Sleepy Burringbar explodes

from The Weekly Real Estate from Coast to Country, July 6, 2023

Business Awards update

By Jo Kennett

THERE used to be a little joke among shire residents who referred to Burringbar as Boringbar, which probably suited the locals.

Things have been anything but boring in Burringbar in the past five years, including floods and landslides in the hills damaging several houses last year.

Then the community was rocked by a blaze that destroyed an old building housing a popular cafe, the local hairdresser, and a pop-up Mexican restaurant that was well patronised every Friday night, as locals gathered together for a feed, a drink and a chat.

The town got back on its feet and new residents moved in, attracted by the winding dirt roads opening up to picturesque rural vistas and babbling creeks running through lush grazing pastures.

The Burringbar Community Association’s Ian Fox has put together some history of this enchanted area.

Mr Fox said it was likely members of the Goodjunburra clan inhabited Burringbar, which means “place of the burring”, a burring being a non-returning fighting boomerang.

In the early 1800s, a road was constructed along what is now Tweed Valley Way, but was possibly an Aboriginal walking track before then.

The village was established in 1886, becoming an overnight stop for the Cobb and Co wagons delivering supplies from Murwillumbah and Brunswick Heads.

The town boomed when the railway came in 1894 and soon bakers, butchers, a pub, Skinner’s cordial factory, a boarding house, tearoom, billiard room, general stores, a fruiterer, blacksmiths, a hairdresser, a tinsmith, Snow’s Sawmill, a school, churches, a convent and a School of the Arts. It was busy.

Many of the businesses were destroyed by fire in 1923 and in 1932 The Hotel Burringbar, a bakers and butchers burnt down.

The licence was transferred to the Hotel Victory at Mooball, which incensed the community and started a legendary feud that seems, at last, to be over.

By 1990, the trains no longer stopped at Burringbar, which slipped into a peaceful existence as a centre for the surrounding dairy and banana farms.

What was, for many years, a sleepy village, has pretty well exploded with life since the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened in March this year, which must have come as a huge shock to residents.

Burringbar is now one of the most happening villages in the shire with lycra-clad maniacs pedalling furiously into town every weekend, busting into all the shops and cafes and then pedalling back off down the trail like a vanishing dream.

Burringbar now has a population of around 878 friendly locals, including the surrounding area, and there is real estate for sale there, which is, apparently, the point of this column!

At the cheaper end of the scale, Mana Real Estate has a lovely, 671.5 square metre tropical block of land for $550,000, just a short walk to the village. It’s private and perfect for a pole home if you want to capture some of the rural views.

There are some posh Byron Bay real estate agencies selling property in the area, which shows how things have changed, with one pretty spectacular 39.5-hectare property at 187 Burringbar Road on the market for $5,500,000 to $5,800,000. There is another 1.5-hectare gorgeous home that I will absolutely fight you for, though at $2,200,000 to $2,300,000 I might have to hit Mum up for a loan.

Many old locals cashed in and moved out as property prices soared during Covid, but if you have got the dough there are some beautiful places for sale in the Burringbar Valley.

If you are thinking about buying into this lovely area though, just remember, the locals are downto-earth, community-minded folk and don’t want anyone coming in acting like members of the Lords Cricket Club.

It may now be home to millionaires, but as the floods and fires showed, the egalitarian spirit of Burringbar shines through stronger than ever, which is what makes it a great place to visit and an even better place to call home.

For Sale

5 bed 2 bath 4 car

1,180m2

4 Woodfull Crescent Pottsville

$1,500,000 - $1,600,000

Step inside this architectural masterpiece and be captivated by the clever design that makes this home truly special. The highlight is undoubtedly the home’s ability to fully open out to dual alfresco entertainment areas through glass sliding Bi-Fold doors, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Bask in the warm sunlight and refreshing sea breezes.

Auction

4 Bed 3 Bath 2 Car 727m2

6 Elouera Terrace, Bray Park

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind home in its picturesque setting with awe-inspiring views of Mount Wollumbin and the tranquil Tweed River. This residence perfectly blends modern luxury and classic charm, on a unique and beautifully crafted parcel of land, making it a truly exceptional property. The spectacular high views allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of your own home. Marvel at the majestic Mount Wollumbin and be captivated by the serene waters of the Tweed River, as they create a stunning backdrop to your everyday life.

Auction

506 Tweed Valley Way, Sth Murwillumbah

Bidding Guide $590,000 – $640,000

This property boasts a range of appealing features that makes it an attractive option for homeowners and investors, alike. With its beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings and ornate cornices along with the charming entrance barn door you get that immediate feeling of warmth and welcome.

Auction

585 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah

Embrace the joys of rural living with a generous 1-acre parcel of land. With ample space for gardening, outdoor activities, or even potential extensions, this property presents a canvas for your imagination to flourish. The yard is adorned with beautiful flowering camellias, adding a splash of colour and charm to your outdoor spaces. Furthermore, mature macadamia trees dot the landscape, providing a delightful harvest and shade during warmer months.

26 Prince Street, Murwillumbah

4 spacious brms | 2 living areas | studio | covered car accom

Beautifully presented and maintained 1940's bungalow in flood free position within walking distance to the town centre. Superbly elevated with a north-east aspect, cottage gardens & car parking for 2-3 cars from a two street access. Original features include 11ft ceilings (approx.), original windows, French doors, polished timber floors, a weatherboard exterior and a list of updates already completed. Dual living with 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas (main residence) and a self-contained studio at the rear with its own entrance ideal for home business, family or income.

Dorothy Street, Murwillumbah

Open Home Sat 2 - 2.30pm

Price $940,000

4 brms | modern kitchen | covered verandah | storage Guide Range

This well-presented home is ready for a new family. Situated in a quiet street less than 2km from the town centre, this solid, low maintenance home offers features that include; freshly painted interior, original timber floors, modern kitchen, 4 good size bedrooms, ceiling fans, a/c living & main bedroom, study(walk-in linen or potential ensuite), a fully covered rear deck overlooking the yard for outdoor living and dining, fenced rear yard connecting to the football fields and parkland for the kids and pets, storage downstairs. Vendor encourages offers.

21 Mooball Street Murwillumbah

1113m2 with rear access | 3 brms or 2 living | 2 sunrooms

Offering character and convenience within walking distance to the shopping precinct, sporting fields and Mt Saint Patricks, this wonderfully solid home retains original features that include: 11ft (3.3m) ceilings, vj board linings, breezeways above doors, French doors, original hardwood floors, weatherboard clad exterior (presently pvc clad) and a large covered rear deck overlooking the back yard. Offering a versatile floor plan with 2 bedrooms plus 2 sunrooms at the front of the original home with a central lounge area and separate dining adjoining the kitchen. The front bedrooms offer a potential to utilise the corner sunroom for an extra bedroom, playroom for the kids or an ensuite and walk-in robe. There are lots of options for this property. So much opportunity to capitalise here.

8 Riverview

Street, Murwillumbah

3 bed | 2 bath | extensive storage | walk to town

Open Home Sat 10 -10.30am

$760,000 to $780,000

Open Home Sat 1 - 1.30pm

Guide Range $670k to $690k

Meticulously presented, this home provides modern comfort with added benefits that include extensive secure storage areas, plenty of covered car accommodation for (5) vehicles, including your trailer, boat or caravan, plus room in the fully fenced rear yard for children, pets and a garden, all conveniently accessed from the rear lane (Nullum Lane) through double gates. There is nothing to do but move in and start enjoying this low maintenance property, being able to walk to town, access to parkland (Knox Park) for the kids and of course freeing yourself up to enjoy your weekends. No renovations, no huge lawns or big gardens to look after either. Genuine seller is relocating for work & business opportunities.