11 Byron Bay Hinterland Towns To Visit

Visiting Byron Bay is just as much about exploring the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland towns as it is about lying on the beach.

The Byron Bay hinterland has an incredible amount to offer by way of lush green rolling hills, incredible nature and character-filled towns full of interesting, dynamic locals and a thriving foodie scene. Here we list some of our favourite places to visit on a drive into the hills. (Remember to always check for road closures before setting out on your journey, especially after recent flood events).

Byron Bay Hinterland cows — Soak up the beauty of rolling green hills in the Byron Bay hinterland. (Image: Destination NSW)

1. Bangalow

Where: 10-minute drive from Byron
What: A very charming and chic historical village full of heritage buildings and friendly locals. Wander the charming main street, where there are so many lovely places to eat and explore. For shopping, we recommend Our Corner Store , The Flower Bar Co. , Island Luxe , and Abracadabra , just to name a few.

Our Corner Store in Bangalow, NSW — Browse the adorable knick knacks at Our Corner Store. (Image: Destination NSW)

For the best coffee in town head to the little coffee window at Sparrow for a delicious Allpress coffee and very happy vibes. For food, don’t miss Woods for a delicious healthy brekkie, Mangosteen for an authentic Japanese lunch and Ciao, Mate! for dinner. Also, the Bangalow Bowling Club is always fun for a drink, some good food and a game of bowls with mates.

Ciao, Mate! in Bangalow, NSW — End your evening at cosy Ciao, Mate! (Image: Kenny Smith)

What not to miss

The weekly Saturday morning farmers market that is held behind the Bangalow Hotel. Also the regional Bangalow Market, held on the fourth Sunday of the month at the Bangalow Showgrounds, features more than 300 stalls of art, crafts, clothing, food and produce.

Byron Bay Markets tomatoes — Find plenty of fresh market haul. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you feel like getting creative, book in for a pottery class at nearby The Clay Barn , or explore the painting classes on offer with highly acclaimed local painter Dominique Sutton at her Bangalow studio . Or see what shows are playing at Bangalow’s A&I Hall with the Bangalow Theatre Company.

2. Newrybar

Where: 15-minute drive from Byron, seven-minute drive from Bangalow
What: A very pretty and idyllic one-street town that’s always bustling with locals and visitors alike

Wander the very charming old street of Newrybar with its gorgeous shops and century-old buildings. Housed in one of those ancient farmhouses is the award-winning Harvest Newrybar , one of the best restaurants in and around Byron. Dine at either the more formal restaurant or just grab something to go from the Harvest Deli – the menu champions the diversity of the region and its local farmers, growers and producers.

Harvest Newrybar Restaurant — Don’t miss a meal at the award-winning Harvest Newrybar. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Check out Newrybar Merchants , a unique retail collective that features local artisans and makers. Or pop into the lovely antique store, Luther & Co., as well as Drift Lab and The Lost & Found Department . If you need any supplies (or fuel), head to The Little General Newrybar .

Luther & Co. Newrybar — Pop into Luther & Co. to hunt for antiques. (Image: Destination NSW)

What not to miss

Don’t miss the weekly and monthly events hosted by Harvest Newrybar and Newrybar Merchants. Or head out to the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, just five minutes out of town, to see Australia’s beautiful flora and fauna. Also, Killen Falls is just a short eight-minute drive away if you feel like some nature time; it’s one of the best waterfalls in the region.

Killen Falls near Byron Bay, NSW — Go for a dip at the stunning Killen Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Fernleigh

Where: 20-minute drive from Byron
What: A lovely rolling-green-hills kind of vibe

Visit ceramic artist Brooke Clunie at her Red Door Studio and Gallery , open daily to the public from 10 am to 4 pm (closed Tuesdays). Book in for one of her Two Pot Sessions, where you individually make two vessels each on her wheel… with a bit of help, of course! As well as that, you can see (and shop) some of Brooke’s beautiful work on display. Red Door Studio is just five minutes down the road from Newrybar.

What not to miss

Five minutes out of town is Bhavana Organic Farm + Cooking School . Situated on 125 acres of magnificent farmland, Bhavana offers a holistic cooking classes that connect you with food and focuses on fresh produce and gut-health. Sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour afterwards.

4. Nashua

Where: 20-minute drive from Byron Bay, a seven-minute drive from Bangalow
What: A lush, green, pastoral patch of paradise

Don’t miss Frida’s Field! We love Frida’s Field for both its beautiful setting – on a 50-hectare regenerative farm – and its delicious farm-to-table menu by award-winning chef Alastair Waddell. The menu, which changes every six weeks, celebrates the seasons, ecological farming practices and the abundant produce of the Northern Rivers region.

Frida's Field restaurant — Frida’s Field is located on a 50-hectare regenerative farm. (Image: Mia Forrest)

What not to miss

Book in for a stay at The Cottage , a renovated 1890s coach house at Frida’s Field. The perfect combination of rustic charm and modern amenities, it’s the perfect hinterland escape for couples or families. We recommend a coffee by the two metre-square northeast-facing window in the morning for views worth writing home about.

5. Wilsons Creek

Where: 35-minute drive from Byron Bay, a 20-minute drive from Mullumbimby
What: A super lush and green, hidden, mystical, magical rainforest

Hidden in the hills outside Mullumbimby, Wilsons Creek is home to Lilium Love – a truly magical place. The drive to get there is beyond spectacular. Lilium Love is a general store and cafe offering organic food, organic coffee and plant-based options with live music and a side of witchcraft. All of its food and products are 100 per cent organic, seasonal, medicinal and consciously created.

You can find 100 per cent organic and locally handcrafted products in the apothecary, and there is a licensed tonic bar as well. There is also an outpost in the seaside town of Brunswick Heads.

What not to miss

You won’t find it on the menu, but you might be able to make a special request at Lilium Love for one of their ‘blue pea flower-infused damiana medicinal G&Ts’. Dogs are allowed, they just ask that they be kept on a leash.

6. Mullumbimby

Where: 20-minute drive from Byron Bay
What: The “biggest little town in Australia" with a vibrant and distinctively laidback community

Wander this picturesque town with its wide palm-lined streets, lovely weatherboard houses and very friendly, laidback locals, as well as plenty of shops and cafes. You absolutely cannot miss the Friday morning weekly Farmer’s Market held at the Showgrounds, just a little outside of town. You will find all the very best in local produce, delicious food stalls and amazing buskers – it’s really the best of everything.

Baker & Daughters Mullumbimby — Get a wholesome feed at Baker & Daughters.

Also, you simply must stop in at Baker & Daughters for the very best of all things bread and baked goods (they are so super friendly and do great coffee as well). If you didn’t eat too much at the market and you’re still hungry, Punch and Daisy is great for breakfast or lunch.

What not to miss

The Banya is an incredible European bathhouse that celebrates the wonderful social bathing culture of Northern Europe. It features a lap pool, wood-fired sauna, steam room, two hot mineral pools and a cold plunge – plus a bar and dining facilities – and some treatment rooms as well. It is the sister bathhouse to Mullumbimby’s iconic Kiva Spa.

Pool at the Banya Mullumbimby — Take full advantage of the lap pool, two mineral pools and cold plunge. (Image: Francesca Owen)

7. Clunes

Where: 25-minute drive from Byron Bay
What: A “lovely location" (Clunes is the Gaelic term for “lovely location", named after engineer Robert Clunes)

Hang at The Clunes Store . It’s your one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need and so much more than just a general store. You will find a cafe serving Allpress coffee, a great little grocery store, a post office and a bottle shop. We recommend trying the handcrafted wines by Jarad Dixon of Clunes-based small batch wine label, Jilly Wines – cellar door coming soon!

Grab something to go and take it over to the Clunes Heritage Park across the road for views of the valley. A nice place to rest if you’ve been driving for a while. There’s also a cosy second-hand book store and a plant shop!

What not to miss

The Clunes Store puts on a number of different delicious food nights throughout the week. There are wood-fired pizza nights with Il Carreto Pizza on Thursdays and gyoza nights on Fridays with Shoza Gyoza.

8. Federal

Where: 25-minute drive from Byron Bay along Coolamon Scenic Drive
What: The most beautiful little one-street village that is bursting with charm

Wander this cute little street to soak up all of its goodness: Doma, for the most amazing Japanese food in the most beautiful setting; Moonshine Coffee , for delicious, locally owned and roasted coffee; and Benilato Gelato, for delicious Italian style gelato from a cute ice cream cart.

Doma Cafe in Federal serves up the most incredible Japanese food. (Image: Destination NSW)

Be sure to visit its shops too, for such a tiny one-street town there are quite a few. If you’re into antique tiles, make an appointment to visit the showroom of Jatana Interiors ). Also, the general store is great for anything and everything you might need. Another one-stop shop.

What not to miss

Doma, Doma, Doma. And also, a soundbed healing session with local musician, Benny Holloway . Lay on a bed with 50 artfully strung steel strings, each hand-crafted and finely tuned to create a reverberation throughout the entire body. Incredible!

9. Eltham

Where: 30-minute drive from Byron Bay
What: A very small but lovely hinterland village

Eat, drink, sleep and boogie at Eltham’s very own country pub, The Eltham Hotel . The Eltham is a very authentic, 120-year-old iconic Aussie pub that was recently revamped and is now a major drawcard for the local and surrounding communities (as well as out-of-towners).

What not to miss

Grab your helmet and hit the epic Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a new cycling track spotlighting some of NSW’s most charming towns and villages. The trail, which made Conde Nast Traveler’s list of The 24 Best Places To Go In 2024, currently begins in Murwillumbah, with the Eltham set to be connected soon via Lismore, Bentley and Crabbes Creek.

10. Bilinudgel

Where: 20 minutes from Byron
What: Another quaint and historic one-street hinterland town

Grab a drink or some food at the Billinudgel Hotel , a traditional old pub from 1898. Full of charm, this is a meeting spot for locals and travellers alike. Proudly family-owned and operated, it is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. You can expect traditional pub food, as well as a great outdoor beer garden.

Bilinudgel Hotel — You can’t go past a good chicken parmi. (Image: Daniel Paul Marshall)

It’s worth doing a drive by the little roadside stall at the end of the main street (to the left) that belongs to Church Farm General Store . If you’re lucky, you might just find some of their handmade, package-free soaps that can be purchased. It’s an honesty system, so leave your money in the deposit box. Church Farm’s products are well loved and are all made from scratch and by hand (without any fake stuff), supporting their local farmers.

Church Farm General Stall Roadside Stall — Stock up on homemade soaps at the little roadside stall.

What not to miss

The Nudge Nudge Wink Wink dance party is held once a month at the pub, featuring local live music and an amazing shed dance floor under the stars. It was awarded “Community Event of the Year" at the Byron Shire Australia Day Awards a few years back.

11. The Channon

Where: a 50-minute drive from Byron Bay
What: The gateway to the subtropical rainforest of Nightcap National Park

Eat at The Channon Tavern , for great local vibes and lovely outdoor picnic tables. The kitchen has recently been taken over by The Channon Shokudou (Japanese Kitchen), so you can enjoy delicious Japanese food out in the hills.

It is open from 12 pm every day from Thursday through Sunday, with live music some nights, plus trivia nights on Thursdays and Joker night on Fridays.

Also check out the Channon Gallery, which features award-winning local artists’ exhibitions of contemporary art, housed in a former butter factory on the banks of Terania Creek.

What not to miss

The Channon Market is the longest-running market in the Northern Rivers. Held on the second Sunday of every month, there is live music, fresh artisan food and homemade products.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

11 charming Byron Bay hinterland towns and villages to visit

Visiting Byron Bay is just as much about exploring the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland towns as it is about lying on the beach.

1. Bangalow

What not to miss

2. Newrybar

What not to miss

3. Fernleigh

What not to miss

4. Nashua

What not to miss

5. Wilsons Creek

What not to miss

6. Mullumbimby

What not to miss

7. Clunes

What not to miss

8. Federal

What not to miss

9. Eltham

What not to miss

10. Bilinudgel

What not to miss

11. The Channon

What not to miss

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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining