Our coastal area boasts vast strips of scenic beaches, with magnificent views of distant mountains, passing whales and dolphins, and secluded inlets. Moving inland, there are stunning national parks with waterfalls, rare species of fauna and flora. Accommodation is found for all budgets and tastes, absolute beachfront, within the rainforests or at the foot of Mount Warning, an extinct volcano, which, together with Byron Bay lighthouse, is the salient landmark of this region. The combination of rare beauty, ideal conditions and cultural diversity make the Northern Rivers an outstanding holiday destination, and visitors are asked to respect our environment and ensure it remains a place of inspiration and relaxation for all who visit.

Every year, between May and November, Cape Headland in Byron Bay and the Solitary Islands Marine Park (off the coast of Wooli) are gathering points for whale-watchers from around the world to catch a glimpse of the Southern Right and Humpback whales. In May when the Antarctic cold increases and food becomes scarce, sightings begin as the whales head north to warmer waters to give birth. Return sightings begin in August and continue through November. There are currently about 4000 humpback whales migrating up and down the east coast of Australia.

Whale watching boat expeditions are offered in Tweed Heads, Ballina and Wooli. The jagged Northern Rivers coastline of headlands and lookouts also offers excellent opportunities for land-based whale watching:

In the vicinity of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, head for Station Creek, Minnie Water, Diggers Headland or Brooms Head. In Yamba, try Pilot Hill and Pippi Beach. In Iluka, take the beach track to Woody Head or the Iluka Bluff. Around Evans Head, Goanna Headland, Razorback Lookout and the Broadwater National Parks are your best bets and, in Ballina, go to Shelley's Beach. The headlands at Lennox, Hastings Point, Cabarita, Fingal and Point Danger all offer great views and excellent sightings.

While enjoying our fabulous cultural and environmental treasures, consider some safety tips to ensure your visit to our region and Australia is as enjoyable as possible. With most visitors attracted to the beaches, we would like to reprint some tips given out by Lifesavers and Tourism New South Wales concerning beach and water safety:

Always swim between the red and yellow flags - not outside them. Many surf beaches in Australia have strong currents, called rips. These are powerful currents of water that can drag you along. If you find yourself caught in a rip, do not panic. Stay calm, float with the current and raise your hand or swim across it, not against it. Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in darkness.

For more information, a multilingual booklet addressing water and beach safety, road, bush and outback safety, has been published by Tourism New South Wales and can be obtained by contacting their office at Tel (02) 9931 1111.