Hit Refresh in the Northern Rivers
People enjoying a morning surf at Broken Head Beach. Credit: Jake Charles.
Hit refresh in the NSW Northern Rivers The Northern Rivers are calling your name and awaiting visitors with open arms! Be greeted by the friendly locals as you recalibrate to the relaxed pace of the region and discover new ways to tickle your taste buds in the ever-evolving dining scene. Experience the region more deeply by adding more destinations to your itinerary; here are some top stops in Byron Bay and beyond to find boutique shopping, quirky galleries and tantalising treats.
Bliss out in Byron Bay
Feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard in Byron Bay, 800km north of Sydney, where lush subtropical rainforest meets rolling waves. Join locals in soaking up the sunrise from Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point, or take a refreshing morning dip at dreamy Wategos Beach before tucking into a hearty breakfast alongside roving chickens at Three Blue Ducks. Save room for a delectable Mediterranean lunch by the sea at Belongil Beach Italian Food before unwinding by the pool at Elements of Byron or Crystalbrook Byron.
Browse boutiques in Bangalow and Newrybar
Be charmed by the Federation-era buildings lining the main street of Bangalow, just a 15-minute drive southwest of Byron. Inside them you’ll find boutiques, cafés, galleries and restaurants, including popular recent additions Ciao, Mate!, a cosy neighbourhood Italian eatery, and corner bar and restaurant You Beauty. Head down Station Street to find hip café Woods, which is surrounded by boutiques — browse Bisque Traders for boho-luxe fashion and homewares, and Rowie for locally designed womenswear.
Head just five minutes down the road to the tiny village of Newrybar, best known for Harvest, a restaurant, deli and café specialising in local produce and underutilised native ingredients. Stick around to explore the village’s small clutch of boutiques, including The Old Pacific, a treasure trove of jewellery, homewares and freshly cut seasonal flowers.
Refresh in Eltham
Venture deeper into the hinterland to the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village of Eltham to uncover why the historic Eltham Hotel is one of the region’s most-loved pubs. Come for a cold beer and a memorable bistro meal, or perhaps stay the night in one of the Eltham’s five recently reimagined guestrooms. Learning the story behind your room’s name is all part of the experience, with each designed to reflect the personality of a grand dame hailing from the region.
Step into another world in Nimbin
Feel soothed by the serene subtropical scenery en route to the counterculture hub of Nimbin, around 75 minutes’ drive west of Byron, worth a visit for its quirky shops and vibrant local arts and crafts scene showcased at the likes of the Nimbin Artists Gallery,Nimbin Craft Gallery and the Nimbin Markets, held on the fourth and fifth Sunday of each month. Pause for lunch stop at Armonica Cafe, which turns out tasty woodfired pizzas.
Wind down in Mullumbimby
Embrace the similarly alternative vibe of Mullumbimby, which nestles alongside the serene Brunswick River, 25 minutes northwest of Byron Bay. Federation-era architecture buffs will find plenty to love about ‘Mullum’, while street-art fans can head down alleys to discover colourful murals touching on the region’s pioneer and Aboriginal histories and cultures. Head here in the morning for an energising coffee or a wholesome brunch at Punch and Daisy before learning more about the town’s stories past at the Mullumbimby Museum, and checking out the vintage and modern boutiques on Burringbar Street. Or swing by later in the day to sample a local brew at Wandana Brewing Co. alongside locals before retiring for the night at Blackbird, a luxurious adults-only retreat tucked up in the Mullum Hinterland.
See the sunset in Brunswick Heads
Follow the Brunswick River downstream to buzzing Brunswick Heads, a small town rich in culinary offerings, from gourmet takeaway pies courtesy of the Bruns Bakery to delicious contemporary dining at Cadeau. Cool off with an energising dip at protected Torakina Beach or, if you’re visiting later in the day, join locals in wandering out along the break wall to admire a stellar Northern Rivers sunset before taking a seat at the charming Brunswick Picture House, where an eclectic schedule of events keeps the whole family entertained.
Laze around in Lennox Head
Admire more stunning coastal scenery on the 20-minute drive south of Byron to Lennox Head, its low-key townscape bound to evoke happy memories of barefoot beach holidays gone by. Hit the surf or stroll up to Pat Morton Lookout to watch experts carve up the point break, take a rejuvenating dip in the serene tea-tree-stained Lake Ainsworth, or kick back in a beachside café such as Williams Street or Shelter and let your worries drift away on the sea breeze.