Originally named ‘place of many possums’ by local Aboriginal tribes, the name reflected its abundance of food sources.
Murwillumbah still has its fair share of visitor delights. Walk along the street viewing art deco buildings or use the town as a base to explore major national parks including World Heritage Listed Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the remnant central plug of an ancient volcano. Wollumbin is a sacred place of significance to the Bundjalung nation as a place of cultural law, initiation and spiritual education. Under Bundajlung law, only specifically chosen people are allowed to climb Wollumbin.
Endangered flora in these forests include the redfruited ebony, the ball nut and heart-leaved bosistoa. There’s also a range of mammals including koala, bats and the squirrel glider. Read about national parks to make sure you don’t destroy them – they’re old, they’re frail and they need protection.
Accommodation choices include motels, pubs, backpackers hostel, cottages, bed and breakfasts.
Head to Clarrie Hall Dam for canoeing and rowing or to the canfields at Bilambil with river glimpses and the historic Lisnagar homestead. Head north to explore Numinbah and Natural Bridge.
There’s a community based festival at Wollumbin in October and regular horse racing. Markets on the fourth Sunday of the month. www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/markets
Location: South.
Orientation: 31km to Tweed Heads, 124km to Beaudesert, 138km to Brisbane, 56km to Surfers Paradise.
