Rainforest Way facts for kids
The Rainforest Way is a super cool series of roads that lets you explore amazing natural places! It's like a big loop that takes you through parts of South East Queensland and into the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales in Australia.
This special drive follows the path of an ancient, extinct Tweed Volcano. Imagine a giant volcano that was once active, and now all that's left is its huge crater, called a caldera! The very center of this old volcano is a mountain called Mount Warning.
Along the Rainforest Way, you'll find many incredible National Parks. Some of these parks are so special that they are even listed as World Heritage Sites. This means they are protected because they have unique natural beauty or important history for everyone in the world. The drive is famous for its amazing Gondwana Rainforests.
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Discovering Ancient Rainforests
The Gondwana Rainforests are truly ancient! They are like living museums, with plants and animals that have been around for millions of years. These rainforests are some of the oldest on Earth. They are home to many unique creatures you won't find anywhere else. Exploring them feels like stepping back in time.
Why are they so special?
These rainforests are important because they show us what the world was like a very long time ago. They have plants that are related to species from when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Protecting these areas helps us learn about our planet's history and keeps rare animals safe.
The Giant Tweed Volcano
The Rainforest Way winds around the caldera of the old Tweed Volcano. A caldera is a huge bowl-shaped hole left after a volcano erupts and collapses. It's one of the largest erosion calderas in the world!
Mount Warning: The Volcanic Heart
Mount Warning is the central part of this ancient volcano. It's called a "volcanic plug" because it's the hardened lava that once filled the volcano's vent. Many people hike to the top of Mount Warning. It's one of the first places in Australia to see the sunrise each day!
Towns Along the Way
The Rainforest Way connects many interesting towns. You can stop and explore different places, from busy coastal towns to quiet country villages.
Major Towns to Visit
Smaller Towns to Explore
- Ocean Shores
- Brunswick Heads
- Mullumbimby
- Uki
- Bangalow
- Bogangar
- Nimbin
- Suffolk Park
- Lennox Head
- Alstonville
- Woodenbong
- Bonalbo
- Urbenville
- Burringbah
