Broken Head Beach, Byron BayCredit: Destination NSW
People enjoying a morning surf at Broken Head Beach, Byron Bay.
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Recalibrate to the relaxed pace of the Northern Rivers 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.
Hinterland, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Hinterland, Byron Bay.
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Hinterland, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Hinterland, Byron Bay.
Belongil Beach, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Surfers catching morning waves at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay
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Belongil Beach, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Surfers catching morning waves at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay
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.
The Eltham Hotel, Byron hinterland Credit: Matt Rabbidge
The Eltham Hotel in the Byron Bay hinterland.
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The Eltham Hotel, Byron hinterland Credit: Matt Rabbidge
The Eltham Hotel in the Byron Bay hinterland.
Countryside, Nimbin Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic country views surrounding the town of Nimbin.
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Countryside, Nimbin Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic country views surrounding the town of Nimbin.
More Inspirational Stories
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.