Switch off the mobile and head south as you treat yourself to a little pampering with a short break in Northern Rivers Tropical NSW � a perfect spot to get away and indulge the senses.

From Tweed Heads in the north, Grafton in the south and Lismore to the west, Northern Rivers Tropical NSW on the Far North Coast of New South Wales offers a blend of peace and quiet, action and adventure, shopping and surfing.

Luxuriate in a place where the only sound you can hear is the water and the only colours you see are rich rainforest hues. With over 300 kilometres of magical coastline, this aquatic playground offers scenic beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear lakes - perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing safari�s, sailing, white water rafting and river cruises.

Six World Heritage National Parks rim the region from the beachside reserves between Corindi and Evans Head, where you can explore coastal walking tracks and camp by the ocean, through to the rainforest shrouded mountains of the Tweed Valley.

The region boasts enough natural wonders to enthral and delight even the most passionate eco tourist where rainforests, waterfalls and deep river gorges divide the mountains from the coastal plains. Lake Ainsworth, a large freshwater tea tree lake is renowned for its therapeutic qualities while Tweed Heads boasts an abundance of unusual flora and fauna in majestic sub-tropical rainforests. Two dominant landforms feature in the area � the ancient volcano of Mt Warning and Australia�s most easterly point of Cape Byron.

Inland centres such as Grafton, Lismore and Casino provide travellers the opportunity to sample the real Australian experience away from the main metropolitan centres. Nimbin, the alternative lifestyle capital of Australia, brings colour to the region with psychedelic street facades and loads of local characters while the laid-back coastal spots of Byron Bay and Ballina feature wonderful parks, galleries and cosy caf��s and restaurants.

Sample award-winning local produce at local macadamia nut or coffee plantations or visit Tropical Fruit World. Savour fresh local seafood, succulent prawns in Yamba or go fly-fishing for bass on the banks of the Clarence River.

Accommodation in the region caters for all tastes and includes idyllic resorts, hinterland lodges, rainforest retreats and bushland bungalows. Tourism New South Wales has short breaks packages starting from $349 for two people for two nights. For a brochure or further information about accommodation or the Northern Rivers Tropical NSW area, please call 13 20 77 or go to www.visitnsw.com.au

The Northern Rivers Tropical NSW region encompasses Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Grafton, all nestled into the scenic backdrop of the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence Valleys � all within three hours of South East Queensland.

- Ends - For further information for the media only, please contact Gretta Lie at Tourism New South Wales at gretta.lie@tourism.nsw.gov.au or 02 9931 1498.