Uki

National parks, walks and views

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wollumbin Mount Warning National Park is home to the impressive remains of an ancient volcano and the planet’s most extensive area of subtropical rainforest. Said to mean ‘cloud catcher’ in the local language of the Bundjalung Indigenous people, the peak of Wollumbin rises to a towering height of 1,157 metres above sea level and is a much-loved landmark.  

Wollumbin Mount Warning, The Tweed

Other nearby protected wilderness areas include Border Ranges National Park, where the Falcorostrum loop walking track weaves through Antarctic beech forest dating back 2,000 years. Nightcap National Park is known for its waterfalls tumbling into crystal-clear swimming holes and creeks along the Protesters Falls walking track. In Mebbin National Park, the Byrrill Creek walking track unveils diverse ecosystems home to all manner of birds and wildlife.

Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park

Water sports

At Clarrie Hall Dam, a tributary of the Tweed River, you can launch a boat and go fishing for bass, or glide your canoe out for a paddle around this immense waterway ringed with lotus flowers and lilypads. Northern Rivers Sportfishing offers a kayak fishing tour on the dam and river, which winds past Uki on its way to the sea.

Clarrie Hall Dam - Credit: Jewels Lynch, Tweed Tourism Group Australia

Village life

Uki's main street is lined with cute shops, cafes and quirky spots the locals love. Browse the bookstore, sculptural florist, fair trade store, herb shop, boutique pharmacy and clothing shops. For art head to Little Gallery which calls a cosy corner of the historic Buttery building home. Enjoy a coffee at 110-year-old Uki Post Office, which has been transformed into a gallery and cafe while continuing to offer the services of a traditional postie. Sit down to a hearty counter meal at classic country pub the Mount Warning Hotel Uki, which also offers rooms, should you wish to wander back to your accommodation, rather than drive. 

Art Post Uki, The Tweed

Weekend markets

On Saturday mornings, Uki Farmer's Market serves up fresh produce, baked goods and foodie delights. On the third Sunday of the month head to the Uki Buttery Bazaar, a village market with local arts, crafts and food at the heritage-listed Buttery Factory. Live entertainment runs until 2pm, when visitors spill out onto Uki’s streets to enjoy the lush streetscape replete with heritage buildings.

Uki Buttery Bazaar, Urliup - Credit: Uki Buttery Bazaar

Focus on your wellness

In the foothills of the Tweed Valley rainforest, Ecoasis welcomes guests to enjoy a mindful stay complete with acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. Book in for a traditional tea appreciation ceremony at the Temple Garden Tea House and let all the worries of the world wash away.

Temple Garden Tea House at Ecoasis, Uki - Credit: Ecoasis

Getting there

The fastest way to get to Uki is to fly into the Gold Coast or Ballina Byron Gateway airports, each less than an hour’s drive from your destination. If you’re coming from Brisbane, the drive south takes around 1.5 hours, with lots of towns and lookouts to stop at along the way. The drive north from Sydney along the Legendary Pacific Coast route is an epic (but scenic) nine hours.