Locale Magazine NR #6

THE BLIND SURFER

Meet world champion Matt Formston

DYNAMIC DUO

Danni Carr & Ash Grunwald are telling

LISMORE

Open hearts and hands

THE UNDISCOVERED GEM OF MAVIS KITCHEN

NORTHERN RIVERS

WEAR YOUR ART ON YOUR SLEEVE Tattoo beauty and ritual

Italian with a coastal twist

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Happy New Year dear readers from near and far.

After a tumultuous 2022 we thought we all needed a little inspiration, so we are bringing you some beautiful and inspiring stories from the region to kick off 2023.

Don’t miss reading the incredible feature on Matt Formston – Paralympic cycling gold medalist, 3 x world surfing champion, and recent Winner of Surfing Australia’s Heavy Water Championship. He is amazing, and did I mention - legally blind! Locale had the privilege of speaking to Matt about his mind-blowing new film ‘The Blind Sea’ and the power of untapping one’s potential by saying I CAN.

We also speak to powerhouse husband and wife duo Danni Carr and Ash Grunwald, who are taking the region by storm separately - in the Podcast and Music scenes respectively - and together, in raising awareness for the transformative benefits of sobriety.

One year on from the devastating floods we revisit Lismore, a town of resilience and survival. We discover a community that has reinvented itself in the face of adversity, and that is as committed as ever to rebuild and reinvigorate the place they call home.

We also uncover some local magic at the iconic Mavis Kitchen – with a talented new Head Chef and a passionate General Manager who together are bringing the gastronomic ‘wow- factor’ to the Northern Rivers.

It’s also that time of the year where we get to party at one of our favourite festivals. The annual Byron Bay Bluesfest is back on with an epic line-up of local and international talent. Held over the Easter long weekend on the recently rejuvenated Tyagarah site, it will be the first time since 2019 that a fully international festival experience will be presented. We can’t wait!

And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fabulous stories about this place we love.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram @locale_magazine to keep up to date with all the latest happenings around our area — we’re all about Living like a Local!

Enjoy the Locale love!

Publisher / Creative Director

Karen Kinnersly

Editor

Donna Rishton-Potter

Graphic Design

Karen Kinnersly

Contributing Feature Writers

Donna Rishton-Potter | Alison Bone

Kylie Mitchell-Smith | Katelyn Rew Will Smith

Contributing Photographers

Marissa Mills

Cover Photography

Marissa Mills

Cover Image Location

Mavis Kitchen & Cabins

Printing Fast Proof Press

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For all advertising enquiries email hello@localemagazine.com.au

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Locale acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.

Open Thursday to Sunday.

Kalm Springs is an indulgent seaside sanctuary providing premium floatation, sensory deprivation therapy, private infrared saunas, ice bath and our relaxing LED Light lounge at the beautiful Casuarina, in Northern NSW.

Recovery memberships available.

We invite you to unwind in our warm and spacious private float and infrared sauna rooms. Let this be your time to recover, heal and exhale.

Perched on the banks of the Tweed River on Bundjalung Country in Murwillumbah, resides the award winning bistro, the Tweed River House. Savour our prix fixe menus, enjoying panoramic views om the River Verandah, or in the elegant Dining Room under pressed tin ceilings. For a drink or light bite try the riverside Lawn Bar.

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Contents

Features

8 THE MAGIC OF MAVIS

When country hospitality meets gastronomic genius –this is one gem not to leave undiscovered

12 THE BLIND SEA

The incredible story of world surfing champion Matt Formston, and the day he rode Nazaré – blind!

Discover

16 FOR THE LOVE OF LISMORE

The open-hearted community - connected, proud and standing tall one year on from the floods

20 LOOKING PALE

We’ve found you the coolest brews for those days’ refreshment is required

Dine

28 LA DOLCE VITA

Life is sweet when Italian is on the menu

32 CAFÉ CULTURE

From flakey pastries to wholesome bowls of goodness –your local cafés are bringing the good vibes

Shop

44 LET THERE BE STYLE

Hit the refresh button with some interior inspiration this season

Escape

50 PURE ESCAPISM

From sumptuous hotel boudoirs to enchanting coastal abodes, these gorgeous guesthouses will inspire you to plan your escape

54 STAY & PLAY OR RUN AWAY

Travelling Senorita spills the tea on the best places to eat, stay and play - here, there and everywhere

The Arts

56 TELL IT LIKE IT IS

Ash Grunwald has hit the ground running and has big plans for 2023

58 WEAR YOUR ART ON YOUR SLEEVE

The talented women making their mark in the tattoo industry

THE MAGIC OF MAVIS

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

Image credit Marissa Mills

The stately white Queenslander takes pride of place at the base of the sacred mountain of Wollumbin, Mt Warning and exudes all the feels of the Tweed Valley. Formerly the historic house was the well-known and much-loved Harley Street Brasserie in Labrador on the Northern Gold Coast.

The then owners Peter Clarke and Charlie Ebell happened upon a tree change in the Northern Rivers and quite literally took the house with them - Mavis’s is named after Charlie’s 100 plus year-old mother. There’s many a tale of the larger-than-life house (cut into three pieces) being transported down the Gold Coast Highway - to be reassembled on the sprawling 25-acre property.

Mavis has found her final resting place in the Northern Rivers and has grown into the award-winning Mavis’s Kitchen & Cabins – with ecofriendly B&B accommodation that are tastefully dotted around the property. Celebrating over 15 years of good times and good food, Peter and Charlie lovingly handed the keys over to the current owners Tindal Magnus and Sam McCormack in 2021.

Committed to preserving the historic gem, Tindal and Sam are doing what Mavis’s has always done, working with the community of farmers and producers along the way and making it a priority to nurture the close-knit team they inherited to ensure both the business and property sustain into the future.

As you take the long winding road out to Wollumbin Mt Warning and drive across the narrow, rickety bridge that adorns the flowing creek, you get a sense of the sacredness of this land -Bundjalung Country.

The farm gates open onto a French-style pathway that leads through the organic vegetable and herb garden, up the historic stairs into Mavis’s house. Reminisce of a Jane Austin novel the manor overlooks rolling green pastures with dreamy mountain views as the backdrop.

Mavis’s is like taking a day trip back in time, with friendly old-fashioned service and a classic country style menu - with a contemporary twist. From the moment you enter the picturesque property you are taken on a journey, an authentic paddockto-plate journey, where time literally stands still.

Long-lunching Mavis’s style includes a seat in the stunning house and a meander through the property’s abundant market garden, so leave plenty of time to wander the land at your leisure. Choose from a sumptuous weekend breakfast, a lunchtime feast overlooking the spectacular gardens, or a dusk dinner cooked on the open fire as the sun sets over the majestic Wollumbin mountain. General Manager and former Head Chef Clive Bailey lives and breathes the property and ensures that each guest feels like they are more than welcome to stay awhile - it’s all about the laidback vibe and visitors enjoying the fruits of his team’s labour.

There’s something about Mavis Kitchen, it feels like you’ve come home to a warm embrace from a loving grandparent.

Image credit Marissa Mills

Image credit Marissa Mills

“We work as a team to ensure that we deliver on good service, a warm ambience and high-quality food. It’s a special place out here and we want everybody to enjoy it.” Clive said.

Mavis’s Kitchen recently engaged a new and talented Head Chef Simon Liljeqvist to elevate the restaurant’s food offering, which has proven to be successful.

Breakfast is served across the weekend with crowd favourites like the Scrambled Eggs, Urliup Mushrooms and Wattleseed Chilli Crisps or for a sweeter palette try Mavis’s delectable House-Made Devonshire Tea.

The à la carte lunch menu is threaded with local produce that is native to the Northern Rivers such as Coal Grilled King Prawns with Ginger, Lime, Curry Leaves & Barley Koji, and Drake Creek Duck Breast with Cherries, Cabbage, and Duck Jusyou simply can’t go past Mavis’s Famous Pavlova to finish.

Dinner is served Saturday nights and is a showcase of the kitchen garden, with a curated tasting menu inspired by the local indigenous culture. From the mouthwatering Kangaroo Tartare with Bunya Nut Miso to a Woodfire Grilled Barramundi paired with a tasty Bottlebrush Spritz to finish.

There’s an eco- cabin to suit all styles and budgets, from the original old dairy and farmhouse to a secluded cabin perched high above the property with sublime views of Wollumbin, surrounded by world heritage rainforest it’s no wonder the focus here is on sustainability.

Rich in character, The Old Dairy is adjacent

to the restaurant and is the ideal place for a romantic weekend away or good times with the girls or boys. The intimate and cosy Log Cabin is tucked further up the garden path and could be straight out of a scene from Yellowstone, whilst the sprawling Farmhouse takes pride of place on the property and spans two levels, perfect for family gatherings and group bookings.

Take the long winding road atop of the hill behind Mavis’s and you’ll discover the Secret Cabin, rustic in design with an expansive deck and direct views onto the mountain. The ideal lovers retreat, decked out for newlyweds or that special occasion. Meals from Mavis’s Kitchen can be delivered to your cabin door, the perfect place to switch off on your escape to the country. Venture down to the restaurant where you can explore the grounds along the way and help yourself to the organic fruit and vegetables growing in the garden - dogs are also welcome.

Stay awhile and enjoy all the Tweed Valley has to offer, visit the quaint village of Uki, a hop, skip up the road where all your coffee and pie dreams come true. On your way home visit the art deco town of Murwullimbah with a plethora of local artisans and eateries to entice.

maviseskitchen.com.au

Image credit Marissa Mills

MEET EXECUTIVE CHEF SIMON LILJEQVIST

Simon began his gastronomic journey as a 19-year-old when he was sent to Peru by his parents to work in an earthquake recovery zone. He quickly found himself wanting to be in the kitchen where he learnt how to use the natural food bowl surrounds to feed the masses of workers and locals affected by the natural disaster.

Continuing his travels he trained and honed his skills across the globe, including a stint in Europe and Asia. He has worked alongside renowned Michelin Star Chefs in London, Toronto, Sydney and Brisbane.

With a Scandinavian background, Simon adds an adventurous flair to classic dishes and fuses them beautifully with local ingredients. You’ll often find Simon fossicking in the garden, and taste-testing native plants such as Bottlebrush, to create mouth-watering and oft mind-blowing flavours for his fresh and seasonal, garden menu.

Simon brings a truly unique creative flair to Mavis Kitchen, curating a menu that captures the essence of the natural surrounds - Bundjalung Country.

THE ONE AND ONLY MATT FORMSTON

WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

It takes a special kind of surfer to tackle the mega waves of Portugal’s Nazaré, but to do it legally blind is next level. Meet Lennox Head’s Matt Formston, Paralympic cycling gold medalist, 3 x world surfing champion, and winner of Surfing Australia’s Heavy Water Award 2022. Premiering later this year, the film, The Blind Sea tells Matt’s incredible story in the lead up to surfing one of the biggest waves on the planet, sight unseen.

Matt Formston arrives at our meeting in a Lennox beachfront café in typical Matt style – on a customised bike. He may be legally blind, but that hasn’t stopped him from doing everything he’s set his mind to. And this is a guy who dreams big. Forever pushing boundaries, Matt is driven by his curiosity about what’s possible. The way he tells it, disability or not you can achieve anything if you want it badly enough.

Matt lost 95% of his vision to macular dystrophy at just five years old. Doctors and teachers said he would never be able to play sport or have career aspirations. He and his parents saw things differently, and like many kids growing up in Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, he was soon on a bodyboard. With his dad guiding him onto the waves, he learned to feel the ocean and by the age of 11 he was standing up. He took up skating and rugby too, and went on to become a Paralympian, World Record holder and World Cup Gold Medalist in Tandem Cycling. And when the ISA introduced the World Para Surfing Championship in 2015, he won that three times.

A true celebration of the human spirit, The Blind Sea follows him and big wave legend Dylan Longbottom, as they prepare to take on Nazaré, the biggest wave ever surfed by a blind person.

Hi Matt, let’s start with Lennox. You moved here with your wife and three kids in 2020, what are you loving about living here?

Lennox is a great blend of small town and small community. It’s easy to get around and access everything with a disability, and the support of the local surf community has been unbelievable. And it’s great for the kids, there’s not many suburbs in Australia where you can surf in the morning then ride bikes to school and pat horses along the way, while still having access to everything. Your story is incredibly inspiring - was there a catalyst, a moment when you were like ‘nothing is going to hold me back’?

I think I’ve just always been like that. My parents instilled in me this mindset that there’s no reason you can’t do anything. They were like, if you want to do something, we will find a way. I’m the same with my own kids, we don’t use the word ‘can’t.’ I would rather they use the other ‘c’ word – that’s rude, but ‘can’t’ is soul destroying, it will ruin your life. It all comes down to personal choice, either you choose not to do something because you don’t have enough time, capacity, or energy for it, or you choose to do it and then you find a way.

As a kid I was always climbing the highest trees. I couldn’t see the ground so I was never afraid. In a way, that became a metaphor for my life. When I surf a fifty-foot wave I am like, that was easy, now let’s go bigger.

So, Nazaré, it’s a monster of a wave, one that most sighted surfers don’t have the guts to take on. Can you talk us through it?

When I paddle out to a wave, the boys need to talk me into the right position, whereas when I get a tow on a jet ski, they can take me straight into the right place. Then I just feel my way in, like we all do. Sighted people always ask me “how do you surf?” but most surfers have stayed out after dark when its pumping, that’s just how I do it every day. And if I get a hold down, it’s the same for me as it is for everyone else. I train to a crazy level, my body is strong, and I can do a five minute 40 second breath hold, which is longer than most of the big wave surfers I know.

I think a lot of people get in their own head with the visual, and that creates a barrier for them. Whereas I don’t have that barrier. I am more interested in knowing how many people have surfed there, how big the waves are, what’s the actual risk, who’s my safety team? By examining the data, I knew it would be ok. Plus, I can take a belting, I was prepared for that.

Matt Formston, Michael Crisp, Daniel Fenech, Sam Bloom and Chris Bland

And once you were out there, were you scared?

I was fine. The guys in my team were freaking out though, and I was like, it’s not that big. And they were like, it’s massive! And I was like, is it? Then I caught a couple of fifty footers and had the best time of my life. I loved the speed of it. When I let go of the rope, I was doing about 65km an hour, and then it got faster. I can’t drive a fast car, and snowboarding is super sketchy because of trees, whereas if I fall off a surf board, it’s just water. And it’s not like I just suddenly went from six footers to fifty footers, I’d prepared for it and built up to it for years.

What was your main take away from surfing Nazaré?

When I was coming back on the jet ski, I had this incredible sense of I CAN! Ever since I was a kid, people have been saying “you can’t”. When we got to Nazaré, there were a lot of morbid comments. People were saying this is crazy, they’re going to kill the blind guy. But then once they saw me on the waves, the word around town was that I surfed Nazaré better than most sighted people. I was surfing by feel, and feeling a real connection with the ocean, and it was just beautiful. I love doing things with people too, so I was with my team, and they were looking out for me, and the whole experience was so beautiful.

Would you say surfing is a metaphor for life?

For me surfing is about respect. You earn respect in the ocean by building capacity, but also by building respect and trust in yourself, your team, and your community. I really believe in energy and if you disrespect the ocean and go out on waves that you haven’t built capacity for, it will teach you a lesson. One of the problems I think with social media, is that people see people doing things, like a blind guy surfing a fifty-foot wave and they’re like if he can do it, I can do it, but they don’t see the decades of work and preparation that have gone into it.

Do you think your lack of sight has given you an advantage in the surf?

Yes definitely. I am always 100% present with the wave and feeling what’s happening. The wave talks to me. As I go to do a turn, I am feeling what’s happening with my front foot, it becomes my cane. Whereas seeing the wave can predetermine what you’re going to do with it, and then you lose that connection. I have surfed all my life and I just love it. I don’t have to be ripping big waves, I can surf one-foot waves with the kids and have the time of my life, it’s an energy thing.

So, what did you enjoy most about making The Blind Sea and what was your goal with the film?

Even though it’s a documentary about my life, I got to bring all my friends into it, and filming meant having time together which was great. I think people will say that the film will inspire the disabled community, but I’m more interested in inspiring the wider community. I feel like a lot of people are pretty lazy, the untapped potential of humanity is massive. I’ve done the work to get all the achievements I have in life, and I want to be able to inspire others to do the same – it goes back to what we were talking about earlier about making those choices.

So yeah, I guess my goal for both the film and the book, Matt Formston: Surfing in the Dark which will be out in March (in both braille and conventional text), would be to help people untap their potential to set new world records or create new products that set a better platform for the future of the world. I mean, we all need motivation. Wherever I can find places where I feel like my energy will move the needle significantly in the world, that’s where I will put my energy.

The Blind Sea will premiere later this year. For more details check theblindsea.com.au and follow Matt at mattformston.com and @mattformston.

Matt surfing Nazaré

IN AND AROUND LISMORE TOWN

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MTCHELL-SMITH

Taking a daytrip from the Tweed Coast inland to Lismore, we found there is more to this big-hearted country town than meets the eye. Centrally located, it’s the home of a thriving arts community, agritourism experiences, nature-based activities and education facilities that service the Northern Rivers and surrounds.

After a couple of challenging years and in typical regional Australia style, Lismore is slowly but surely bouncing back with gusto. The town is undergoing infrastructure works, urban planning and sustainable design practices to ensure the community can thrive into the future.

Heading 45 minutes south from the border we take the exit to Bangalow and follow the signs to Lismore. A pit stop at Clunes is on the cards, to visit the iconic Clunes General Store (a must) where we grab their specialty brewed coffee and baked goods to go. The store is bursting with fresh produce and local artisan goods and has an impressive natural wine selection.

The town of Lismore is about 30 minutes from Clunes, it’s a leisurely country drive, we take a detour about 15 minutes off the main road to dip in the majestic waterfalls at Dunoon along the way. Hot tip, on your drive back, stop off at the charming Eltham Hotel - located in the one-horse town of Eltham about 15 minutes off the main road - with its old-school facade, plush bedroom suites, classic dining hall and quirky beer garden.

As we drive down the picturesque hill into the town of Lismore, we spot the Trinity College grounds and stunning historical building that was decimated in the relentless floods of 2022. The school has been around for 136 years and is committed to returning one day - they are currently sharing campuses between Southern Cross University and Woodburn.

We head to the cultural heartbeat of the town, to visit the popular Lismore Regional Gallery, located on the banks of the Wilson River with picturesque views of the hinterland and beyond. The Gallery forms part of the Lismore Quadrangle precinct that includes the Lismore Library and Conservatorium of Music.

The gallery hosts a myriad of local and touring exhibitions, including artist talks, children’s workshops, film, music and sound art projects. Lismore City Council and Lismore Arts Council jointly oversee the gallery to ensure it’s a public space for the people.

That’s the thing about Lismore, its history runs deep through the surrounding rivers

Clunes Store

Wilson River Bridge

and mountains, Bundjalung Country. The community is connected, proud and resilient, and we can feel the collective pride as we wander the characterfilled streets.

Lismore is renowned for its eclectic cafés and plethora of artists with studios dotted around the place, such as Art Aspects Gallery and a colourful street art display, literally in an alleyway at The Back Alley Gallery. The Garden Plate, Benchtop Espresso and Dragonfly Café, are all about good coffee and sourcing and showcasing local produce.

There’s a quirky pop-up pie van that’s as iconic to Lismore as peas and mash are to pies, along with Henry’s Bakery Café and Southside Hot Bread for all your bakery needs. The town hosts regular weekly markets including an organic market, farmers market and fresh produce market.

The laneways are adorned with colourful local street art and artisans’ wares can be found in the array of galleries and homewares shops that line the Main Street. There is a selection of global restaurants to choose from, like La Barraca Italian, Masala Fusion Indian and Banzai Japanese, with a Mandarin Palace thrown in for good measure. (What’s an Australian Country town without a Chinese takeaway!)

Two Mates Brewing is the place for craft beer, food trucks and a rocking line-up of live music along with a couple of mandatory and historical corner country pubs. From glass blowers, potters, and woodworkers to NORPA’s nationally acclaimed productions, Lismore is home to an active community of creatives, positioning itself as the creative hub of the Northern Rivers.

The town hosts an annual lantern festival held by the Community Lantern Project; the Lismore Lantern Parade has been going strong for 27 years. More recently

with a few bumps and bruises along the way, it continues to shine bright and bring people together. A collaboration between artists and community, the iconic event has travelled as far as the Woodford Folk Festival on the Sunshine Coast and is indicative of the abundance of creativity that is at the heart of this region. A short drive out of town and you’ll discover the unique and alternative town of Nimbin, well known for its openminded ways, it’s well worth a visit. The historical building facades are filled with rainbow flags and Nimbin Herbs, along with a local’s pub, and a number of quirky eateries and cafés.

The laidback and colourful community of Lismore has reinvented itself in the face of adversity and is working together, toward a more sustainable future. There is still a lot more to do, and the best way we can think of to help is to visit the town and pledge your support at one of the local businesses – out-of-towners are more than welcome.

The country charm is alive and well in Lismore, we discovered a connected and creative community that is committed to rebuild and re-invigorate the place they call home, with open heart and arms for both locals and visitors alike.

Take a day trip to Lismore and explore the beauty of the town’s natural surrounds, visiting quaint villages along the way.

It’s the ideal place to savour all the Northern Rivers region has to offer.

Get to know Lismore a little bit more, a charming country town with an extra big, beating heart. From the eclectic galleries to the food producers and artisans with an array of global eats, cafes and markets to wander.

There’s plenty to do on day trip in and around Lismore town. visitlismore.com.au

La Baracca

Minyon Falls

Flow - NORPA. Image Credit Katie Holmes

Love For One Night, a NORPA production at the Eltham Hotel. Image Credit Kurt Petersen Benchtop Espresso

EXPLORE THE NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be a game changer for the region, providing a scenic and enjoyable way for locals and tourists to immerse in the destination. The Rail Trail will begin at the Tweed and meander through picturesque rural landscapes to Byron Bay and beyond - offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the whole destination.

Stretching for 132kms and designed as a shared recreational and nature trail for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, The Rail Trail will weave through the towns and villages of four local councils - connecting the Tweed Valley with Byron Shire, Lismore, and Casino - providing access for visitors to interact with the Northern Rivers along the way.

A celebration of Aboriginal culture, local history and rail heritage, The Northern Rivers Rail Trail was created with all ages and fitness levels in mind, to encourage people to immerse in the great outdoors. The trail will be fully accessible, with a smooth and level surface, making it suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and mobility scooters.

An ideal re-use of a disused space, The Rail Trail offers a sustainable option to exploring the area whilst providing social, cultural, and economic development to the destination. The Rail Trail intends to boost the local economy and will be an ideal way for people to spend time together, with plenty of picnic spots and rest areas dotted along the way.

An array of businesses will benefit from the increased visitation to the area, with thousands expected to explore the trail each year. The Rail Trail will wind through some of the most spectacular countryside in Australia, promoting scenic towns and villages along the way

- a showcase of all the Northern Rivers has to offer.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail will offer exciting new business opportunities from coffee vans, food trucks and paddockto-plate experiences to horse riding, brewery tours and arts and craft stallstransforming a former rail corridor into the region’s newest must-do visitor experience. Construction for the Tweed section is underway and includes the first 24-kilometre leg of the trail from Murwullimbah to Crabbes Creek. Featuring 7 historic station sites, 26 bridges and 2 tunnels – including Burringbar Tunnel, one of NSW’s longest train tunnels at 500mtrs. All up, the 132-kilometre trail will be delivered in four stages, with plans afoot to open South Lismore to Bentley and Eltham to Lismore as soon as possible.

Joining forces with other local councils provides the opportunity to promote the Northern Rivers as a leading naturebased destination, taking a muchloved area of Australia to the world. Rail trails have proved popular across the globe, in countries such as New Zealand, and landmark a region as a must-see destination.

What better place to launch a rail trail than the Northern Rivers with its stunning scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Rail Trail is the ideal way to explore the region on bike or

foot, so follow the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Instagram page @northernriversrailtrail for live updates. Stay tuned for the official opening of the Tweed section scheduled for 1st March 2023. For all other information visit northernriversrailtrail.com.au

COOL BREWS

WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

We have some fabulous craft breweries in our midst, each uniquely inspired by the landscape and spirit of the region. From the rich red farmlands of the Tweed Valley to the scenic hinterland of Bangalow to Byron’s Arts and Industry Estate, here’s where to discover a refreshing taste of the Northern Rivers.

Common People Brewing BANGALOW

The name says it all. Created by Northern Rivers locals this is beer designed by the people for the people. Exposed brick walls and wood furniture create a warm and inviting taproom surrounded by gleaming stainless steel brew tanks. If you prefer an al fresco setting, take a seat in the beer garden flanked by palm trees. Eight beers are always on tap, alongside innovative limited edition special batch brews. All pair perfectly with Neapolitan style woodfired pizzas, salads and share plates made from ingredients sourced from the local farmers market. Beautiful artwork on the cans capture the beaches, river and hinterland that serve as inspiration to the brew team. The Protesters IPA is a must-try, an intense zesty brew with tropical notes that pays homage to those that fought to protect nearby Protester Falls from logging in 1979. Not a beer lover? No problem, Common People also has a thoughtful wine list curated from Australian biodynamic and certified organic wineries. Plus, a courtesy bus is available for groups, so that nobody has to be the designated driver. commonpeoplebrewing.com

Stone & Wood

BYRON

BAY

Inspired by the idea of a village brewery, Stone & Wood started life in a small shed in 2008, the creation of three friends united by a passion for good beer and a desire to create a conscious business. In 2016 it became the first brewery in Australia to be certified B-Corp and now has 31 tanks housed in a soaring, purpose-built brewery and tasting room in Byron’s Art and Industry Estate. Join a tour for a full brewery immersion and guided tasting session, or just pull up a seat in the tasting room or sunny garden and get sampling. The core range includes The Original Pacific Ale – inspired by the sparkling ocean, Green Coast Lager – an ode to the lush hinterland, and Cloud Catcher - named for majestical Wollumbin (Mount Warning). And if you are feeling adventurous, treat yourself to a limited release from the Counter Culture series – think Imperial Yuzu Witbier. Beer tasting is hungry work so there is plenty to graze on, from Loaded Fries to Bang Bang Noodles with Fried Tofu, Peanuts and Chilli. Or share a signature Stone & Wood Cheese or BBQ Board. stoneandwood.com.au

Wandana Brewing Co

MULLUMBIMBY

Music is a big part of the Wandana experience, from lively Sunset Sessions with local DJs on Friday and Saturdays to live music on Sundays. In a unique twist, this is also the only brewery in Australia that plays non-stop music to every small batch handcrafted brew, via built-in speakers in their customised fermenters. European style Pilsner ferments to classical music, Mullum Madness IPA gets the Kiwi Dub treatment and Tropicana – a mango and passionfruit sour – is played Brazilian Samba. Does music make the beer better? You be the judge. Enjoy tropical views across the hinterland to Mount Chincogan from the expansive beer garden, and feast on Pizza, Moroccan street food and BBQ from revolving local food trucks. Feel free to bring the little ones – they will love the dedicated kids room packed with toys. This is also a dog friendly venue, so your pooch can groove on the vibe too.

wandanabrewingco.com.au

Stone and Wood

Common People Brewing

Common People Brewing

Earth Beer Company

CUDGEN

Set up on a working avocado farm and surrounded by the rich red soil of Cudgen in the beautiful Tweed Valley, it’s easy to understand how Earth Beer took its name. A repurposed old tin packing shed provides rustic surrounds for the taproom in this community centric, solar powered, environmentally focused brewery. Learn about low impact brewing on a fun and informative brewery tour, and sample beers from the core range like the Rising Sun Pale Ale and the Dark Moon Brown Ale, as well as tasty seasonal releases such as Mango Weisse Bier. Keen to showcase fabulous local produce, the deli is stocked with all kinds of goodies for you to ‘Create Your Plate’, including fresh hand rolled sushi from Konoha and local deep-dish pies and cakes from Fuel Bakehouse. You can also pre order from a range of generous grazing platters – perfect if you are visiting as a group.

earthbeercompany.com.au

Two Mates Brewing

LISMORE

Set up in a 150-year-old railway shed, Two Mates Taphouse has a casual homely vibe. No surprise, given that the brewery was created by two friends who envisioned a family friendly space where people could gather to appreciate all the things we love about the Northern Rivers – good produce, good music, and good brews. IPAs like the Lazymore Hazy Pale and The Journey Cold Pale Ale pack a powerful punch, and make sure to try the Choc Cherry Porter with its rich roasted coffee aroma and dark chocolate flavour. Delicious Cider and Kombucha are on offer too. Food is simple but tasty, think Antipasto Board featuring local salami and cheese, Beef Brisket, and Homemade Chocolate Brownies, or follow the Two Mates socials for updates on their regular food truck happenings.

twomatesbrewing.com.au

Earth Beer Company

Earth Beer Company

RETREAT & EAT AT HALCYON HOUSE

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

Halcyon House, the award-winning hotel and restaurant, located beachfront in Cabarita, has the most decadent spa and fashionable atelier for guests and locals alike. Offering an array of pampering treatments, The Halcyon Spa and is the ideal sanctuary to relax by the sea.

The spa is housed in a stunning purpose-built building, adjacent to the hotel’s opulent garden surrounds. Contemporary in design with clean white lines and a touch of the Art Deco bones, the double story spa is inspired by the hotel’s original façade - formerly a retro beach motel.

Halcyon Spa is more than your run-of-the-mill day-spa – rather, stepping into their opulently styled foyer and luxurious lounge area feels like you’ve stepped onto a set off ‘White Lotus’, Sicily style. Every detail has been meticulously designed, from the textured soft furnishings to the plush treatment rooms, complete with eco-friendly bamboo slippers, luxurious robes and dressing rooms.

Choose from a signature Radiance Facial, a Tension Release Massage or a Healing Massage, each treatment includes the steam room and a welcome herbal tea in the lounge area. The crème de la crème is the Halcyon Spa and Lunch packages on offer - did someone say Paper Daisy for lunch?

There’s an array of ‘retreat and eat’ packages to choose from; we are swooning over the Halcyon Escape package - a dreamy 90-minute face and body spa treatment, complemented by a delicious two-course Paper Daisy lunch - that’s 3.5 hours of pure, sensory bliss.

Paper Daisy is a hatted restaurant that is all about fusing fresh local produce with native ingredients’, to create a unique menu,

showcasing the talent of executive chef Jay Barratt- formerly Raes on Wategos and Attica in Melbourne.

Sample lunch menu dishes include, Coopers Shoot tomatoes, roasted red pepper, Stracciatella, paired with simply grilled fish, salmoriglio, Meyer lemon and a Daintree milk chocolate ice-cream bar.

Choose the indulgent ‘Halcyon Day of Youth’ package for a five hour journey of self-care, from head to toe. The package includes a two-course lunch, massage, body exfoliation, facial and steam room access - we can feel the serenity from here.

The steam room has been custom-made with teal handmade tiles that mould into the curved igloo-style roof, reminisce of a traditional Turkish bathhouse - hammam style. Every detail in the spa is decadent, with stunning floral interiors, plush lounges and a designer boutique.

There’s a ‘local love’ program that offers a discount to the surrounding community. Register on-line to go on a standby list for a last-minute treatment - worth keeping an eye out for.

The spa uses iconic skincare brand Sodashi, natural and chemical free, sourced from the ocean and sea. Treat yourself to a day of pampering at Halcyon Spa and after your lunch by the ocean, take a walk along the picturesque Cabarita Beach, up to Norrie’s Headland to complete your day of namaste.

halcyonhouse.com.au

THE CHARM OF CASA LUNA A DINING DESTINATION WITH A TWIST

WRITTEN BY: KATELYN REW

Launching in December 2021, Casa Luna fast established itself as Byron Bay’s go-to destination for live music, world-renowned DJs and contemporary cocktails. Fast forward to 2023 and this stylish setting has transformed into an all-round dining experience that takes guests from dinner to the dance floor in just a few metres. Not many venues manage to pull off this beautiful transition so seamlessly, so we were intrigued to experience Casa Luna firsthand.

We made our way up the staircase and were greeted by the happy buzz of patrons, the sound of clinking dinnerware and the melodic strum of a live Spanish guitar. The mood was set. Looking around at tables scattered with plates of succulent looking dishes and creatively crafted cocktails, you could easily imagine yourself being in a bar in Tulum with the breeze of the Caribbean Sea floating through the window. Nico and Kate, the creative geniuses behind Casa Luna, drew on their varied experience in the international music scene to finely curate each element. Soft lighting and the open-aired terrace create an ambience that is both welcoming and mysterious, while a state-of-the-art sound system and DJ booth hint at the party atmosphere to come.

Eddie Borromeo, house Chef extraordinaire, guides us through the Mediterranean inspired menu, explaining each dish with detail and passion. Freshly shucked oysters, Ceviche, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Steak Tagliata and Truffle Oil French fries are among many exceptional dishes. We settle on the Seared Scallops (Nduja and Vodka Sauce, Pink Pepper, Crispy Sage), Kingfish Ceviche (Avocado Mousse, Guindillas, Lime, Sweet Potato), Beef Tartare (Dijon Cure, Balsamic, Capers, Herb ensemble, Pecorino), Red Quinoa ‘Poke Bowl’ (mango, avocado, crispy kale, topped off with sesame), and Char-Grilled Octopus (with purple cauliflower puree and bottarga). It was refreshing to see that all dietary requirements were catered for with flair and imagination.

Casa Luna is also highly regarded for their legendary cocktailsand with award-winning international bartenders as part of their team, including Vincent Valliere at the helm, it’s no wonder they continue to push the boundaries of mixology innovation. We ordered the mocktail version of ‘The Cactus Garden’ (a refreshing mix of thyme, basil, and cucumber with just the right amount of sweetness) and the ‘Kaffir Palomita’ (Gin, Italicus, Grapefruit, Lime, Kaffir Lime Leaves, finished with a decadent sprinkle of Finger Lime Caviar) – both were divine!

Our food came and went in a heady mix of flavoursome combinations. Every ingredient was fresh and paired purposely so that each mouthful took us on a sensory journey. International flavours blended masterfully with local produce and global innovation, all lovingly prepared by award-winning chefs. We are thrilled to hear that a variety of skilled Chefs will be invited to cook in their unique style every season, giving guests the chance to try various cuisines and a rotating menu. A truly innovative approach to culinary collaboration and a chance to experience the myriad of talent the Northern Rivers offers.

After dinner, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of night. Guests wanting to retreat to their homes in a delightful food coma may exit through the velvet curtain. Guests wishing to order another drink and boogie until the wee hours, please make your way to the dancefloor. We opted for the latter so with hips swaying to the beat, we dipped and twirled into the evening.

casalunabyronbay.com

Meet the powerhouse quartet behind Casa Luna

Like any good recipe, you need the perfect ingredients to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Co-owners Vincent Valliere, Nicolas Blistine, Kate Elsworth, and Eddie Borromeo have done just that. Vincent (Managing Director) has worked alongside the industry’s best in some of the most renowned bars in the world, and his passion for mixology has won him multiple awards. Nico (Creative Director) has a background in music production, and his industry connections have been paramount in securing incredible live music acts from around the world. Similarly, Kate’s (Creative Director) successful career as a singer/songwriter and DJ has been instrumental in cementing Casa Luna as the venue of choice for music connoisseurs. Eddie (House Chef) draws his inspiration from his various travels adding in cultural flavours that are truly innovative. By twisting traditional recipes with contemporary concepts, he believes ‘keeping it fresh, simple and playful’ is the best philosophy. The team thrives on collaboration and has opened the space for event hire and private functions. With movie nights and an array of exciting happenings throughout the year, Casa Luna really is the place to be.

BLUESFEST ‘23

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND CULTURE

The annual Byron Bay Bluesfest is back on again in 2023, with an epic line-up of local and international talent set to enthral music and culture lovers alike. Held over the Easter long weekend from the 6-10th April, on the recently rejuvenated and stunning Tyagarah site.

This year’s festival features performances from some of the world’s greatest blues, roots and soul rockers. The Blues team have creatively curated a program that includes some of the most dynamic performers around, a fusion of old-time favourites and exciting newcomers will take to the many stages. Such as The Doobie Brothers, Counting Crows, Tash Sultana, Gang of Youths and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, plus a whole lot more.

After soldiering on through two years of disruptions, Australia’s premier contemporary Blues and Roots music festival made an epic return in 2022 and now, states Festival Director Peter Noble, ‘for the first time since 2019, Bluesfest is presenting a fully international festival experience not experienced since the legendary ones we did before the COVID-era’.

The festival team are committed to showcase our exemplary homegrown talents, alongside popular international acts - making Byron Bay Bluesfest one of the leading music festivals in the world. Attendees can expect a phenomenal mix of local talent, Australian favourites and international heavyweights. Alongside artisan stalls and street food vendors that showcase a selection of abundant local produce, from the ever-popular Byron Bay Organic Doughnuts to locally brewed beer and freshly roasted coffee.

The Doobie Brothers have planned to celebrate their ‘50th Anniversary Tour’ as part of the closing night of the festival, whilst other international acts include Elvis Costello & The Imposters Mavis Staples, Beck and long-time Byron Bay Blues lovers Michael Franti and Spearhead return to the stage.

The 2023 instalment of Byron Bay Bluesfest will also see Australian powerhouse group Gang of Youths return home for an exclusive appearance. Along with high energy and interactive performances from local legends Ash Grunwald and Xavier Rudd, topping off a jam-packed five-day program.

Australian rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, the ever-talented ‘one-person-band’ Tash Sultana, The Angels, The

Black Sorrows, and the legendary jazz/funk outfit Cat Empire are amongst some of the iconic Australian artists that will take to the stage as the sun sets over the Northern Rivers.

The long standing Bluesfest Busking Competition is back in 2023 and aims to elevate unsigned, original artists to an untapped audience. The winner performs live on the Jambalaya stage as part of weekend’s festivities.

Bluesfest offers an immersive live music experience in our own beautiful backyard, showcasing talent from across the globe. The festival provides a much-needed platform for artists to perform and engage with music revellers in the idyllic Byron Bay setting.

A family affair, Byron Bay Blues Festival is an all-inclusive event that welcomes everyone along for a toe-tapping ride - with an act to suit all to ages and stages of blues and roots lovers. For all your festival information and to purchase tickets (while they last) visit the Byron Bay Bluesfest website. bluesfest.com.au

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

GREEN ROOM ENVY FOR LIVE MUSIC

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

There’s a new live music venue in town and it’s a pearler. The Green Room has tastefully popped up at the Byron Events Farm, home of the renowned Byron Bay Bluesfest. Officially launched late last year, with a stellar performance by local icons Bobby Alu and Xavier Rudd, who christened the stage to over 1,000 adoring fans.

The venue is conveniently located adjacent to the North Gate and forms part of the festival’s backstage infrastructure. At capacity the venue can hold up to 1500 patrons and there is a sense of space, with accessible parking and modern facilities such as toilets, open plan bar and local street food vendors.

The permanent structure is inspired by the old days of a green room - an industry term for a backstage dressing room, complete with a band rider. Founder Peter Noble said the venue is reminiscent of live music from the 1980’s, like the ‘Piggery’ at the Byron Arts’ Factory.

“Don Doepel and The Arts’ Factory put Byron Bay on the map as a home to the best Australian and International artists to perform. Acts such as The Pogues, The Ramones, Crowded House, the Violent Femmes, Buddy Guy, Canned Heat, The Wailers, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and hundreds more.” Peter said.

In its heyday the Piggery would sell up to 1,000 tickets and Byron Bay’s population at the time was a mere 4,000 people. The Bluesfest team created The Green Room to provide a muchneeded platform for live music, a venue that can accommodate numbers on that scale can help aid social and economic growth for the region.

Bringing live music back to the people on one of the most picturesque parcels of land in the Northern Rivers, the venue ticks all the boxes for comfort and will withstand most weather conditions.

Locale Magazine got a sample of what’s to come at the opening, with banging performances by Xavier Rudd and Bobby Alu. By all reports it’s a unique setting, that has the feeling of a festival but with the ease of parking, clean amenities, and hospitality at your fingetips.

The Bluesfest site has been reinvigorated with durable structures and sustainable land practises; The Green Room is a welcome addition to the plot and intends to host a series of live music events throughout the year.

Opening act Xavier Rudd said, “It was an honour and a blast to formerly open The Green Room in Byron. We’ve needed a venue of this size and vibe for years, and I have no doubt that many more artists will take to this mighty stage - as they should.”

The Hon Ben Franklin MLC Minister for the Arts, Youth, Indigenous Affairs and Tourism cordially opened The Green Room and remarked that the region had desperately needed a venue like this for over a couple of decades.

Providing an opportunity for touring artists to play in Byron throughout the year, along with the popular Bluesfest held over the Easter long weekend.

Plans are afoot for future acts to grace The Green Room stage, stay tuned to the venue’s website and socials for further announcements.

thegreenroombyronbay.com

LA DOLCE VITA

WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

Who doesn’t love Italian food? Across the Northern Rivers talented chefs are adding their own unique coastal twist to the classic flavours of Italy, from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to seasonal local produce and even a hint of native botanicals.

Belongil Beach Italian Food

Pixie Food and Wine

BYRON BAY

Tucked away in the Jonson Lane Precinct, Byron’s newest all-day Italian eatery, Pixie, is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and brings a modern twist to traditional Italian cuisine. Head chef, Matteo Tine blends his Sicilian roots and vast experience (he helmed Melbourne’s renowned Grossi Florentino) with the freshest local ingredients. Finger limes give a hint of native citrus to Squid Ink Spaghetti tossed with blue swimmer crab, Market Fish is caught just offshore, sweet juicy local nectarine accompanies the Culatello Prosciutto, and the Housebaked Schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread) comes with an aromatic lemon myrtle and coastal herb butter.

Design pays homage to 1970’s Italy, fusing nostalgia with artistic elements and a touch of theatre; while rich interiors create sophistication and warmth in equal measure, from terracotta floor tiles to ruched elderberry banquettes and a high gloss reflective ceiling coloured in butterscotch. Inspired by the coastal setting, cocktails are of the fresh and fruity persuasion. Try the Pixie Bellini with mandarin, honey, lemon, and prosecco. Prefer a vino? The extensive, carefully curated wine list showcases some of Australia’s more unique wineries, plus some fine vintages from around the globe.

pixiebyronbay.com.au

Belongil Beach Italian Food

BYRON BAY

Capturing the laid-back vibe of beautiful Belongil Beach, this atmospheric eatery serves up coastal Italian starring mouth-watering seafood pasta dishes and the freshest daily catch from lobster to whole fish, displayed on glistening ice.

Taking the reins in January, Executive Chef Elijah Holland and GM Jesse Taylor bring fresh new energy to Belongil Beach Italian Food, while staying true to the original ethos of light, fresh and fun beachside dining.

Elijah loves to spearfish and forage local herbs, and along with establishing partnerships with local fishermen, has been exploring the region to source the best Northern Rivers produce which appears in a range of enticing new dishes. Make sure to try the Byron Bay Burrata – served with sweet local figs, freshly plucked Byron arugula and perfectly tender grilled heirloom eggplant, grown on a small local farm in Duranbah.

An impressive wine list favours minimal intervention wines from the Mediterranean alongside some classy Australian drops. More in the mood for a cocktail? The BBIF Paloma makes a sensational aperitif with its zesty blend of Tequila Blanco, pink grapefruit, and salted grapefruit soda.

Take a seat on the semi open-air terrace or sidewalk to watch beach life unfold Belongil-style, or venture indoors to enjoy the buzz in the vibrant open kitchen. bbif.com.au

Belongil Beach Italian Food

Pixie Food and Wine

Pixie Food and Wine

The Hut Byron Bay

POSSUM CREEK

The beautifully restored 110-year-old O’Possum Creek Public School – reached via a shady country lane from Bangalow, makes an enchanting setting for The Hut. A celebration of all things Italian, you can expect warm hospitality, dishes brimming with classic Italian flavours, wonderful Mediterranean wines, and a lovely vintage touch in the décor, including hand-painted ceramic plates and a fabulous 75-year-old copper coffee machine.

Favouring local seafood, Chef Bruno Conti’s weekly-changing menu is designed for sharing and inspired by what’s in season, and what’s just been caught. Pasta is made in-house – the Paccheri Allo Scoglio (mixed seafood pasta) is a specialty, but you may also find deliciously soft snapper smothered in a rich caponata alla Siciliana or a decadent lobster platter, along with charcuterie, wagyu sirloin, fresh salads and carefully composed vegan dishes.

If you are feeling spoilt for choice, opt for the Premium Chef’s Menu to sample a little of everything, while groups can truly indulge with a Signature Banquet. Finish with a traditional Tiramisu or a delicious bite size Cannoli alla Siciliana, and a digestif from the drinks cart, which features an impressive selection of Amari and Grappa.

thehutbyronbay.com.au

Capiche

BALLINA

As far as views go, it’s hard to beat Capiche, with an evocative setting right on Lighthouse Beach. Watch the waves crash on the shore while indulging in a languid lunch of delicate Zucchini Flower filled with house ricotta and fermented pepper, Wood Fired Prawns with pine nuts, garlic, and chilli and a hand spun Capricciosa Pizza topped with smoked Bangalow ham. Evenings take on a magical allure – ideal if romance is on the agenda. Usher in the sunset with a fragrant Malfi G&T with Fevertree Tonic and thyme, then settle in for a memorable five course degustation menu accompanied by fine wine from the curated list. capicherestaurant.com.au

Gallura TWEED HEADS

Taking both its name and its culinary inspiration from the stunning coastal region of Gallura in Sardinia, this authentic Italian restaurant in Tweed Heads focuses on local seafood and innovative Sardinian methods, with ample Italian wine to complement.

Treat yourself to the six-course Seafood Menu, or order à la carte, with dishes like Local Fresh Fish Ceviche cured in gin, and Brandy Flamed Tweed King Prawns with crispy lemon and parmesan riso. Pizza Bianco (white pizza) fans will love the Sardo, topped with fiori di latte, burrata, basil, mortadella, crushed pistachios, and pesto. While those with a sweet tooth need to save space for the House Profiterole with passionfruit sorbetto, fresh cream and white chocolate coulis.

galluraitalian.com

Gallura

The Hut Byron Bay

Capiche

PIXIE FOOD & WINE - OPEN 7 DAYS ALL DAY DINING FROM 7:30AM / DINNER FROM 5PM

139 JONSON ST - BYRON BAY

PIXIEBYRONBAY.COM.AU

CAFÉ CULTURE

FIND YOUR NEW LOCAL FAVOURITE

WRITTEN BY KATELYN

REW

Who doesn’t love a good road trip - especially where there’s the promise of freshly baked goods, smooth, fragrant coffee, and awe-inspiring views along the way! We jump in the car and hit the open road, searching for some of the most exciting cafés our region has to offer. Join us as we traverse the banks of the Tweed River, the soft sands of Pottsville, the depths of the rainforest hinterland, the epicentre of buzzing Byron Bay, and the crystal-clear waters of Ballina.

moment in the courtyard nibbling on pastries while enjoying the early morning sun.

The next stop on our adventure is Pottsville, home to sandy beaches and a small main strip laden with a diverse selection of eateries. We find ourselves around the corner at the aptly named Corner Stop Espresso Bar. As the name would suggest, they are quite the coffee connoisseurs. In fact, they have an extensive selection of smoothies, milkshakes, thick shakes, cold-pressed juices, and teas to appease all your beverage needs. If you want a true flavour sensation, the Belgian waffles with banana curd, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel peanuts are divine. Otherwise, try a trusty favourite with a twist - Avo on toast with buffalo mozzarella, truss tomato, pickled onions, basil, salsa verde and a poached egg. Feeling content, we wander across to Mooball Creek to sip our drinks while wading through the crystalclear shallows.

We begin our journey in the small town of Chinderah. Nestled right next to the Tweed River, this old sugarcane farming town is as quaint as it is quiet. You’ll find Cubby Bakehouse on a lazy corner facing the water - surrounded on one side by a beautiful large ‘al fresco’ area bathed in sunlight and speckled with florals. Cubby is known for its decadent pastries, cakes, and sweets - in fact, the irresistible smell of almond croissants, freshly baked cookies, and lemon tarts is half its allure. We spend a beautiful

After dusting the sand off our feet and driving into the hinterland, ocean-blue views give way to a plush rainforest setting of vivid greens. As the trees part, we’re introduced to a street lined with boutique eateries and fashionable bazaars, the very essence of upmarket Bangalow. They say the best things in life can be found off the beaten track, and this is correct when it comes to Woods. Take a side street and a laneway, and you’ll find this little café tucked between merchants, silversmiths and artists. A bohemian hideout famous for its fresh seasonal produce and mood-boosting elixirs. We opt for a Matcha Magic, which is said to promote energy and focus - made with organic, ceremonial grade Matcha,

Cubby Bakehouse Exterior Image Credit Josh Withers

High Life

Corner Stop

maple and a grounding mushroom blend, each sip brings with it a sense of renewal. We accompany this with Banana Bread spread with miso maple butter which is otherworldly.

Leaving the hills behind, we make our way into bustling Byron Bay, the epicentre of surf, sun, and sand. High Life is tucked just off the main street in a little alcove filled with all manner of magical infusions. Tinctures, medicinal mushrooms and a range of superfoods line the shelves, while the smell of Allpress Espresso permeates the air. The menu is creative with seasonal organic ingredients and an emphasis on clean eating and good health. For a deeply nourishing experience, try the coconut apple bircher with cinnamon and honey almonds. This whole café is all about the high vibes, and it would be easy to sit outside all day enjoying sustenance in the sunshine. Feeling thoroughly satisfied and high on life we make our way to our final destination.

We end our journey in Ballina on the banks of the Richmond River. Kin Local Eatery is known for its homemade cakes, daily salads, and delicious smoothies served alongside locally roasted Caldera Coffee. With a menu lovingly crafted by French Chef and owner Antoine Buttin, it’s no wonder the Free-Range Egg Omelette (with goat’s cheese, marjoram, roast tomatoes and salad) has a cult following. In fact, Kin attracts a loyal fanbase who love to feast on Breakfast Burgers and Nourish Bowls as their children play in the popular kid’s corner. There’s also a beautifully curated selection of dried native flowers and hand-made ceramics available for purchase.

As we sit in the warm sun, enjoying the ocean breeze, we feel immense gratitude that we live in a region that is as bountiful as it is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Leather Goods

Woods

Kin.

Kin.

CHANGING LIVES BY changing skin

You may have noticed an oasis appear along Kingscliff’s beachfront - Higher Self Skin - a luxurious Medi-spa experience raising the bar when it comes to providing outstanding skin, beauty, and wellness care in the Northern Rivers.

Reminiscent of floating above the clouds, owner Amanda Elena - one of Australia’s leading skin educators - has created a space of serene tranquillity for her clients to receive luminous, high-end clinical treatments. Using her skill and innovative approach to skincare, Amanda has designed a range of therapies that are holistically balanced between medical skincare, wellness, and mindfulness.

With a Degree in Dermal Therapy and over twenty years’ experience as an International Skin Expert, Dermal Clinician and ParaMedical Skin Trainer, Amanda has not only delivered skin education around Australia but has worked globally as an expert skin advisor. Her extensive knowledge taking her from Melbourne to Europe and around the world - Amanda’s client list reads as a who’s who of the world’s elite, from Hollywood A-listers to Saudi royalty (where she worked as the personal skin therapist to the king of Dubai).

Despite her impressive portfolio of clients, what drives Amanda is a down-to-earth belief that holistic self-care is for everyone. In fact, her passion for skincare and wellness harkens back to childhood days. Raised in a single-parent household, with a sibling struggling with disability, Amanda has a deep understanding of the power of physical touch on mental health. “I could see first-hand the difference a massage or simple skin care routine could make and understood early on how important self-care is. That is what I want to emulate. A gift of care that is for everybody, of every

age, every gender, and every ability. To feel elevated and empowered to be your higher self begins from within, those small moments of self-care. No matter who you are.”

Believing in holistic therapy that integrates both mind and body, Amanda personally curates a treatment plan for each client, assuring that each unique skin concern is addressed effectively - from the inside out - for a high-end outcome. With six opulent rooms and a team of skilled dermal clinicians, nurses and skin therapists using the very latest technology and techniques, all Higher Self clients can feel cared for, heard and confident they will receive the best results possible.

Addressing all types of skin issues –including pigmentation, rosacea, acne, open pores, scarring, milia, wrinkles, sun damage, fragile capillaries, and premature ageing – Higher Self treatments use clean, Cosmedical, Australian made formulations and range from divine Meditation facials to LED light therapy to paramedical skin needling.

Understanding the power of skin confidence, and a desire to ‘give her clients the best, so they can feel their best’, it’s no wonder Amanda has clients of all ages and genders who travel between Brisbane and Ballina to see her.

“I really believe in the power of visualising your higher self, in order to be your higher self” she says. “It is not something you attain from ‘out there’, it already exists within you. I’m just here to help you find it.”

We exist to improve the quality of life of the community through expert health advice, support, and the curation of quality brands and products in a highly individual manner.

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm | Sat 8:30am - 1:00pm 02 6685 1219 | @brunspharmacy | brunspharmacy.com.au | 14-16 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads d r e a m s k i n

AWARD WINNING AESTHETIC SKIN CLINIC FEATURED IN VOGUE | INSTYLE | WOMANS WEEKLY

Experience the Higher Self Skin difference

Our team of Dermal Clinicians & Nurses are committed to helping you achieve the healthiest skin possible with the confidence to match

MEDICAL CORRECTIVE TREATMENTS

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HYDRAFACIAL™ | PIGMENTATION REMOVAL ACNE CORRECTION | ADVANCED ANTI-AGING

PARAMEDICAL SKIN NEEDLING | COSMELAN PRP | LED | COSMETIC INJECTABLES

BACK TO NATURE

The newly opened Rail Trail passes right through Hosanna Farmstay, which offers wholesome fun for all the family. Feed the animals, kayak, explore the country trails and enjoy a great meal at the newly opened BBQ shack, while soaking up the beautiful surroundings of Stokers Siding in the verdant Tweed hinterland.

WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

Set on 100 acres of picturesque countryside, a visit to Hosanna Farmstay is all about good old-fashioned fun immersed in nature. General Managers Kirsty and Regan Perry, are passionate about connecting people with nature and with each other, along with creating a grounded experience that inspires guests to think about the food they eat, and how it is produced. “We want to give people a taste of the good life - genuine country hospitality and an opportunity to return to an older time when life was simpler,” says Kirsty. Kids can explore the creeks and trails that meander through the property, ride the custom-built waterslide and swim or paddle kayaks in the dam. There are also ample opportunities to get up close and personal with the farm animals – including Jersey cows, rangeland goats, Wessex Saddleback piglets and friendly llamas. Daily farm tours include a fun hay bale ride, and school holidays are packed with lots of extra activities. Swap the iPads for a handful of Adventure Passports, which encourage kids to get creative and enjoy natural activities; from baking damper to

making mud pies, feeding a cow, telling a story around the camp fire, and building a bush cubby. A stamping station adds to the satisfaction of completing each activity.

“Visiting Hosanna gives people the chance to disconnect from city life and embrace the slower pace of the country - all the while having loads of fun and enjoying everything that we have to offer,” says Kirsty. Day passes (and yearly passes which include unlimited visits) are available, while generous camp sites scattered across the property provide an immersive back-to-nature experience. Enjoy beautiful views over the hills and valley at The Ridge camping area, a remarkably peaceful spot filled with flittering butterflies and dragonflies, or choose a shady spot down by the river. And if glamping is more your thing, rustic A-framed huts are ready to go. Travelling as a large group or extended family? The comfortable Homestead can sleep up to 20.

Much-loved by kids, there’s plenty to keep adults amused at Hosanna too. Ensuite cabins with balconies are well suited to couples or friends looking for a tranquil

country escape (outside of the school holidays!). Browse artisanal products and savour locally roasted Bastion Lane coffee with a generous slice of home-baked Banana and Caramel Cake in the coffee shop, and indulge in cooked breakfasts and hearty meals in the newly opened BBQ Shack. There’s fun live acoustic nights too, with local musicians taking to the small, star-lit stage by the campfire on Saturday evenings (and Wednesdays in the school holidays), as well as Sunday afternoon sessions.

And if you are keen to learn more about regenerative farming, Hosanna is just the place. When Kirsty and Regan took on the farm five years ago, they had some passionate ideas about regeneration and are starting to see some exciting results. As Kirsty explains, “Every farming operation we run is targeted towards regenerating the soil, which in turn increases the health and vitality of our animals and the food we eat, as well as benefiting the earth.” A worthy mission indeed!

hosannafarmstay.com.au

But where did it all begin? After one too many boozy nights of binge drinking, Danni couldn’t handle the guilt and shame that accompanied her hangovers any longer. Those negative feelings of anxiety and self-hatred were the catalysts she needed to implement change. “That self-talk got pretty ugly towards the end” she reflects. “I wasn’t a daily drinker, could go weeks without drinking and then just have this massive blowout and not remember half the night. I was so done waking up feeling anxious. If I didn’t drink, I didn’t feel like that, which was so important to me.”

Danni began to share her story and the similar personal journeys of real people on her podcast. This resonated deeply with her audience, and she quickly built a cult following. “The podcast blew up really fast and it made me realise how much people wanted to know about sobriety and how it could serve as a stepping-stone to help change lives”. As Danni’s brand grew, she began to offer alcohol-free programs based on the framework of Dr Gabor Mate.

A NEW LEASE ON LIFE

Danni Carr Shares the Transformative Benefits of Sobriety

WRITTEN BY: KATELYN REW

Meet Danni Carr, singer/songwriter, mother, wife of fellow musician Ash Grunwald, and host of the hugely popular ‘How I Quit Alcohol’ podcast. Danni is one of those people you’re naturally drawn to. Her energy is calm, and she makes you feel instantly comfortable. As we sit on the deck of her beautiful New Brighton home, Danni opens up about how her decision to quit alcohol six years ago radically changed her life - leading to the birth of her podcast and the establishment of her ‘How I Quit Alcohol’ brand which offers life-changing alcohol-free programs.

“I did a year of Compassionate Enquiry training with him - I use that framework and set up tools and strategies to get people through that initial first bout of sobriety and to help create new habits. I really do believe that understanding your triggers and understanding what drives you to want a drink is what you must uncover.”

Danni is also a certified life coach and has created a popular six-week sober challenge. She can’t emphasise enough the importance of having a support network and surrounding yourself with like-minded people who can hold you accountable. She suggests tuning into the podcast, “If you’re curious, you feel like you’re drinking too much, or you’ve had one of those moments where you woke up and thought, “that’s it, never again”. Or maybe you want to support a family or a friend struggling - listening to the podcast might help you understand what they’re going through.”

As we sit in the sun sipping coffee, I can’t help but feel inspired by this woman who

has positioned herself at the forefront of a movement that is continually gaining momentum. It’s refreshing to hear her speak passionately of brands and venues offering alternative options. “Pipit in Pottsville does a beautiful degustation with matching non-alc drink options, No Bones in Ocean Shores has a great selection, and Saint Maries in Brunswick Heads makes delicious mocktails and stocks Heaps Normal, a fantastic non-alc beer.”

No matter your relationship with alcohol, it’s good to know that there are people like Danni pioneering a movement that is fast becoming mainstream. It’s apparent through her self-care rituals and lifestyle just how beneficial this change has been for her. It doesn’t come without its difficulties and there’s still bad days, but Danni sums it up beautifully, “It’s not just the giving up drinking, it’s that your whole life transforms, and health becomes such a priority - everything looks different, things become clear, and when you have that clarity, life is so much happier.”

SISAL FLOORING THE SUSTAINABLE & STYLISH SOLUTION

Sisal flooring is a stylish and sustainable flooring solution that can add warmth and natural beauty to any room. This eco-friendly flooring option is made from the fibres of the Agave sisalana plant and is known for its durability, versatility, and unique look.

Mike Green of Sisal Flooring has been operating in Sydney since 2008 and has now brought this beautiful and natural product to the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast. With years of experience and a passion for delivering high-quality flooring solutions, Sisal Flooring is your go-to source for all things sisal.

All-natural and 100% sustainable, Sisal is a renewable resource that is biodegradable, with a production process that has extremely low impact on the environment. In addition to being environmentally friendly, sisal flooring is also hypoallergenic and does not emit any harmful chemicals, making it a great choice for homes with children or pets.

In terms of style, sisal flooring offers a unique and natural look that can complement any decor. With its variety of colours, textures, and patterns, sisal flooring can be customized to suit your individual

taste and needs. Whether you prefer a soft and comfortable surface for your living room or a durable option for high-traffic areas, sisal flooring can be tailored to your specific requirements.

In addition to their standard sisal flooring options, Sisal Flooring also offers a range of premium European sisals and wool sisal mixes which are made with the finest materials and offer an even higher level of quality and durability. And, to ensure the premium installation of your floor covering, Sisal Flooring offer a mobile service to measure, quote and install your sisal, making the whole process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Whether you’re looking for a standard sisal flooring solution or a premium European sisal or wool sisal mix, the team at Sisal Flooring have a flooring option that will meet your needs. And with their mobile service and years of experience, they are committed to delivering the highest quality products and exceptional customer service to the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast. Call Mike on 0414 724 140 or visit sisalflooring.com.au

THE BOUTIQUE FAMILY LAW FIRM

WRITTEN BY ALLISON BONE

Richardson Murray is a boutique family law firm that practices exclusively in the areas of family and relationship law in New South Wales and Queensland.

Anton Richardson and Stephanie Murray are delighted and proud to announce the opening of a Byron Bay office at the Habitat precinct.

Anton said, “Stephanie and I are very excited about the establishment of a Byron Bay Office for our boutique family law firm. We can now offer family law legal services to Northern New South Wales from a locally based office.”

Stephanie said that, “Our clients are our paramount consideration. We go above and beyond to ensure that your best interests are met. We will listen to your story, advise you as to the law, discuss your options, make recommendations, develop a strategy that suits your circumstances, then achieve results. We will stand beside you, provide a shoulder to lean on and offer a hand to hold. We shelter you from the stress, circumvent the delay and avoid the legal costs. We go further for every one of our clients.”

The approach of Richardson Murray is to explore alternatives to dispute resolution rather than immediately resorting to litigation and Court proceedings. Brooke Mallard (Senior Associate family lawyer) said, “We are committed to resolution and are results based. We remove the stress, delay, and legal expense by reaching successful outcomes without unnecessary conflict. We work with the best counsellors, family report writers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, to always ensure that the best interests of your children are the paramount consideration. In financial matters, we collaborate with very experienced financial advisors, accountant and, valuers to ensure that even the most complex of matters can be resolved, with the most effective and sensible structuring.”

Dakota Hallett (Associate family lawyer) said that, “The team of family lawyers at Richardson Murray are more than just lawyers. We are understanding of our clients’ needs during challenging times. We take the emotion out of decision making. We provide comfort and reassurance. We

guide our clients through the maze of Family Law. Our clients are well informed from the outset as to the path that we will take and what to expect along the way. We go above and beyond to ensure results and client satisfaction, so that you can move on with the next chapter in your life.”

With a strong focus on client care and service, Richardson Murray promise to go further for their clients. Anton sand Stephanie said, “Our reputation speaks for itself, and we are incredibly proud that our former clients are our number one referral source. We are successful because we have that reputation, and we value our client’s opinion with the utmost esteem.”

42 Parkes Ave, Byron Bay | richardson-murray.law

Habitat - Image credit Andy Macpherson

must-have!

The seasons are changing and it’s time for some warmth and nurturing - pamper your body and redesign your wardrobe and your space with some of our ‘must haves’ this Autumn.

VILLAGER’S PALE ALE

An approachable session beer, our Pale is the perfect balance of new world hops, supported by a pleasing maltiness with a presence of citrus, resinous pine notes and just a slight hint of aniseed. 5.1% ALC/VOL 4 pack RRP $22 commonpeoplebrewing.com.au

BEACHOUSE OIL

LEATHER BOOTS BY GAIA SOUL

Boot Season is Coming! We have redesigned the classic Chelsea and Oxford Boots with incredible details influenced by the ‘Brogue’ style of shoe, remade into a feminine women’s boot. Complete your outfit with a high quality, handcrafted and unique pair of boots. Try them on in our Bangalow store: Shop 7 – 10 Station St. Bangalow.

RRP $359 gaiasouldesigns.com

CLEANSER Where every skincare routine should start. Created with your skin’s pH in mind. Enriched with antioxidants, it melts away all makeup, including eye makeup, whilst also conditioning your brows and lashes. RRP $55 beachouseorganics.com.au

NARCISSE - EAU DE TOILETTE

BLACK AND WHITE POM POM TOWEL

Handloomed by local artisans in Turkey, these super plush towels will instantly elevate your bathroom or poolside space, or be a statement piece at the beach. Featuring a knotted fringe trim these gorgeous towels bring quality and style together. RRP $99 thesouthbeachclub.com

RETREATMENT BOTANICS INSTANT

GLOW FACE MASQUE Instantly transform dull, lacklustre skin into a healthy, radiant and visibly luminous complexion, with the Retreatment Botanics nurturing and brightening Instant Glow Face Masque. The Instant Glow Face Masque is the secret to instant luminosity, with a fast-acting formula that brightens, exfoliates and hydrates for replenished and radiant skin.

RRP: $75 retreatmentbotanics.com

Fragonard Flower Of The Year 2023 - Narcisse (Daffodil) - A fragrance as light as air, full of romance and idyllic beauty. Narcisse is a fresh Eau de Toilette with top notes of mandarin and Italian bergamot, a sensual floral heart of narcissus and Egyptian jasmine, resting on a warm base of honey and wood. RRP $59.95 - Brunswick Heads Pharmacy

SURFACE SOCIETY

CODE: ZT0201 Discover a hand-curated selection of exceptional tiles perfect for interior and exterior projects. Our Made In Japan collection features a range of tones and variations that will bring your space to life. POA surfacesociety.com.au

CAPE BYRON ‘THE ORIGINAL’ AUSTRALIAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Cape Byron ‘The Original’ Australian Single Malt Whisky Batch 003, the signature expression, aged in American oak ex-bourbon casks. The colour of a Byron Bay sunset - the palate offers soft vanilla, creme brulee, and biscotti characters, layered over distinct notes of pear, coconut and buttery macadamia. ABV 47% RRP $125.00 capebyrondistillery.com

M L

Our home directly represents our identity, a clean palette in which we can convey a story through colour, light, texture, art and décor. But what truly makes a house a home? We are on a mission to discover the elements needed to evoke a sense of calm, warmth, love and joy - in the space we spend most of our time. We’ve scoured the Northern Rivers to bring you the best designers, makers, artisans and boutiques that will inspire you to recalibrate and renew your space this Autumn.

Like any good wardrobe, a home should also have its staple pieces. Enter Mr & Mrs White with their timeless Australian handcrafted furniture. After ten years of building their business in Sydney, husband and wife duo Nathan and Sasha White have returned to their Northern Rivers roots. From a desire to ‘live life simply and to live it well’, their collection has been crafted using materials that are natural and long lasting. Commitment to developing original designs that add value to people’s lives, this family business holds true to their ethos of ‘quality, honesty and simplicity’. If you require something specific, bespoke designs are available for your home or commercial space and can be expertly tailored to your requirements. You’ll find their factory located in Murwillumbah, where you can make an appointment with the team and see where the furniture is made.

mrandmrswhite.net

Next on our list, we find ourselves in Mullumbimby at Cactus Hill Project. An eclectic wonderland reminiscent of a bygone era where each hand selected piece tells a captivating tale. An interior designer’s haven, you’ll find an array of furnishings, ceramics, textiles, art, one-off pieces and handcrafted lighting. As soon as you step foot into this thoughtfully curated concept store, a wave of inspiration hits, and it’s hard not to get lost in the items owners Jo and Leanne have so lovingly showcased. They also offer property staging and interior styling for those that truly wish to transform their home.

cactushillproject.com.au

Mr and Mrs White

Mr and Mrs White Cactus Hill Project

With tiles on our minds, we head to Jatana Interiors in Federal. With a stunning range of Moroccan, terracotta and outdoor tiles, Jatana is Australia’s leading importer of antique encaustic tiles. An exceptional selection includes hand-painted ‘Blue Pottery’ tiles made in the surrounding villages of Jaipur in Rajasthan and reclaimed tiles sourced from Morocco, Cuba, Rajasthan, the Middle East and Southern Europe - patterns created by the hand process of etching with a tiny hammer and chisel. The craftsmanship and high calibre of work that goes into each design is an ode to owner Sonya Marish’s (aptly named ‘The Tile Queen’) dedication to finding the most unique pieces from around the world.

jatanainteriors.com.au

Our next destination, Island Luxe in Bangalow, is the essence of luxury, as the name suggests. Inspired by nature’s artistry, simplistic designs complement a neutral palette. As you step into this immersive space, you’ll be met by a uniquely curated collection of wares inspired by the beauty of imperfection and the tales these curiosities tell. Among other artisanal pieces, you’ll find rugs from the Anatolian Plateau, kitchen and tableware collections handmade in the bush of Byron Bay, and hand-formed stoneware layered with black sand, ash and clay. With furniture by Baxter Italy, Jess Design, Relik Designs and S.Lambourn-Hull, you know you’re getting nothing short of a masterpiece. islandluxe.com.au

Nestled in Byron’s bustling Industrial Estate, we find Ha’veli of Byron Bay, a beautiful bohemian paradise with a myriad of eclectic pieces to discover. Accompanying a hand-picked selection of antique Indian and Balinese furniture, a stunning array of vintage doorways, window frames, and garden gates line the walls. A range of unique teak furniture, including rustic daybeds, dress mirrors and cabinets, have been carefully curated to complete a minimalistic and chic look. Director Heidi Daburger, holds the following ethos close to her heart, ‘Build a bedroom you can dream in, a bathroom you can float away in, and the rest will fall into place’. If you’d like a preview of the styling that can be achieved with these wonderful pieces, stay at Haveli House, a luxury cottage escape in beautiful Bangalow. haveliofbyronbay.com.au

A few doors down, we find Byron’s newest consciously curated homewares store, The Design Hunter. Artist Bryan Connolly has lovingly adorned the walls with his ‘psychedelic’ mural, which explores the themes of inner growth and transformation. In addition to works for sale by Connolly himself, founder and designer Melissa Bonney has ‘carefully selected thoughtful and conscious wares that will bring enchantment to homes in Byron and beyond’. With the aim of supporting and empowering struggling communities, some of the beautiful stand-out pieces include clay-beaded chandeliers from Africa, artwork from proud Wiradjuri woman Hannah Lange, and jute wares from supported Indian villages. thedesignhunter.com.au

Island Luxe

Jatana Interiors

Haveli of Byron Bay

Next, we head around the corner to the showroom of Surface Society, a studio dedicated to all your surface needs. From the stunning Made In Japan tile range to dreamy oak flooring to stone and terrazzo benchtops, the curated collection of premium architectural surfaces will tick all the boxes when it comes to building, renovating or simply upgrading your space. With a team of skilled designers in-house to help take the guesswork out of selecting the perfect surface for your project, as well as a professional install service, your ideal sanctuary can be dreamt up and created in one space. surfacesociety.com.au

Onwards we venture into the centre of town to our next Byron Bay boutique Marr-Kett - an ode to the vibrant souks of Marrakesh. Owner Sallyanne Adjemian wanted to create a space that would showcase the very essence of Morocco, the country she holds so dear. With 20 years of experience working within the Moroccan market and the textiles and design industry, Marr-Kett has a range of curated homewares that celebrate local artists, makers, and international artisans. Think cactus silk cushions, hand-knotted Moroccan rugs, ceramic vases, tapered candles and Fazeek glassware. Each piece is responsibly sourced and hand-picked with sustainability in mind. marr-kett.com.au

Our last addition needs no introduction. Australian-made timber furniture company Mark Tuckey has had a cult following since its humble beginnings in Melbourne in 1990. That following has only grown with the addition of the beautiful Alstonville showroom. Each of the designs are custom-made using recycled and sustainably managed timbers to support a ‘commitment to produce lifetime pieces with a negligible footprint’. The quality of the craftsmanship is unparalleled, as they weave a beautiful design aesthetic of simple, clean lines with refined natural elegance. marktuckey.com.au

Mark Tuckey

Marr-kett

We talk to Nicole Abbott from Coastal Abode Properties, our go-to local real estate expert and property styling maven, about her exciting boutique service and the stabilising of current market trends.

MOMENTUM IS BUILDING

FOR THE REGIONAL PROPERTY MARKET

It’s been an unusual start to the new year for the Australian real estate industry, which has yet to see much change from the end of 2022. The property market continues to correct itself off the back of the Covid boom, and interest rates continue to rise, pushing the boundaries of affordability for many buyers.

Despite this, the Tweed Coast has defied grim predictions of a nationwide 20% drop in housing values, with property prices remaining firm. This comes as no surprise because the region showed strong growth long before the boom arrived. Pottsville, in particular, is going from strength to strength when you look at the bigger picture, with prices increasing 109.4% in five years. With no development planned, our tropical haven is set to maintain its size and sense of community spirit while reaping the benefits of proximity to beautiful beaches, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, and world-class facilities, like the new Tweed Valley Hospital in Kingscliff.

As we ease into the new school year and people find their post-holiday groove, we’ll see new listings hit the market and connect with buyers ready to make a sea change, invest, downsize, or upsize.

And while some buyers are playing the waiting game, cautious over media hype and looming interest rate rises, others see this period as an opportunity to get in first and negotiate a good deal. We expect wary buyers to return with full confidence once the federal reserve stops hiking interest rates.

If you’ve been talking about selling, now is the time to get the wheels moving. Like we always say, it pays to get out in front

before more stock becomes available and buyers are spoilt for choice.

Start by booking an appraisal with a local, in-the-know agent who can help you determine a realistic sale price and timeframe. Then, find your focus. Every home, like every buyer, has a unique personality, so think about what feature or area of your home makes it most appealing or memorable and focus on making it shine.

It’s all about helping buyers visualise how life would look and feel in your home. Got a large entertaining area? Style it as a multifunction space for dining and lounging. Got a pool? Make sure it’s sparkling, compliant and set up for maximum resort vibes using deck chairs, umbrellas, and plants.

Indoors, it’s essential to stage your home in a way that maximises each space. It’s incredible how much you can transform the feel of your home with simple changes - like shifting a sofa, swinging a table around or pushing a bed against the wall.

Engaging a professional property styling service, like Coastal Abode’s Style & Stage, will help you showcase your home at its best and achieve a sales result that pleases everyone involved.

Visit coastalabodeproperties.com.au

gorgeous

GUESTHOUSES

WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

Looking for something special on your next weekend escape? How about an historic hinterland hotel, a coffee-inspired retreat, or a cool coastal abode just moments from the beach. Here’s some of our favourite Northern Rivers getaways to get you inspired.

The Eltham Hotel

ELTHAM

When a 120-year-old country pub gets reimagined by a travel influencer-turnedhotelier, a special kind of magic happens. The concept was, “Somewhere between a Wes Anderson film and a gushy romantic novel,” explains The Vista’s Julia Ashwood, who took over the Eltham Hotel with husband Matt Rabbidge and business partner Luke Sullivan in 2019. Five individually themed rooms have each been inspired by a strong female character who helped define the region. The Rhonda – with its sumptuous boudoir-style red walls – is named for a lady of the night with exotic tastes who operated out of the hotel in the ‘70s. The Delila, decorated in elegant blues and golds, is an ode to a glamorous movie star with a penchant for jazz music and martinis, who sought refuge here when she needed time out from Tinseltown. While The Estelle pays homage to a botanist, whose beautiful sketches adorn the walls. The lively public bar downstairs has had a makeover too, the pokies are gone, and you can expect great live music and impressive gastro pub cuisine. All produce is sourced within a 50-kilometre radius, and alongside the Beer Battered Market Fish served with local leaves, you will find an Eggplant Parmy and a Flourless Chocolate Terrine with Chantilly cream and smoked salt. elthampub.com.au

28 Degrees

BYRON BAY

How about a luxe hideaway in the heart of Byron Bay, just a stone’s throw from the beach? A meticulously designed coastal abode with a distinct sense of place, adults-only 28 Degrees is the creation of interior designer Deb Garske. No detail has been spared, from gorgeous Iranian bathroom tiles to king size beds topped with organic linens, to free mini bars stocked with local goodies. Ground floor rooms have a private plunge pool amidst pretty gardens, while upstairs, the Luxury Master and Lighthouse Room both have romantic claw foot soaking tubs and views out to Byron’s most famous landmark. Designed as a place of rejuvenation, you won’t find TVs in the rooms. But you will find an excellent selection of curated books – perfect if your idea of chillaxing includes curling up on a comfy sofa with a good book. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast of homemade paleo granola, organic yoghurt parfait and slow brewed Moonshine Coffee, then hit the beach. Or grab a bike to explore Arakwal National Park or cycle over to Wategos. And when darkness descends it’s an easy stroll to any of Byron’s fabulous restaurants or boutique bars. 28byronbay.com.au

28 Degrees

The Eltham Hotel

The Eltham Hotel

The Cabana CASUARINA

Pretty as a picture, retro beach style meets Palm Springs at this fun, super stylish Tweed Coast bungalow. Ideal for a romantic weekend (and highly Instagrammable too – if that’s your thing) The Cabana is just 100 meters from the white sandy beach of Casuarina. Fabulous design features include gorgeous pink and white Moroccan tiles, boho chic rattan furnishings and French flax bed linen. A colourful beach rug, picnic basket, rattan beach chairs and 50s-inspired beach umbrella are also provided, so you can stay stylish on the beach. Evenings at The Cabana are enchanting, with festoon lights illuminating the private courtyard. Pull up a bar stool at the servery set under a pink and white striped awning and whip yourselves up something celebratory in the cocktail shaker. There is a fully equipped kitchen too, in case you want to cook but, with Salt Village and its array of restaurants and cafes just down the road, dining out or ordering in is a no-brainer.

@thecaba_casuarina

Zeta’s Coffee Origin House CAROOL

Wake up and smell the coffee (well, coffee flowers smell more like jasmine, but you get the drift) at Origin House located on the award-winning Wirui Coffee Estate. With a stunning location high in the scenic hills of Carool in the picturesque Tweed Hinterland, you will be treated to breathtaking views over the coffee plantation and southern Gold Coast far below. Wirui produces some of the finest single origin coffee in Australia (roasted by Campos,) and this is a great opportunity to experience how coffee is grown and produced, and to drink plenty of delicious fresh roasted coffee, obviously. With an impressive glass and steel design the stylish house has two generous bedrooms, perfect if you are travelling with friends or a small family. Local artisanal breakfast supplies are included to help you settle in, and there is a fully equipped kitchen should you wish to stock up on Tweed Coast produce and bunker in for a few days. With these gorgeous views it’s certainly a hard place to leave, but if you can bear to tear yourselves away, Potager – A Kitchen Garden, is just down the road and always serves up memorable meals. zetascoffee.com.au

Zeta’s Coffee Origin House

The Cabana

The Cabana

YOUR HOME

FROM HOME

A popular holiday destination with a laidback coastal charm, Kingscliff has easy access to a string of blissful beaches from Fingal Head all the way down to Cabarita and Hastings Point, as well as easy access to the lush Tweed hinterland and the southern Gold Coast. One of the best ways to discover the region, and to tap into the enviable Northern Rivers lifestyle is to book a holiday home through Kingscliff Holiday Homes.

A boutique family business run by Kingscliff local, Lauren Kitchell, more than 40 gorgeous houses are available to choose from, with something to suit every taste and budget. Browse the website for inspiration and take your pick from luxury ocean view apartments to dreamy architect-designed beachfront houses and everything in between. All holiday lets are within easy walking distance to the beach, local restaurants, shops and cafés and make a perfect base for enjoying the burgeoning food scene in Kingscliff

and Salt Village and cycling the scenic 24km coastal trail from North Kingscliff to Cabarita.

The advantages of staying in a holiday home are many, starting with the chance to live like a local. Larger homes also offer plenty of space for all the family to spread out, and many come with private swimming pool and well-equipped kitchen so you can prepare your own food (perfect if you have fussy eaters in tow). If travelling as a group or extended family, you will also get a lot more bang for your holiday buck than staying in a hotel. Some Kingscliff Holiday Homes are pet friendly too, so your fur baby will be welcome.

Lauren has lived in the region for 17 years and has become quite an expert on the Northern Rivers. Along with her friendly team, she offers a very hands-on approach to each one of her holiday homes. “Kingscliff is a special place and we are so lucky to call it home,” she says. Give her a call so that you too can call it home, even if just for a few days.

kingscliffholidayhomes.com.au

Our local travel expert Kylie Mitchell-Smith, shares her favourite places to stay, play & run away to. A roundup of local, national & international destinations to help you plan your next adventure.

RUN AWAY

WITH @TRAVELLINGSENORITA

LOCAL STAYCAY

Lately I’ve been swooning over our glamourous neighbour, with golden stretches of sand and Palm Springs inspired architecture - the Gold Coast is the ideal drive destination for a night away.

The elegant Langham Hotel is absolute beachfront Surfers Paradise, and has literally raised the coast’s hotel bar. A stunning build with chic interiors and restaurants like, Akoya for Seafood, T’Ang Court for Cantonese, and Palm Court for High Tea.

EAT

Paloma Wine Bar - Burleigh

Lucia Tapas Bar - Tugun

Akoya - Langham Hotel

The Dorsett Hotel opened a year ago, a striking building with suitably styled and spacious rooms. The suites on level 19 have private access to the executive lounge, with dreamy views across the sea. Enjoy the surrounding facilities, including global eateries and the swanky Isoletto Pool Club. Broadbeach is a hop, skip away with a plethora of beachside cafés and restaurants.

The lively and popular QT Hotel in Surfers Paradise has newly appointed qtQT cabins on level 2. All your tiny home dreams come true in one curated green space, complete with local artisans, fire pit and pizza oven, with the sounds of the ocean as the backdrop.

STAY

qtQT Cabins - Surfers Paradise

The Dorsett Hotel - Broadbeach

HOTA Gallery - Evandale

From the latest Gold on the Gold Coast to the big city lights of Brisbane, to a cruise across the seas in Spain - we all love a dreamy holiday destination-there’s plenty of travel inspiration below.

Miami Marketta

Langham Hotel

Brisbane Marriott Hotel

CITY VACAY

Brisbane is the place to be, a short drive from the coast and you’re in a vibrant city that’s on the move. With a swag of hotel openings, urban restaurants and neighbourhood bars. Bustling precincts like Howard Smith Wharves and the soon to be opened Queens Wharf, are shaping the city toward the future.

EAT

Motion Restaurant - Marriott Hotel

Pilloni - West End

Wet Deck - W Brisbane

STAY

Brisbane Marriott Hotel Emporium Hotel

PLAY

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) Howard Smith Wharves

From the iconic W Brisbane to the Marriot Hotel, to independent hotels like The Calile and Emporium Hotel - Brisbane Town is the ideal weekender away.

An oldie but a reinvented goodie, Brisbane Marriott takes pride of place riverside next to Howard Smith Wharves. A recent upgrade of the luxurious rooms with arguably the best views in town, looking across the river to the Story Bridge.

Now offering doggy stays, complete with bed, treats and daily newspaper for all your pet-friendly needs; added bonus - Howard Smith Wharfs is a ball throw away.

We are still salivating over the fresh seafood experience at the hotel’s ‘Motion Dining’ restaurant - topped off with friendly staff and the charm the Marriott is known for.

OVER THE SEAS

Never been on a cruise before? Me either, until I dipped my toes in (pun intended) on a ‘13 Day Spain Intensive’ cruise on the Pursuit Ship, hosted by Azamara.

We embarked in Bordeaux, France and disembarked in Barcelona, Spain with a whole lot of fun in-between. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and Balearic Sea, taking in France, Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar along the way. Sailing into port as the sun rose, exploring unique and smaller regions and sailing away as the sun set, made this inaugural cruise tick all the boxes. The ship had 500 guests with a similar ratio of staff - impeccable service, fresh local food (where possible) and was all about destination immersion.

Highlights of the itinerary include the Galicia Region in Northern Spain that takes in the seaside towns of La Coruna and Vigo, all about fresh seafood and the pilgrim roads that lead to Santiago. Malaga is a trending hot spot for the south, with a stunning harbour, designer shops, Picasso Museum (Pablo Picasso was born there) tapas bars and picturesque Mediterranean beaches.

Rounding off the trip in Barcelona is always a good idea, we suggest a stay at the W Barcelona perched high above Barceloneta Beach, or at least a sunset cocktail on the deck. Take the cable car up to Magic Mountain for sublime views across the city to the ocean beyond and dine in Terrassa Martinez for the best squid ink paella in town.

EAT

El National FIRE - W Barcelona

STAY

W Barcelona Factory Gardens

PLAY

Guadi Garden

El Born District

AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona

Brisbane Marriott Hotel

The Dorsett Hotel

The Pursuit Ship

ASH GRUNWALD IS TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

With five ARIA nominations, six albums hitting the Australian top 50, a published book, and the release of a new album, it seems life has never been busier for Aussie blues musician Ash Grunwald. So, what does 2023 have in store for this local powerhouse? Our publisher Karen sits down with Ash and talks about working with the best in the biz, his co-writing collab with his inspiring wife, sober-living activist Danni Carr, as well as his love of living like a local in the Northern Rivers.

Ash, thanks so much for chatting with us. How has 2023 started for you?

It has started in a really crazy fashion! I am madly getting in as many gigs as I can right up until Bluesfest, then Danni, the kids and I are taking three months off to travel around Australia in our new doneup van.

Last year was also a busy year for you with the release of “Shout Into The Noise” - how has this album been received? And what can we expect from Ash Grunwald in 2023?

It’s been received really well. I’m really happy with it and the streaming.

I’ve started recording a new little album with a live band - Bobby Alu on drums and Ian Perez on keyboards as a three-piece. We did Bluesfest together last year and will perform together again this year. We’ll be jumping into the studio to record it. We have a lot of the new stuff coming. I’m also doing a lot of solo gigs around the place. Bluesfest is coming up fast, and there’s a jam-packed line-up of artists. You have been such a draw card for many years now; what are we going to see this time around?

This year I’m excited to be performing with my favourite band – the same three-piece I’m recording with. These guys are just amazing. Ian Perez is a genius, he is currently playing with Bernard Fanning, and before that he was playing with Xavier Rudd. Bobby Alu is the same – he’s also doing his own show at Bluesfest. We’ve only played together once (at Blues last year) so I’m really looking forward to it.

You’ve had six Australian top 50 albums, and four ARIA Award nominations - congratulations! How has this impacted your life and career?

Thanks. I’m just continuously trying to build on what I’ve done. I think anyone who wants to be a musician and gets to do it as a career is really lucky for starters. As an artist you are constantly working on new content, constantly knocking on doors, which often slam in your face. Getting an award or a nomination gives you a little bit of a respite - you stop for five minutes to give yourself a pat on the back before you move onto the next thing you’re building towards.

You jumped into the studio to reimagine ‘Tell

We were also fortunate to be able to feature your lovely wife Danni in this issue - talking about your life and how you both quit alcohol. It’s an inspiring story. How has this journey changed your life?

It’s been massive for our relationship - we were partners in crime and crazy party animals, so we quit together which is the best way to do it. I don’t envy people who quit, and the other partner doesn’t. It is a journey that we share together and something we talk about every day – especially regarding the work Danni is doing on her ‘How I Quit Alcohol’ podcast. We are also writing a book together which is still in production. It is an ongoing journey. I have learnt so much over the last five years of sobriety and the thing I love the is that you are constantly evolving. Music is my job, my life, and my hobby - I used to look at gigs as being a party, but it’s so much more fulfilling to take it a little more seriously and give more to it. I am really enjoying that aspect.

I believe you dreamt of being a script writer and ended up becoming a schoolteacher - which led to releasing your first published book in 2019, ‘Surf By Day, Jam By Night’. How did this come about?

some local friends like, Dave Rastovich and Beau Young. It was awesome because I’m passionate about surfing and passionate about music, so there was a lot of common ground with everyone I spoke to. It was also written in my first year of sobriety, so it became a bit of a philosophical musing. You call the Northern Rivers home these days - how long have you been living here and what was it that made you move to the area?

I did twenty laps of the country or more touring, and we were living in Victoria looking for a new place to call home. After visiting and touring here for over a decade we knew this was the place we wanted to be. You can feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, and yet it’s also just thirtyfive minutes from the airport to where we live - I love it. We have been here almost fifteen years now, it is a beautiful place to call home.

Living like a local in Byron Bay, can you let us in on some of your faves?

Favourite beach to visit?

I love to surf The Pass when it is pumping. I think it is such a special wave and such a special area, the way it sticks out into the ocean

Place to grab a coffee?

Moonshine at Billinudgel

with acclaimed producer Justin Stanley. How did this come about and when will we hear the finished product?

It Like It Is’

That came about through my new management. We just did the recording with Justin, and I am frothing - it has been truly reimagined. He’s the best of the best when it comes to producers. He produced and recorded a lot of Eric Clapton’s albums and recorded with Prince too - crazy stuff that’s right down my alley genre-wise.

It was an honour; I was asked whether (writing a book) would be something I’d be interested in. I thought, ‘well, what do I know about?’ I froth on surfing and have always lived my life surfing by day and jamming by night, so it was an easy choice. Writing about it took me on such an adventure. I had crossed paths with Kelly Slater before, but I didn’t know him that well, so I jumped on a plane to America and went to interview him at his house, same with a Steph Gilmore. I knew Jack Johnson from supporting him at some of his acts here. I also spoke with

Favourite location to unwind?

I love to surf in New Brighton - just down from our house.

Shoutout to your favourite restaurant?

No Bones, Ocean Shores

Favourite spot to chill with family and friends?

Christmas Beach, Ocean shoresbut let’s keep it hush, hush!

Ash Grunwald & Danni Carr

WEAR YOUR ART ON YOUR SLEEVE

BY DONNA RISHTON-POTTER

The tattoo artform has been around for thousands of years spanning time and culture and, whilst it may not be everyone’s preferred form of selfexpression, those of us with an innate desire to wear our art on our sleeve understand how empowering the act of marking one’s skin can be.

In what has been a male-dominated industry in Western culture, there’s no doubt that female artists are on the rise and making their marks in a powerful way, bringing a certain intuition and beauty to an artform that is as therapeutic as it is liberating. LOCALE spoke to three phenomenal local artists about their ventures in the world of inky arts.

I meet Jess Cristobal – or Jesska Crystalball as she’s known in the industry – at Shred Culture in Byron Bay. A highly regarded artist whose skilful work became renowned during a stint on the famed reality series Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew, Jesska is not a woman faint of heart, “My very first tattoo was an 8-hour half sleeve,” she tells me. A therapeutic marathon in commemoration of her beloved aunt who had recently passed away. “I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. To tell her how much she meant to me. It was more than a picture on my skin – it was sacred, soulful, and the most healing experience.”

Drawn to the industry by that soulful pull, Jess found breaking into the tattoo scene came with its challenges, “When I started out there were only a handful of women artists, and we’d sometimes get hassled by people telling us ‘You’re not going to make it in this business,’” she says.

“Through my work on ‘Bondi Ink’ I was so fortunate to sit under the guidance of two of Australia’s best female artists – Megan Massacre and Teneile Napoli. They were the ones paving the way. Now women are on the rise dominating.”

Asked why this is and Jesska muses, “I think women naturally have a strong intuition of people’s needs. We think differently and come at the process differently. And our clients want different things from the experience. At the end of the day, it’s a process that requires collaboration, trust and ultimately, surrender. I always try to find a connection with my client, to understand the essence of the intention. That’s where you create a safe space and when the magic can happen. I’m really just the conduit between the person and their soul. Being a tattoo artist is ultimately an act of service.”

Find Jess on Instagram @jesskacrystalball @shredculturetattoo_byron

“THERE IS SUCH A HOLE IN THE CULTURE WE LIVE IN. WE DON’T HAVE MANY MEANINGFUL RITUALS OR RITES OF PASSAGE – TATTOOING FILLS THAT HOLE. YOU LEAVE THE STUDIO PHYSICALLY DIFFERENT, AND THAT CAN BE EXTREMELY POWERFUL.”

- JESS SAUNDERS

Jesska Cristobal

Shred Culture

Being of service to others is also what motivates experienced artist Jessica Saunders. Working between three studios - The Hammer and Quill in Alstonville, Nimbin Tattoo, and Candlewood Studio in Burringbar - it’s the interaction with her clients that brings her the most joy. “My personal art is my own self-expression, but tattooing others is a form of service which I love. At the end of the day, it is all about my client,” she emphasises. “Creating a safe space for people to feel comfortable to tell their stories is the most important thing. It’s therapeutic for them. It’s a privilege for me.”

Originally, it was a love of rock music that led a tenyear-old Jess to fill her sketchbook with drawings of all her favourite bands. Her passion for music (she is also an accomplished bass player) fused with her artistic creativity and soon those sketches flourished into tattoo art.

Although she ventured into another career path Jess soon found her heart leading her back to her passion. “I could always just ‘see myself’ as a tattoo artist.”

It is definitely Jess’ artistic talents – detailed natural history illustration and mind-blowing psychedelic botanicals – along with a deep understanding of the power of tattooing, that draws clients back time and again. “There is such a hole in the current culture we live in. We don’t have many meaningful rituals or rites of passage – tattooing fills that hole. You leave the studio physically different, and that can be extremely powerful.”

Book with Jess through @jesssaunderstattoo @thqtattoo @nimbintattoo & @candlewood.studio

Jessica Saunders

Jessica Saunders work

Coming to the industry from a different angle is Coco Loberg – a twenty-six-year-old creative powerhouse with multifarious talent. She may hail from an uber-creative family but Coco’s cult following is all due to her own artistic prowess. From sell-out art collections and a book of poetry and prose, to high-end collabs, it’s the art of tattooing that keeps Coco grounded. This is a family affair after all, with her dad owning Absolute Tattoo on the Kingscliff Beach strip, her mum managing the studio between Interior Design bookings and her uncle also a tattoo artist, for Coco, it really is like coming home. “I’ve had a pen in my hands and a sketchbook of ideas in my arms, for as long as I can remember,” she says of her natural talent. “I avoided [tattooing] at first, but dad convinced me to give it a try and I loved it.”

Renowned for the simplicity of her designs Coco’s greatest joy is fusing poetry into an art piece. “Designs don’t have to be fussy and complicated to be beautiful and meaningful. I really believe

sometimes less is more,” she says. “I’m fortunate that I’ve come into this career as the industry is changing. Studios are no longer flash-based, and artists can specialise in their field of expertise. Clients have already done their homework and they come to you because your style resonates. It makes it easy to collaborate because there’s a level of trust from the outset, and trust opens the door for creativity.”

Find Coco’s work @cocoloberg and make a booking through @absolutetattoo

These days - with advancing technology and a greater scope for creativity - there’s significant appeal for young artists to enter the industry, and the Northern Rivers runs abundant with studios who provide a broad range of talented creatives - of all genders. After all, whether for ritual, meaningful self-expression, or purely for self-decoration, the age-old tradition of marking one’s skin is as relevant and necessary as ever.

Coco Loberg

Absolute Tattoo

HABITAT

Habitat is the diverse, beautiful, and inclusive haven located just out of the hustle and bustle Byron Bay’s main strip. A uniquely designed village, where you can shop, drink, dine and recharge, all in one place.

Created as a space to nourish yourself, feel inspired by your environment and make things with intent and purpose, Habitat (like every great village) is centred around yummy cafés and restaurants, like local fave Barrio and the much-loved Vagabond and Providore, not to mention plenty of epic coffee. As well as modern workspaces, Habitat boasts a carefully curated selection of independent boutiques, fashion labels and homewares stores, plus a range of exclusive fitness and beauty facilities - including gyms, Pilates studios, luxury hair and beauty salons as well as a 25m lap pool + therapy pool.

A perfectly located oasis in Byron’s North Beach, where you can stroll to the beach, take a 10-minute bike ride into town, or simply wander across the road to catch the world’s first solar train. And, with plenty of free parking too, we reckon Habitat is Byron’s most exciting neighbourhood.

HABITATBYRONBAY.COM

HIREHOOD

Centred around local communities supporting each other, Hirehood is the revolutionary new ‘marketplace’ that connects those needing certain items and equipment, to those with the goods. You’d like to try stand-up paddleboarding on the weekend but don’t want to outlay for expensive sporting goods? Go to Hirehood who will connect you to someone willing to share their SUP with you for a small fee. This exciting peer to peer start-up from the Tweed Shire provides convenience to both locals and visitors whilst helping reduce the need for single purchase usage. In addition to providing high-quality equipment at affordable prices, Hirehood is also committed to saving the planet one item at a time. By promoting the sharing of equipment, Hirehood supports the environment by reducing wastage on items that are used infrequently. It’s also a great way to secure a passive income stream by reviving and repurposing goods, that are otherwise taking up garage space, for others to use.

To get the ball rolling for those with items, Hirehood is guaranteeing at least one hire in the first month of any approved listing up until 30th June 2023.

HIREHOOD.COM.AU

THE SOUTH BEACH CLUB

The South Beach Club, founded by Northern NSW designer and photographer Shelley Micke, offers a luxurious range of handloomed towels, indoor and outdoor cushions, beach chairs, and umbrellas, all designed to enhance your life by the sea.

Shelley’s background in design and photography has honed her skills in lifestyle brands, and she draws inspiration from her travels, particularly the Italian coast. Think Amalfi vibes in designs that are clean and fresh - with warm, neutral, and cool colour palette options that reflect earth, sand, and sea - to suit all styles.

Shelley’s mid-century architecture influences also come through in her designs, which depict the coast where she lives and loves to travel. Thoughtfully curated collections, The South Beach Club’s products are perfect for those seeking modern designs and simple, clean lines in timeless colour palettes. Proudly launching the brand locally, Shelley’s plans also include taking the range abroad – with a shoot planned in Italy later this year.

THESOUTHBEACHCLUB.COM.

NEA ALEXANDRA BOOKKEEPING

Nea is a passionate Certified Bookkeeper and Registered BAS Agent with over 25 years of experience. Nea left behind the big smoke ten years ago in favour of the beautiful Northern Rivers lifestyle and has built her bookkeeping firm - Nea Alexandra Bookkeeping - into a thriving business with an impressive client list (Wandering Folk, Pack Gallery, Sahana Byron Bay and Sneaky Sound System, to name a few).

Nea and her skilful team will eliminate the stress of bookkeeping and let you get on with doing what you do best. With a refreshingly down-to-earth approach, the team tailor their services according to your unique business needs and goals, leaving out the corporate speak. With their preferred accounting software, Xero, you’ll have the confidence to move forward with your business feeling empowered, knowing that your financials are being taken care of.

NEAALEXANDRA.COM

THE HAMMER AND QUILL

Just off Alstonville’s Main Street, nestled in the arcade next to the Federal Hotel, you’ll find The Hammer and Quill – a legendary tattoo studio that is as iconic in the Northern Rivers as it is a local favourite.

Operating in town for over 8 years, owner and artist Anthony Alexander has built a team of friendly, talented, and dedicated creatives who are excited to bring each piece to life. Whether it be a small fine line piece or a full sleeve, you will be guaranteed to find the perfect artist to create a work that, not only encompasses your vision, but translates into a wellpositioned, quality artwork suited to the tattoo medium.

Catering to 1000’s of happy clients over the years, The Hammer and Quill’s reputation precedes itself, with customers coming from all areas of the country just to collaborate with their artist of choice in a safe, relaxed, and professional environment.

Situated just 15-25 minutes to other major centres including Ballina, Byron, and Lismore - and in convenient proximity to the airport for interstate clients – The Hammer and Quill is open for bookings from 10am Tuesday – Saturdays

BEACHOUSE ORGANICS

Beachouse Organics is a unique brand that offers pure and fresh organic skincare and wellness products. The Beachouse creators are passionate about the healing power of natural ingredients and use only the best locally sourced, potent, and organic materials to create their range of products. This commitment to using fresh and organic ingredients ensures that the products are potent and effective. With a natural skincare range that includes facial serums, moisturizers, body scrubs, and lip balms, all products are made in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and quality. Beachouse Organics also offer a range of healing wellness products, such as essential oils and natural remedies, that support overall health and wellbeing. Using certified organic (ACO) materials wherever possible, their products are vegan friendly and provide a natural and cruelty-free alternative to traditional skincare products.

Handcrafted in the pristine Northern Rivers town of Kingscliff, a standout feature of Beachouse Organics is their use of locally sourced ingredients. By supporting local suppliers, they not only reduce their carbon footprint but also help the local community. Their eco-friendly packaging further emphasizes their commitment to sustainability.

BEACHOUSEORGANICS.COM.AU

PEARLS PICNICS

A hopeless romantic with an entrepreneurial mindset, Pearls turned her hobby of spoiling her friends with beautiful, elaborate picnic setups into a business. She wanted more people to experience the joy a picnic could bring by adding a little luxury and combining it with stunning, world-class views.

Pearls has 15 years of experience in the hospitality and events industries, having worked alongside some of Sydney’s most iconic restaurateurs, chefs and event planners. She truly understands how the fine touches can entirely change a dining experience and bring these elements to her picnics. Servicing the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast, she works closely with her clients to customise the perfect experience. Clients will be provided with a beautiful setup, outdoor games, portable music and a decadent spread of food and drinks (with dietaries and requests catered for). Each 3hr package includes everything you need to slow down and create unforgettable moments.

INSTAGRAM - @PEARLS_PICNICS

MARISSA MILLS

Strongly connected to sea and country, talented photographer Marissa Mills is known for her ability to capture the unique beauty of our remarkable landscape. Based in the Northern Rivers, her affinity to the land is reflected in her collection of fine art prints. Scouting the area in exploration of that perfect image, and the sweet spot between the right time of day, the ideal location and the perfect light are the fuel to Marissa’s creativity, and the results speak for themselves. Striking made-to-order prints in Limited and Open Editions, that capture heart and soul of a place and leave a lasting impression with the viewer. For the art collector or for those who just appreciate beautiful photography, each print is limited to 100 copies and comes framed in natural oak or left unframed in simplicity. Also committed to giving back to the environment, Marissa has partnered with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring nature and biodiversity through tree planting, and for every print sold, 5 trees will be planted.

MARISSAMILLS.COM.AU

NORTHERN RIVERS MARKET GUIDE

Ask most people around here what they love doing with their weekends, and you’ll usually find them hitting up the many and varied farmers and artisan markets that span our verdant coastline and countryside. With an abundance of creative and colourful markets held every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Northern Rivers, you can take your pick and soak up a relaxed morning of shopping, dining and entertainment, local style.

Brunswick Heads Markets

The pristine Brunswick River makes for an incredibly scenic backdrop to the famous monthly markets which come alive with the many artisan stalls showcasing clothing, plants, food, candles, soaps, coffee, and more.

Memorial Park, Brunswick Heads

1st Saturday of the month

Byron Community Market

Fused with the combination of a welcoming atmosphere, artistic talent, fantastic food, local musicians and authentic products, the Byron Community Market offers an inspiring illustration of Byron’s local community at its best.

Main Beach Foreshore, Byron Bay

1st Sunday of the month

Pottsville Beach Markets

Set in the heart of Pottsville and just a stone’s throw from the stunning estuary, Mooball Creek, this beloved community market always has lots on offer - pick up your fruit ‘n’ veg, homemade goodies, art, crafts, plants, jewellery, clothes, gifts and much more.

Philip Street Reserve, Pottsville

1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

The Maker & Finders Market

With over 90 independent artists, vintage collectors, DIY-ers, food trucks, handmade delights, and fashion designers, the Maker & Finders Market draws an eclectic crowd of shoppers, music, and art lovers alike.

Knox Park, Murwillumbah

3rd Saturday of the month from 9 am - 2 pm

FARMERS MARKETS

Tuesday

New Brighton Farmers Market

8am - 11am River Street

Lismore Organic Market

7.30am - 11am Lismore Showground

Wednesday

Murwillumbah Farmers Market

7am - 11am Murwillumbah Showground,

Thursday

Byron Farmers Market 7am - 11am Cavanbah Ctre, Ewingsdale Rd

Mullumbimby Community Market

Set up like a buzzing family festival as a way for the community to come together and sell goods with great, local buskers and yummy food, this market has the best vibes. Here you’ll find artisan clothing, jewellery and homewares, plants, upcycled and retro stalls, eco-products, massage, face painting, fresh juices, healing crystals and grassy areas to relax on.

Summers Park – Cnr Stuart & Myokum Sts, Mullumbimby 3rd Saturday of the month from 8 am - 2 pm.

The Bangalow Flea Markets

These humble but thoroughly enticing markets offer a collection of stalls in a vibrant environment. Stallholders sell new and retro clothing, furniture, self-care items and unique bits and pieces. It’s a fun day out to hunt for bargains.

Bangalow Public School, Bangalow

2nd Saturday of the month from 8 am - 2 pm

Kingscliff Beachside Markets

A bi-monthly institution right beside Kingscliff Beach. Offering a vast array of gourmet food, produce, craft, artwork, fashion, jewellery, flowers, gifts, and food stalls, go pick up some fresh fruit and veg on your way home from a morning swim.

Jack Bayliss Park on Marine Parade, Kingscliff

2nd & 4th Saturday of the month from 8 am - 1 pm

Salt Village Markets

A family (and pooch) friendly event that gives visitors a seaside shopping experience along our amazing Tweed Coast and the opportunity to stay a little longer to enjoy live entertainment. Taste the local produce and market food, enjoy a variety of handmade and locally designed gifts, clothing, and other wares. Central Park, Bells Boulevard, Salt Village, Kingscliff

3rd Saturday of the month 8:00am - 2:00pm

Lismore Produce Market 2.30pm - 6.30pm Magellan Street

Friday

Mullumbimby Farmers Market 7am - 11am Mullumbimby Showground,

Saturday

Bangalow Farmers Market

7am - 11am Bangalow Hotel Car Park, Byron Street

Lismore Farmers Market 8am - 11.30am Lismore Showground

Uki Farmers Market 8am - 12.30pm Uki Hall, Kyogle Road

Kingscliff Farmers Market

7am - 11am Cudgen Road

Duranbah Road Farmers Market 8am - 11am Held in the grounds of Tropical Fruit World

Sunday

Ballina Farmers Market

7am - 11am Commemoration Park, Bentinck Street

Try these fresh flavours.....

With

MONDAY MEXICAN MONDAY MARGARITA SPECIAL | KIDS EAT FREE

TUESDAY BURGER NIGHT

TINNIE TUESDAY | PUBCARD DRAW

WEDNESDAY HUMP DAY RUMP DAY MEAT RAFFLES

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