BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

WRITTEN BY: ALISON BONE

We have an envious summer lifestyle here in the Northern Rivers, but there is still plenty to do once the weather turns chilly. From whale watching to river cruising, to cheeky cabaret and soaking the winter blues away, here’s the lowdown on what to do in the winter.

Welcome to the Humpback Highway, a migratory route that begins in the icy depths of Antarctica then follows the eastern coastline of Australia, ending in the warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. A 10,000-kilometre round trip, this is one of the longest migratory journeys on earth, and here, at the most easterly tip of Australia, is the best place to see the action. Hunted to near extinction, humpback whales have made a remarkable recovery since the 1960s and form the majority of the estimated 30,000 whales – which includes orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales, that will migrate this year. Seeing these magnificent creatures frolic around our picturesque headlands is a truly unforgettable experience. Catch them swimming north to their breeding grounds from May to July, then southbound from September to November, when you will often see females teaching their calves the art of whale behaviour. That means breeching (leaping out of the water) lobtailing (tailslapping) logging (floating on the surface of the water) and spy hopping (poking their heads out of the water). Prime whale watching spots include Cape Byron Lighthouse walking track, Hastings Point, Norries Headland in Cabarita, Skennars Head and Ballina Lighthouse car park. Bring a rug, a picnic and don’t forget your binoculars. Wanting to get even closer? Consider joining a whale watching cruise.

Check wildbyron.com.au or outoftheblueadventures.com

Kiva Spa

SOAK THE WINTER BLUES AWAY

Suffering from the chills? Nothing warms the body and soothes the soul quite like a soak in steaming hot baths. Tucked into lush tropical gardens, brimming with bamboo, heliconia and stone statues, Kiva Spa and Bathhouse provides an enchanted setting for a Balinese-inspired spa journey. Relax in one of four hot magnesium hydrotherapy pools while watching rainbow lorikeets flitter about the palm trees. Keep an eye out too for curious water dragons peeking out from beneath the foliage. Cool down in the plunge pool, before stepping into the atmospheric, amply hot and steamy, hammam-style steam room. Prefer a sauna? The Kiva version is reminiscent of a sweat lodge, complete with the flickering flames of a log fire. Go with a lover, a friend or just take some time out for yourself to relax and reconnect with nature in lovely surrounds. You can also enhance the feel-good effects with a massage – choose from Kahuna, remedial or relaxation.

thekivaspa.com

Tweed Eco Cruises

CRUISE THE TWEED RIVER

A leisurely lunch cruise on the iconic river ferry, The Golden Swan, is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Take a seat on the deck and watch the picturesque scenery unfold as the boat glides along the Tweed River, passing mangroves, cane fields, rolling green farmlands and the dense, prehistoric riparian rainforest of Stotts Island. Interesting commentary from the captain will fill you in on the history, local Indigenous culture, flora and fauna of the region, as well as the local produce served for your lunch. Delicious grazing boards showcase the region’s freshest seafood, smoked chicken, fruit, artisanal cheeses, and antipasto. Local spirits are also on offer so you can wash it all down with a Brookies Slow Gin, a Mojito made with Soltera Rum, or a local beer.

tweedecocruises.com

CELEBRATE THE WRITTEN WORD

How about something more literary? After a two-year hiatus, Byron Writers Festival is back this winter, and promises a three-day celebration of storytelling, big ideas and conversation. What’s new in 2022? A gorgeous new location for starters, with marquees set up amidst the rolling green pastures and coastal forest of North Byron Parklands. 140 guest writers and thinkers will be covering topics from the arts to poetry, memoir, fiction, social issues, and politics, in the form of panels, readings, lectures and performances. Coffee, food, and market stalls will add to the festival vibe, while satellite events will also take place across the region in the evenings. Locals can take advantage of specially priced limited release tickets on sale 30 June.

byronwritersfestival.com

Brunswick Picture House

CHEEKY CABARET

Lift your spirits on a cold winter’s evening with a fun night at the one and only Brunswick Picture House. A true landmark, this iconic site lay closed, forlorn, and fading for thirty years, until it was discovered by the creative team behind world class cabaret La Soiree, and lovingly brought back to life. Reimagined and infused with fun retro flair, Brunswick Picture House now sets the stage for live theatre and music, comedy, films, and kids’ shows. The Cheeky Cabaret runs throughout the year – think circus meets vaudeville with a touch of comedy burlesque – while an ever-evolving cast means no two shows are the same. Arrive early to revel in the retro surrounds and grab a snack, cheese board or coffee from the kiosk.

brunswickpicturehouse.com

Go Sea Kayak

THE BIG BLUE: KAYAK WITH DOLPHINS

Watching the local pod of bottlenose dolphins surf the waves off Wategos is always a thrill, but seeing them up close on a kayak trip, is even better. While it’s cooler out on the water in the winter months (wetsuits are provided), it’s worth braving the cold for the chance to see whales as well. Committed to sustainability, Go Sea Kayak is run by Byron-born Kurt Tutt, a champion lifesaver, who oversees a team of professional guides who are just as passionate about the environment and wildlife as he is. Trips start with a kayak lesson on the beach before heading out into the big blue of Cape Byron Marine Park. The friendly team will share stories about the region, local Aboriginal culture, and marine biology, and know just where to look for dolphins and loggerhead turtles.

goseakayakbyronbay.com.au

MINJUNGBAL ABORIGINAL CENTRE

Interested to know more about the indigenous history of the Northern Rivers? The Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre has a humble yet fascinating museum packed full of artefacts, photographs and pictorial displays that paint a very vivid picture of life and culture for the Tweed’s original inhabitants. Run by the area’s Aboriginal community, you can also browse handcrafted ceramics and paintings by local artists in the small gift shop. Part of the Tweed Heads Historic site, the centre is nestled into a shady grove and makes a peaceful spot for a picnic or barbecue. Make sure to check out the Bora Ring, a sacred ceremonial site used for ancient initiation rites, then follow one of the walking tracks through the trees into Ukerebagh Nature Reserve and the banks of the Tweed River. With patches of littoral rainforest, mangroves, and saltmarsh, the reserve is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds and you may even spot a koala.

minjungbalmuseum.com.au