Alison Godfrey and Simone ZiaZiaris find peace, privacy and beauty in the North Coast hinterland.
The NSW North Coast is hiding a fabulous secret. Murwillumbah, a picturesque town just south of the Queensland border, is a blend of rolling hills, flowing rivers, banana plantations and sugarcane fields. To the west of the town, a horseshoe of World Heritage National Parks surround the small villages Crystal Creek and Tyalgum. If you're looking for an off-the-radar escape, this is it. 
Known for the semi-precious stones that tumble through its water, Crystal Creek offers stunning views of Wollumbin, Border Ranges and Lamington National Parks. With little more than 300 people, this town is the perfect place to relax.
Settle in for a few nights at the Hillcrest Mountain View retreat. This award winning bed-and-breakfast is set on five landscaped acres in the middle of a grazing farm. Hillcrest serves a delicious and slightly indulgent country-style breakfast including homemade bread and home-grown free- range eggs. Unwind in the hammocks and daybeds on the deck, take a swim in the saltwater pool, or simply admire the stunning view. There will be no noise, no traffic and nothing to bother you here.
From Crystal Creek exploring the surrounding national parks is easy.
Mount Warning, in Wollumbin National Park, is the first place in Australia to receive the morning sun. The mountain is actually the central volcanic remnant of an ancient shield volcano which last erupted 23 million years ago.
Known as Wollumbin, meaning "cloud catcher" or "weather maker" by the Bundjalung people, Mount Warning soars to a height of 1157 meters above sea level. It dominates the horizon looking south from Crystal Creek. As its Aboriginal name suggests, even if there are no other clouds in the sky, you will find clouds hovering over the massive core of Mount Warning.
To really escape the rat race, take a walk around the mountain on the Lyrebird track. As the path winds its way past towering palm trees you will hear the calls of whipbirds, noisy pitta and of course, lyrebirds.
The north of Crystal Creek is dominated by Lamington National Park. Filled with sub-tropical rainforest, Lamington is known for its beautiful waterfalls, more than 160 kilometres of walking trails and a caves circuit. A day of walking here will reward you with incredible views over the Coomera Valley. If you like a little more adventure, try the 180-metre Tree Top Walk.