It’s hardly like you’ll be itching to leave Byron Bay, but if you’re planning on staying in the Aussie beach town, we’d advise you to take a leaf out of the locals’ book and spend a weekend in Bangalow, NSW, Australia.
Located in the hills of the Northern Rivers, just a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay and within easy reach of the Gold Coast, Bangalow might have small-town vibes, with its traditional wood-fronted buildings and low-rise main street, but you’ll find a burgeoning arts and creative scene bubbling. This is the place to come for a hit of nature by day, cold beers in the evening and a clutch of independent bars and restaurants by night.
But what really defines this place is its people. At Bangalow’s core is a community of peace-seeking, like-minded creatives living in harmony with their natural surroundings. Fresh-out-the-block bars, restaurants and stores are popping up all over, celebrating local talent (and local produce). Bangalow used to be something of a hidden secret – but people are falling for it fast.
Located in the hills of the Northern Rivers, just a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay and within easy reach of the Gold Coast, Bangalow might have small-town vibes, with its traditional wood-fronted buildings and low-rise main street, but you’ll find a burgeoning arts and creative scene bubbling. This is the place to come for a hit of nature by day, cold beers in the evening and a clutch of independent bars and restaurants by night.
But what really defines this place is its people. At Bangalow’s core is a community of peace-seeking, like-minded creatives living in harmony with their natural surroundings. Fresh-out-the-block bars, restaurants and stores are popping up all over, celebrating local talent (and local produce). Bangalow used to be something of a hidden secret – but people are falling for it fast.
Blood, sweat and tears at the Eltham Hotel
Carve out some time to ride horses through the Hinterland with Zephyr Horses, too, and then finish your weekend by taking a 20-minute drive west to the Eltham Hotel, a ramshackle old building that’s been transformed into a pub with rooms. On Sundays, expect live music alongside a menu of chicken schnitzel, flatbreads with seaweed butter, and nuoc cham salad with chicken.
Don’t Miss
Local stores such as woman-led fashion label Rowie, great coffee on the fly from Sparrows, and the striking collection of Aboriginal art and decor at Ninbella gallery.Carve out some time to ride horses through the Hinterland with Zephyr Horses, too, and then finish your weekend by taking a 20-minute drive west to the Eltham Hotel, a ramshackle old building that’s been transformed into a pub with rooms. On Sundays, expect live music alongside a menu of chicken schnitzel, flatbreads with seaweed butter, and nuoc cham salad with chicken.
Sun Ranch
Pick a barn-based room for an off-grid roll in the hay – the Hinterland-gazing properties all feature two bedrooms in Mary Quant-worthy colours, working fireplaces, open-plan kitchens and jaw-dropping panoramic views – or book one of four guest rooms in the Long House for sexy-as-hell 70s hotel vibes. We’re talking blue and orange bathroom colour schemes and acres of tiling.
There are salty margaritas or cold beers on arrival, and you’ll wake to the smell of local coffee brewing. Head down to The Lair for a full ranch breakfast, then fill the day ahead with your pick of yoga, swim, surf or sauna.
Where to stay
Just outside Bangalow, and spread across 22 hectares, Sun Ranch is an offbeat, ultra-chic estate inspired by 1970s Californian ranch houses, with curated interiors that blend Summer of Love nostalgia with Spanish influences.Pick a barn-based room for an off-grid roll in the hay – the Hinterland-gazing properties all feature two bedrooms in Mary Quant-worthy colours, working fireplaces, open-plan kitchens and jaw-dropping panoramic views – or book one of four guest rooms in the Long House for sexy-as-hell 70s hotel vibes. We’re talking blue and orange bathroom colour schemes and acres of tiling.
There are salty margaritas or cold beers on arrival, and you’ll wake to the smell of local coffee brewing. Head down to The Lair for a full ranch breakfast, then fill the day ahead with your pick of yoga, swim, surf or sauna.
Al fresco dining at Woods
For a cosy Italian experience, grab a spot at Ciao, Mate!. Think wood-fired pizza with toppings such as aubergine and vodka tomato sauce and pumpkin pork, changing pasta dishes and small plates of moreish anchovy toast and rich lamb ragù. Finish with a banana cream cannoli and the kitchen’s near-perfect tiramisu.
Where to go for dinner?
Low-key Woods is run by the team behind Byron Bay’s super-popular Folk restaurant. Sip an iced kefir and eat a seared tuna rice bowl with chilli butter under the hanging plants in the peaceful little courtyard.For a cosy Italian experience, grab a spot at Ciao, Mate!. Think wood-fired pizza with toppings such as aubergine and vodka tomato sauce and pumpkin pork, changing pasta dishes and small plates of moreish anchovy toast and rich lamb ragù. Finish with a banana cream cannoli and the kitchen’s near-perfect tiramisu.
And for a drink?
You Beauty pays subtle homage to classic corner pubs: there’s beer on tap – served ice-cold, of course – and food is paired with a small, ever-evolving drinks list featuring both Aussie and international producers. Head over on Sundays to enjoy the oyster happy hour and live music.
The bar at You Beauty, left, and dining options