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With charming villages, breathtaking national parks and unforgettable dining experiences, Northern NSW is an idyllic coastal paradise awaiting exploration. Begin your north coast adventure with these top spots.
Byron Bay
Located 800km north of Sydney, the iconic town is renowned for expansive beaches, lush hinterland and incredible eateries. Start your day the Byron Bay way and soak up the sunrise from Australia’s most easterly point – Cape Byron, catch a wave with the locals at renowned surf beach – The Pass, or head further east and take a morning dip at Wategos Beach. Uncover the local foodie scene with a wholesome breakfast at Three Blue Ducks and memorable lunch at Raes Dining Room before rejuvenating overnight at the luxurious Elements of Byron.
Bangalow and Newrybar
Just a 15-minute drive southwest of Byron Bay lies the hinterland hub of Bangalow, where the pretty main street is lined with Federation-era buildings. Inside them you’ll find boutiques, cafés and galleries, with the 1939 Bangalow Hotel at the top of the street an ideal spot for a brew with the locals. Head down Station Street to find hip café Woods, which is surrounded by boutiques – check out Bisque Traders for boho-luxe fashion and homewares, and Rowie for locally designed womenswear.
Just five minutes down the road, the tiny village of Newrybar is best known for Harvest, a restaurant, deli and café specialising in local produce and underutilised native ingredients. In recent years Newrybar has welcomed a small clutch of boutiques, including the excellent Newrybar Merchants, a treasure trove of jewellery, homewares, indoor plants and more.
Eltham
Nearby, in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village of Eltham, the Eltham Hotel is one of the hinterland’s most iconic pubs. Come for a cold beer and a bistro meal, or perhaps stay the night in one of the Eltham’s five recently reimagined guestrooms. Each one is dedicated to a grand dame from the region and includes The Delilah, named after a film star who retreated to the hinterland.
Nimbin
Deep in the hills, around 75 minutes’ drive west of Byron, the counterculture hub of Nimbin is 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. Turning out tasty woodfired pizzas, Armonica Espresso Bar makes the perfect lunch stop.
Mullumbimby
In the region’s northwest, the alternative-lifestyle village of Mullumbimby is nestled alongside the serene Brunswick River, 25 minutes from Byron Bay. Another top spot for Federation-era architecture buffs, ‘Mullum’ is also awash with colourful murals touching on the region’s pioneer and Aboriginal history and culture.
Head here in the morning for coffee or 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 come later in the day to sample a local brew at Wandana Brewing Co., which now has a taproom on the town’s eastern fringe.
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