the villages

Dotted throughout the rolling green hills of the region are tiny, postcard-perfect villages just waiting to be explored. Each village has its own character and charms, with antique and curio shops, galleries, teahouses and cafés.

Enjoy a coffee, cool drink or tasty meal at the friendly pubs and cafes along the way. Explore village galleries, artists’ studios, markets, curio shops and nurseries and soak up the timeless tranquillity of rural village life.

These villages have a timeless serenity that is deeply relaxing. A day trip through the hills is a delightful way to absorb the atmosphere of the region, or why not base yourself in a tranquil hinterland retreat and spend a few days meandering through the lush countryside? Stroll through pristine rainforest, visit local markets or just hide out in the hills with a good book! There’s no better way to relax and rejuvenate far from the bustle of the city and coast.

the villages

bexhill

The panoramic view from the Open Air Cathedral makes it a popular spot for outdoor weddings or just a quiet place to sit and ponder. Bexhill’s tiny church is renowned for its outstanding organ with recitals sometimes attracting organists from Sydney and Brisbane.  (more)

the villages

clunes

Once a staging post on the Lismore to Bangalow Road, Clunes is said to be the birthplace of the area’s dairy industry. Whilst the village is named after a pioneering engineer called Robert Mortimer Clunes, it is fitting that Clunes is a Gaelic word for “pleasant place”. Clunes has beautiful examples of North Coast federation houses and some early Australian church architecture. (more)

the villages

dunoon

Surrounded by endless rows of macadamia plantations, it’s not hard to see why the village of Dunoon is known as the Macadamia Capital of Australia. Dunoon is also the gateway to Rocky Creek Dam, the major source of the region’s drinking water and one of the most beautiful picnic and barbeque spots around. (more)

the villages

eltham

Just off the Lismore to Bangalow Road, between Bexhill and Clunes, the historic railway village of Eltham is nestled in a lush and picturesque valley. Hire the local court for a game of tennis then pop across the road for a refreshing ale at the Eltham Hotel. The Hotel provides bespoke accommodation options and hosts frequent live music and performance nights. The bistro serves mouth-watering Australian cuisine and provides visitors with real country hospitality.

the villages

rosebank

On the edge of the rainforest, the tiny hamlet of Rosebank is dotted with macadamia and coffee plantations and home to Rosebank Gold, the very first coffee plantation in the region. Make sure your visit includes a trip to Minyon Falls at the eastern edge of the Nightcap National Park (more)

the villages

the channon

The Channon is a short drive from Nimbin and home to the original North Coast craft market, established in 1976! Over 45 years on, their “make it, bake it or grow it” philosophy still holds firm and on the second Sunday of each month, up to 10,000 people pour into the village to enjoy wonderful home-made cuisine and hand-crafted goods, be entertained by buskers and to soak up the colour and energy of this bold and funky market. With up to 250 stalls, the market is one of the biggest and most popular in regional NSW. (more)

the villages

wyrallah

Downstream from Lismore on the Wilsons River’s meandering journey towards the sea, the village of Wyrallah was once a bustling river port. Just south of the village, stop off at the Aboriginal Bora Ring at the back of the Tucki Tucki Cemetery, a sacred ceremonial site for the Bundjalung tribes of the region estimated to be at least three centuries old.  (more)

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