fact THE file HINTERLAND A ectionately known as the Hinterland, the villages surrounding Ballina provide the opportunity to meander peaceful country roads and ll your picnic basket with fresh local delights direct from the farm gate stalls. WANT TO SEE MORE? Take Tourist Drive 30 to discover one of the best coastlines in Australia ST drive TOURI28 REMINISCENT OF THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE, ON THIS DRIVE Ballina Visitor Information Centre 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week "YOU WILL FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL AROUND EVERY CORNER Cnr of River St & Las Balsas Plaza Ballina NSW 2478 FROM A WORKING FARM, CHARMING HISTORIC VILLAGES, TO [email protected] | 1800 777 666 peacefulexplore country roads ' ARTIST STUDIOS, DIVINE CAFES AND QUAINT B&B S." as you discover hidden gems MULLUMBIMBY TO WARDELL 70KMS Mullumbimby TOURIST DRIVE 28 hinterland drive Enjoy a change of pace and discover the charm of the Ballina & Byron hinterland. This stunning drive Byron Bay is reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside where you will nd something special around every corner from a working farm, charming historic Su olk Park villages, artist studios, plenty of divine cafes and quaint B&B’s. Bangalow Fill your basket with fresh local produce from one Broken Head of the many roadside stalls along the way. If Newrybar National Parks with rainforest and waterfalls also appeal to you, then this scenic drive o ers so much to see and do. Knockrow Allow at least six hours to experience the array of attractions along this 70km tourist drive however a full day is suggested. The o cial attractions are Lennox Head fact indicated by the white on brown tourist drive Tintenbar FRESH signage, other attractions with the symbol are file Visitor Centre recommendations. PRODUCE Ballina & Byron’s hinterland enjoys Alstonville rich, fertile farmlands and an idyllic Ballina climate, where the natural produce is second to none. This abundance is showcased in many of the award-winning cafés and restaurants. Dotted throughout the hinterland you will also nd great general stores and quirky antique shops to pop into and say hello to the Wardell friendly, welcoming locals. Look up and Independently Find your Zen Discover Cuddle a Feed your Visit The Watts Kids love Ancient then look owned speciality at Crystal Australia’s oldest wombat, feed a soul & ll your Alstonville’s Cottage Museum running through rainforest in 10 down at stores, antique Castle and bakery in kangaroo, chill basket with federation style at Summerland the waterpark, Victoria Park THINGS Minyon Falls, a & boutique Shambhala Newrybar and with a reptile, or fresh Main Street for House Farm playing mini golf Nature Reserve is home to parts 100m plunge shops o er Gardens to indulge in a enjoy a co ee seasonal curios and recognises the and touring on you waterfall in the unique gift ideas improve your mouth-watering and famous produce from collectables founder’s battle the tractor at of the last seemustdo Nightcap and quirky treats wellbeing spread of pancakes at The a farmers to create equal Summerland remaining & National Park all with pastries, fresh Macadamia market or opportunities for House Farm remnants of the personalised from the historic Castle roadside stall people with a Big Scrub customer service wood red oven disability rainforest SCARABELLOTI’S LOOKOUT ALSTONVILLE ST drive TOURI Return to the Hinterland Way via Coolamon Scenic Drive Alstonville (Main Street, Alstonville) is an Aladdin’s cave for (27kms), turn left and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree view curio hunters and culture bu s, with its historic buildings, classic encapsulating the Byron Lighthouse, Mt Chincogan, Mt Warning Australian federation architecture, antique shops, galleries and and green pastures from Scarabelloti’s Lookout (Coolamon cafes. Throughout the surrounding plateau are subtropical parks Scenic Drive, McLeods Shoot). and gardens with the iconic Tibouchina blossoms showing 28 their brilliant display of violet purple owers in late summer BANGALOW and autumn. The drive between Tintenbar through Teven to Alstonville is 9kms. Continue along Hinterland Way for 6kms until you reach the Bangalow exit. A detour o the o cial Tourist Drive will take you peacefulexplore country roads SUMMERLAND HOUSE FARM to the township of Bangalow (Byron St, Bangalow). Here you as you discover hidden gems can enjoy some retail therapy and sample the delicious local Learn about our regional produce at Summerland House produce at one of the award winning eateries. Bangalow is one Farm (253 Wardell Rd, Alstonville), a working macadamia and of those country gems. A picturesque, largely nineteenth-century avocado plantation set in the hills of the Alstonville Plateau. MULLUMBIMBY streetscape of tall verandahed buildings, shady trees and quiet The farm has a Tractor Farm Tour, Mini Golf, Water Park and parks. Children’s Playground. ‘The Grocer’ a regional food showcase, Take the Mullumbimby exit o the Paci c Highway at Gulgan Cafe, Nursery, Gift Shop and Museum. If you are visiting the Road, heading for the town centre of Australia’s ‘biggest NEWRYBAR area, Summerland House Farm is a ‘must do’ experience and little town’. The town lies at the foot of Mt Chincogan in the a memorable, inspiring organisation. The licenced café is Brunswick Valley. Take in the street vibe and experience the Take the time to explore the popular historic village of Newrybar known for their High Teas! The property is a 3km journey from music from one of the many buskers. (Old Paci c Hwy, Newrybar), lled with old world charm, Alstonville’s Main Street via Wardell Road. antiques and artisan shopping. It’s a quaint hamlet village nestled CRYSTAL CASTLE & SHAMBHALA GARDENS in the hinterland above Lennox Head and home to Australia’s VICTORIA PARK NATURE RESERVE oldest bakery that incorporates a well-known eatery and deli. To get to Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens (81 Monet Drive, Newrybar is 6kms south of Bangalow along the Hinterland Way. Escape to Victoria Park Nature Reserve (Victoria Park Road, Mullumbimby) follow the tourist drive signs for 8.3kms along Dalwood), one of the last remnants of the Big Scrub, the Coolamon Scenic Drive. Walk amongst the gods in the stunning THE MACADAMIA CASTLE rainforest prominent to the natural landscape of the Northern gardens and rainforest. Touch the World Peace Stupa, nd Rivers region, and walk the short 300m boardwalk to see over yourself in an ancient labyrinth, and indulge in delicious food Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife and reptiles 150 species of trees including White Booyongs, Red Beans, and local co ee while enjoying the magni cent views over the at The Macadamia Castle (419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow) and Morton Bay Figs and the extremely rare jointed Baloghia. It’s a hinterland. The Crystal Castle is a must visit for those seeking a enjoy the live interactive shows and the opportunity to pat 7km journey from Summerland House Farm to Victoria Park via health and wellbeing experience. and hold the animals. Sample the range of fresh hot roasted Dalwood. macadamia nuts and be sure to order their famous pancakes MINYON FALLS topped with nuts and ice-cream. The Macadamia Castle is 3.5kms The drive, 13kms from Victoria Park to Wardell, takes in south of Newrybar along the Hinterland Way. spectacular rural vistas as it rises to the top of the Alstonville Minyon Falls (Minyon Falls Road, Nightcap National Park, Plateau along Wardell Road. Repentance Creek) (16kms via Goonenary) is a plunge waterfall TINTENBAR AND TEVEN descending more than 100 metres over the huge rhyolite cli s WARDELL which were once part of the Tweed Volcano. The large viewing Drive from The Macadamia Castle to Tintenbar (Tintenbar platform, o ering views down to the base of the falls, is easily Road, Tintenbar) (6.8kms) and Teven a further 3.5kms, stopping Upstream on the Richmond River, the river village accessible from the carpark. There are picnic tables to sit and at the roadside stalls to stock up on farm fresh produce. From of Wardell (Richmond Street, Wardell) boasts historic timber enjoy the surroundings and a range of short to medium length Tintenbar, detouring o Tourist Drive 28 to the north along Friday buildings including Mayley House (1910) and other 20th century tracks for the experienced walker so you can access the base of Hut Road will allow you to explore Killen waterfalls, constructions. Grab a freshly baked bulging top pie from the the waterfall. Please note this is a 27km detour from the o cial a ceramic studio, and picturesque plantations. The extra 18km local pie store, wander over to the jetty and admire the historic Tourist Drive but well worth the time. loop will bring you through Brooklet and Fernleigh before Wardell Lift Span Bridge. returning to Tintenbar. Download a copy of the self-guided Wardell Walkabout Heritage Trail from discoverballina.com. This is the end point of your hinterland discovery via the signposted Tourist Drive 28. However the drive to South Ballina over the Lift Span Bridge and along the Richmond River, before taking the Burns Point Vehicle Ferry back to Ballina is a highly recommended scenic journey. It is recommended that you contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre to plan your accommodation and additional local itineraries..