48 hours in the Byron Hinterlands: A Foodie's Guide

48 hours in the Byron Hinterlands: A Foodie’s Guide

Kiff & Culture
November 11, 2022

Craving to spend a decadent 48 hours in the Byron Hinterlands eating exquisite farm-to-table fare?

Then we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you. From paddock-to-plate restaurants to exhilarating activities and stylish lodgings, we’ve done the logistical legwork on your behalf.

Nestled in the Green Cauldron, this verdant food-producing region pumps out a plethora of top-notch produce. And you can chew your way through its culinary highlights in one epicurean weekend.

Friday

Knock off work early and make a beeline for Newrybar, a tiny hamlet 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Gold Coast or 2 hours from Brissie.

You’ll need to arrive in time for your dinner reservation at Harvest, one of Northern NSW’s most prestigious farm-to-table restaurants. Set in a converted century-old farmhouse, the homely venue does a mouth-watering four-course tasting menu. A la carte is also available.

A thrice chef-hatted Argentine named Alejandro Cancino runs the kitchen with his wood-fired oven. Whenever possible, he sources ingredients from the on-site veggie garden to concoct the seasonal menu. Delicacies like slow-cooked beef cheek or wagyu flank tickle the tastebuds. Opt for their award-winning wine pairing to amp up the indulgence.

Once dinner is done, head to your hotel for a much-needed sleep. For peace and tranquillity, a serene Byron Hinterland farm stay is hard to beat. One standout option is Heartwood Farm, a traditional two-bedroom cottage with a picturesque plunge pool. Alternatively, book FederalRise, a spacious three-bedroom house with a sleek contemporary design.

Saturday

Wake up to birdsong in your tranquil pad, then make your way to Bangalow for a hearty, caffeinated brekkie. This characterful rural village has a slew of cool breakfast venues, the best of which is Woods.

Located in the boho Art Precinct, this bustling café whips up a smorgasbord of egg-laden breakfast treats. Healthy eats—including several delicious vegan options—offer a waistline-retaining alternative.

Now you’re nourished, it’s time to pamper yourself silly with an extended spa session. A short drive through scenic hinterland hills leads you to Gaia Retreat & Spa. Perched on the highest hill in the Shire, this lofty 20-acre property does stress-relieving wellness sessions with a breathtaking view. The day spa menu spans ayurvedic massage to antioxidant facials and sole-to-soul foot rituals.

Lunch is at Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, a long-standing Byron institution serving fabulous zero-kilometre fare. All ingredients come straight from the on-site working farm or pre-vetted local suppliers. Once you’ve polished off a lazy three-course lunch, wander around its verdant pastures or suss out the on-site boutiques.

zero kilometre farm-to-table restaurant — The iconic Three Blue Ducks at The Farm is farm-to-table cuisine at its finest.

Gin lovers will adore the next stop: a tasting tour at Cape Byron Distillery. Nestled amid rejuvenated Big Scrub rainforest, this eco-conscious distiller sources botanicals on-site. A passionate guide leads punters through the lush property while explaining their gin-making techniques. Don’t miss the famous Brookies Gin range.

Byron hinterlands rainforest distillery — A tasting and rainforest tour at Cape Byron Distillery is a truly wow experience.

Keen to keep the buzz humming?

Pop by Stone & Wood on your way back home. This iconic brewery has won countless awards for its crisp lagers and ales. You’ve seen the stuff sold in bottlos Australia-wide—now it’s time you tried it straight from the source.

If you didn’t pig out on pub nibbles, swing back via Bangalow for a delicious dinner at Ciao, Mate! (reservations recommended). This vintage-themed Italian diner does a mean spicy pork pizza, plus other classics like pasta and tiramisu.

Sunday

Waking up at sparrow’s fart will be worth it for your next adventure: a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

The unforgettable hour-long excursion circumnavigates the most scenic hinterland sights. Depending on conditions, you’ll soar over verdant pastures, hip counterculture towns, or the crystalline coastline. In addition, a hearty gourmet breakfast at The Farm tempts the palate upon touchdown.

Spend the morning chasing waterfalls, which cascade all around the Shire. Our top picks are Killen and Minyon Falls, both accessible via a short easy trail. If opting for the latter, make a pit stop at the historic town of Federal to grab an organic cappuccino at Moonshine Roasters.

Your last hinterland meal is at Frida’s Field, a fabulous farm-to-table venue serving a long Sunday lunch. The communal three-hour feast comprises three courses eaten al fresco in the paddock under a shady tree.

On the way home, swing by the legendary Eltham Hotel for a frothy pint (better make it light) or head into Byron Bay to peruse a plethora of chic boutiques.

iconic pub in the Byron Hinterlands — As far as iconic pubs go, it doesn’t get much better than The Eltham.

Let Kiff & Culture Organise an Epic 48 Hours in the Byron Hinterland

Like the sound of this decadent hinterland 48 hour itinerary?

Then let us organise the lot on your behalf. We custom-create tantalising private culinary tours for avid foodies like you. On the other hand, if you’d rather join a public gastronomic adventure, we run scheduled foodie tours in Byron and the Tweed Hinterlands.