Riverside Walk, BellingenCredit: Destination NSW
Exploring hidden waterways in Bellingen. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Restore your spirits on a trip to the New South Wales Northern Rivers, where a raft of new opportunities to relax and indulge invite you to experience the region anew. From a novel new way to boost your serotonin levels in the Tweed Valley to sensational new gourmet experiences to lap up from the coast to the hinterland, here are just a few new reasons to plan your next trip to the Far North Coast.
Wind down on the winding Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Explore the Tweed Valley from fresh new angles on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a former rail corridor transformed into a serene shared-user path winding through some of Australia’s most spectacular countryside. Soak up the calming rural setting of the first 24km leg of the trail, opened on 1 March, 2023, as it takes you from Murwillumbah’s heritage-listed train station past charming hinterland villages, rolling farmlands and lush pockets of rainforest en route to the village of Crabbes Creek. Hit the trail on foot or hire a bike from Murwillumbah Cycles, located right on the train platform — and be sure to factor in time to explore gourmet diversions along the way.
Savour new flavours at Byron Bay’s new restaurants
Get ready to wrap your mouth around a smorgasbord of new restaurants in the buzzy North Coast town of Byron Bay, where beautiful beaches fringe an ever-changing array of tempting dining options. Enjoy the convenience of having three excellent eateries to choose from in the snazzy new Jonson Lane precinct at the southern end of Byron’s main street: pair moreish small plates with natural wine at Bar Heather; satiate modern-Italian cravings at Pixie; and tuck into zingy pan-Asian dishes at the beautifully outfitted new home of Light Years. In the heart of town, try one of everything at Tapas Bar; indulge in a sweet treat at Eclair by the Bay; and watch chefs whip up hibachi grill-focused Japanese delights from a counter seat at nearby Moonlight.
Bar Heather, Byron Bay Credit: Jess Kearney
Bar Heather, Byron Bay
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Bar Heather, Byron Bay Credit: Jess Kearney
Bar Heather, Byron Bay
Ease into a new haven of relaxation in Mullumbimby
Feel your worries melt away at The Banya, a European-style bathhouse now open in the heart of Mullumbimby, just a 20-minute drive northwest of Byron Bay. Admire the venue’s characterful setting in a red-brick former bank dating from the 1920s before working your way around its tiled lap pool, three large hot mineral pools, wood-fired sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool. Feel any lingering stress melt away with a life-affirming massage, then wallow in a post-treatment time-out on the sundeck. Make a day of it and stay on to enjoy a wholesome lunch or a cheeky craft cocktail at the Banya’s onsite Dining Room. Or make a night of it and check into a stylish pavilion at Blackbird Byron in the Mullumbimby hinterland, another oasis of tranquillity also with an invigorating mineral pool.
Delve into food and culture in the Tweed hinterland
Treat yourself to an indulgent exploration of the Tweed hinterland on the Tweed Valley Food and Culture tour, which was recently launched by local operator Kiff & Culture. Sample tasty morsels at a tropical fruit plantation and a local cheesemaker, engage with local creatives at a vibrant Murwillumbah arts precinct, and toast to a leisurely lunch at Husk Distillers with a refreshing artisan gin or rum cocktail. Or revel in the freedom of exploring the region at your own pace, uncovering new culinary experiences such as Sunfall Tapas Bar, in seaside Kingscliff, and the wholesome Farm & Co restaurant in Cudgen along the way. And if you loved your day out with Kiff & Culture in the Tweed, prime your palate for another delicious day out in the Northern Rivers on the company’s new Byron Hinterland Paddock to Plate tour.
Bond over share plates in Ballina
Drink in the stirring views during the 30-minute coastal drive south from Byron Bay to riverside Ballina, where holiday memory-making opportunities go beyond scoring a selfie at its famous Big Prawn. Get a taste of Ballina’s emerging culinary scene at Lola Dining, a contemporary fine dining restaurant awarded its first hat in the Good Food Guide Awards 2023. Or embrace Ballina’s laidback vibe over Japanese share plates and signature cocktails at casual-cool diner Hey Lady, just around the corner on River Street. Also new to River Street is Kelp, a seafood-focused family restaurant from the team at next-door Dory’s Takeaway, and Moroccan-meets-Japanese restaurant Layla, which operates from Cafe Boker during the evenings. Bon appetit!
Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
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Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands