Bangalow by local artist Col Dyte. Posters and postcards of this image are available to buy at the Byron Visitor Centre or by visiting postertown.co
Surrounding Towns & Villages
Bangalow
Bangalow is a delightful nineteenth-century streetscape of tall, verandah-clad buildings housing a wonderful array of shops selling oriental carpets and rugs, Tibetan artwork, silk clothing, exotic homewares, books and art. The village also has a variety of cafes and restaurants, so you can stroll the shops and then replenish your energy with lunch or dinner.
Bangalow has a child- and dog-friendly park down by the river, where you can walk under huge shady trees and the children can paddle in Byron Creek. Generations of Bangalow kids learned to swim here, and it’s still a tranquil and peaceful escape from the bustle of Byron Bay.
The Bangalow Community Market, held on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Bangalow showground, is a showcase of local produce, including clothes, jewellery, skin care products, fresh food, plants and trees, and all manner of art and craftwork. You can park and while away several hours under the camphor laurel trees, have lunch or coffee, treat yourself to a massage AND do all your shopping.
Every Saturday morning from 7-11am the Bangalow Farmers Market is set up in the car park behind the Bangalow Hotel. Here you’ll find wonderfully fresh salads, herbs, tomatoes, fruit, vegetables and plants, as well as eggs, beef, bread, coffee, sauces, pickles, oils and jams, all produced locally.
Federal
Federal is a small gem of a village with a general store, a cafe and Doma – a sensational Japanese cafe with delicious, authentic flavours served out of a rustic cottage. The village is situated in the beautiful Byron hinterland and is conveniently on the way to some of the region’s best waterfalls and walking trails. Or take a little longer and stay in one of the gorgeous guesthouses that dot this countryside amidst the tranquility.
About 25 minutes drive from Byron Bay this is a lovely small unassuming little village that you won’t want to miss. Follow the Coolamon Scenic Drive and Coorabell Road and come back to Byron Bay via Bangalow along Binna Burra Road.
Brunswick Heads
Just north of Byron Bay, about a 20-minute drive up the Pacific Motorway, is one of the gems of the far north coast of New South Wales. Brunswick Heads is one of those places that has, so far, survived development, and the superstardom of its more famous neighbour, Byron Bay, to maintain the charm of a sleepy fishing village. Positioned on the beautiful Brunswick River beside the seaside, this village boasts shopping, cafes and restaurants whilst still maintaining relative quiet! Brunswick Heads is home to the Old & Gold Festival in October and the Fish ‘n Chips Festival in January.
Pop into the Brunswick Heads Visitor Centre, 7 Park St (in the heart of Bruns) or call 02 6685 1002 for information.
Ocean Shores
Keep going just a few kilometres north of Brunswick Heads on the Pacific Highway and you’ll come to the Ocean Shores turnoff. Here you will find a world-class golf course, a country club, a small shopping centre and great beaches. There’s a lookout from where you can see the fabulous view back south to Cape Byron, and west to Mt Warning.
Ocean Shores is famous for birds, and the flying foxes, or fruit bats that live in large and noisy colonies. The bats make a spectacular sight at sunset as they head out to feed on the lush rainforest trees. Birds such as cranes, herons, swamphens, kites and goshawks are all in abundance.
Mullumbimby
About twenty kilometres north of Byron Bay via the Pacific Motorway is the turn off to Mullumbimby, our hinterland village situated on the Brunswick River. Mullumbimby is known as “The Biggest Little Town in Australia” and for a small town it certainly has a lot to offer.
On the road into Mullumbimby you are greeted by the spectacular Mt. Chincogan. The town has a variety of cafes, colourful shops, interesting buildings, attractive parks, a swimming pool and a museum. There is something for everyone.
On the third Saturday of each month a market is held in Summers Park on the corner of Stuart and Myocum Streets between 9am – 2pm. Local produce, hand made crafts and clothing, jewellery, plants and fresh food are for sale. Wander through this small but bustling market under the shady trees.
In the middle of Summers Park stands the old Mullumbimby post office (1907) which houses the local museum. Open on Market Saturdays and every Friday between 11am and 3pm, the BVHS Museum is worth exploring if you want to find out about the local history of the area.
At the other end of town on Mill Street is Heritage Park. It has been planted with over 300 species of rainforest trees and plants that are indigenous to the area. A winding path leads you through the park and along the edge of the Brunswick River. The park is equipped with picnic settings, a children’s playground, log seating, an information shelter shed and a riverbank fishing seat.
A drive up into the hinterland around Mullumbimby reveals lush rainforest and spectacular views.
Nimbin
Nimbin has been on visitors’ lists since 1973, when it staged the Aquarius Festival, and hippiedom in Australia was entrenched here. Today it’s still a hippie haven, with a Hemp Embassy, a candle factory and a museum showcasing Kombi culture. Funky, colourful and alternative, Nimbin is the centre of the Rainbow Region, which celebrates everything not in the mainstream.
The main street, Cullen Street, is lined with shops and cafes showcasing the rainbow culture, while the Nimbin Bush Theatre Cafe and information centre offers lunch and cool drinks to thirsty travellers on a shady wooden deck over looking the river. There is an excellent day trip offered by Happy Coach which is the only way to get up and back in a day from Byron Bay to Nimbin. There is also public transport if you are heading west to stay a night or two.
Contact the Nimbin Visitor Centre on (02) 6689 1388 for information about this area.
Lismore
Lismore is situated on the Richmond River, which winds its way to the sea at Ballina. It is a town with some fine old buildings and as well as having the definite Australian ‘country’ feel, the town of Lismore is a melting pot of creative collectives and alternative culture.
Lismore has plenty of interesting and unique shops and cafes, as well as the Lismore Regional Art Gallery. It is also home to NORPA, the Northern Rivers Performing Arts centre and the Koala Care Centre, 23 Rifle Range Road, Lismore, which runs tours every Monday – Thursday. Please call 02 6621 4664 to book.
Please note that the Lismore centre was badly affected in the 2022 floods and whilst there are many shops and facilities open and running, the town is still not back to full strength as yet.
Eltham
Nestled in a serene and scenic valley, this village brims with historical charm.
At its heart stands the stately Eltham Hotel, a classic country pub renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, live entertainment, delectable food and drink, and stylish accommodation.
Next door to the pub is the enchanting Antico Emporio. This charming business is on Eltham Road, Eltham, in the building known as The Village Gallery. The delightful vintage building is of historical significance to the district, being built in 1880 for use as the village general store, and is in original condition. Inside you will discover an array of art, curios, antiques and collectables.
Eltham is located approximately 31 km from Byron Bay and is an easy half hour drive via Bangalow.
Lennox Head
Lennox Head is a spectacular headland 17km south of Cape Byron and Byron Bay. The headland is popular with hang-gliders and surfers, while Lennox township has a range of restaurants, cafes and souvenir and resort shops, as well as accommodation. Take a picnic up to the headland and enjoy the views north towards Cape Byron.
The beach at Lennox north of the Surf Life Saving Club is dog-friendly, and it’s here that you can take horse rides on the beach. Further south, the beach by the town centre is safe for children and patrolled in summer.
Lake Ainsworth, a large tea-tree coloured lake at the northern end of town, behind the Surf Life Saving Club, offers freshwater swimming and water activities. Lake Ainsworth is sometimes closed to swimmers, so check first with Ballina Visitor Information Centre on 1800 777 666 or 02 6686 3484.
Ballina
Ballina is truly a seaside town, with enough of the old-fashioned flavour of the past to enchant visitors. Situated on a bend in the Pacific Highway, on an island in the Richmond River, Ballina has plenty to see and do. For example, the river estuary for fishing, sailing and swimming is very popular with families, while a drive to the hinterland will reward you with a rainforest experience you won’t forget.
River Street, which runs along the river, has a wide variety of interesting shops and cafes. Walk through one of the arcades or side streets to the river and have lunch overlooking the water. Casual and laid back Ballina is relaxing, quiet in the evening and with plenty of general shops and government services such as Medicare and the Roads & Traffic Authority.
Don’t leave Ballina without a visit to the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, which houses maritime treasures, including the 1973 Las Balsas raft from the trans-Pacific expedition, giant models of battleships and naval memorabilia. For further information, phone 02 6681 1002.
And if you’re into skateboarding, Ballina has one of the world’s best arenas, at Missingham Bridge Park at the northern end of town.
Call Ballina Visitor Information Centre for more details on 1800 777 666 or 02 6686 3484.
Things to do
Better By Bike | Nth Rivers Rail Trail Ride
Better By Bike provides E-Bikes for local use and/or if you fancy something a bit more adventurous take their return shuttle to and from the spectacular Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Byron Bay Bikes
Fuelled by passion and love for outdoor sports, Byron Bay Bikes owner and operator Phillippe, brings his cycling expertise to creating comfy, well maintained bikes that can give both the Byron Bay community and our visitors an easy and enjoyable experience for getting around town.
Common People Brewing
Common People is your home away from home. A craft brewery with an inviting tasting room, set within a working production house, it's a great place to relax with friends and family. Cosy in winter...breezy in summer.... and dog friendly all year round.
Duck Creek Macadamias
Visitors to the Duck Creek Macadamias farmgate are greeted with complimentary tastings of delectable chocolate offerings. Step outside the store and crack open a fresh macadamia nut, savouring its buttery sweetness as you stroll through the surrounding macadamia grove and take in the breathtaking vistas.
Happy Coach | Byron Nimbin Day Tour
6.5 hrs of fun aboard this bohemian tour to Nimbin and surrounds. Best value day out ever!
The Byron Clay Workers Gallery
Take a leisurely trip to Clunes located 10 mins from Bangalow in the beautiful Byron Hinterland to view an array of stunning clay works from local artists who work in this ancient medium. Known for its population of creative artists, you will find Byron shire does not disappoint.
Mullumbimby Community Market
A buzzing little family market started in 1989. The market has great local live music, buskers and yummy food. Selling artisan clothing, jewellery, eco-products, home wares, plants, up-cycled and retro the market has something for everyone. The next market is on Saturday 15 February 2025.
Behind the Barrel Brewery and Distillery Tours
Our tours bring people together to enjoy a day of drinking in the Byron area without the worry of driving. As well as being taken to local breweries and distilleries you will get to enjoy a sweet tour of the coast and some of the luscious hinterland that surrounds the Byron area.
Brunswick Picture House
A stone’s throw away from Byron Bay, the Brunswick Picture House is an unforgettable glance back at retro Australiana. From “wow factor” social events and razzle dazzle cabarets to intimate music gigs and everything in between, Brunswick Picture House is a space that makes people smile, cry, burst out in laughter or get up and dance.
By Katie Cooking School
Welcoming a new and exciting addition to our Byron Bay scene, the By Katie Cookery School, offering classes in plant based cooking, making fresh pasta, food photography and styling and live-in cooking retreats. Whether you choose to take a cooking class or attend a cooking retreat or learn about styling and food photography - your experience with By Katie is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed, grounded and brimming with inspiration.
Freedom Machine
Freedom Machine's inventory showcases an impressive variety of bikes and e-bikes, ideally suited for the leisurely exploration of the stunning landscapes surrounding Byron Bay. We offer road and gravel bikes, ensuring that cyclists can gracefully conquer any type of terrain.
Ballina Tenpin Bowling
For family fun you can't beat tenpin bowling - it's enjoyable and it's healthy! With each game involving at least 30 minutes of movement, it can improve strength and flexibility and hand-eye coordination. Don't sit at your accommodation in the rain and complain - go tenpin bowling instead!