready to get active?

Find local activities, venues, and events near you.

Back to blog Back to home
First-Timer's Guide to the 2026 Mother's Day Classic

First-Timer's Guide to the 2026 Mother's Day Classic

06 May 2026 · 5 min read

Sunday 10 May 2026 brings Australia's biggest pink wave back to parks across the country — the Mother's Day Classic. With up to 70 events, distances from a 4km walk to a brand-new Melbourne half marathon, and a relaxed festival atmosphere, it's one of the most welcoming entries on the...

How to Start Exercising When You're Completely Out of Shape

How to Start Exercising When You're Completely Out of Shape

02 May 2026 · 7 min read

Fewer than one in four Australian adults meet the full physical activity guidelines — and most beginner fitness content assumes you already have a baseline level of fitness. This guide is different. It starts at true ground zero: five-minute walks, gradual progression, low-impact alternatives, and practical advice for overcoming the...

Best Indoor Sports to Try This Winter in Australia

Best Indoor Sports to Try This Winter in Australia

01 May 2026 · 6 min read

Winter is when most Australians drop their exercise routine — but it is also the best time to discover an indoor sport you have never tried. From the fast-paced rallies of badminton to the social buzz of a dance class, there are plenty of ways to stay active without braving...

Social Prescribing: Why Your GP Might Prescribe a Walk

Social Prescribing: Why Your GP Might Prescribe a Walk

01 May 2026 · 5 min read

Australian GPs are turning to an unexpected treatment for loneliness, chronic pain, and low mood: community activities. Social prescribing connects patients with walking groups, Parkrun, sport clubs, and volunteering instead of — or alongside — medication. With one in three Australian adults experiencing loneliness, and the RACGP now calling social...

The awkward, necessary hurdle of making new friends at 60

The awkward, necessary hurdle of making new friends at 60

01 May 2026 · 5 min read

Making new friends in your sixties isn't as simple as the brochures make it look. New Monash University research shows kinless older Australians face the highest loneliness rates, and the friction of joining a new group keeps a lot of people on the couch. Pickleball courts, walking netball matches and...

Looking to get active?

Here is a few options to explore: