NPWS North Coast Region Discovery co-ordinator, Andrew Turbill, said theExplorer trips provide local stories and plenty of opportunities for questions throughout the day.

“An important aim of these tours is to provide participants with the information and confidence to take friends and family on similar trips into the future”, Andrew said.

“The north coast has some truly stunning national parks to be shared and many people may not be aware of or the natural values and heritage these protect.”

The Chaelundi - Mount Hyland Explorer is on Saturday,18 and will feature stunning views into the Chaelundi and Guy Fawkes River Wilderness areas including a 2.5km walk past Chaelundi Falls and out to Lucifers Thumb on the edge of Guy Fawkes River gorge.

This is followed by a drive to World Heritage Mount Hyland Nature Reserve for the 3km summit walk through ancient cool temperate rainforest.

The Big Tree Explorer is on Saturday, October 25 and features massive old growth eucalypt and brush box trees found along Moonpar Forest Drive. It also includes the Norman Jolly Memorial Grove with its 800 year old tallowwood trees and the Nymboi-Binderay and Cascade National Parks.

“This is journey back in time exploring the timber industry on the Dorrigo plateau from early cedar-getting days through to its heyday when timber tramways were transporting logs to local sawmills,” Andrew said.

Cost of the Explorer tours are $90 per vehicle which includes morning tea and a route map.

Participants will need to have their own 4WD or all WD vehicle in good working order and with spare tyre and tyre changing kit. Bookings are essential as vehicle numbers are strictly limited. For further information contact the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre on 6657-2309.