In the 1850s, the charming riverside village of Wardell, then known as ‘Blackwall,’ was a bustling cedar-getter settlement, home to two sawmills and a thriving river trade. As the cedar supply dwindled, the fertile lands gave way to sugarcane farming, which has since become the heart of Wardell’s economy.

Today, Wardell offers a delightful escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Anglers will relish the excellent fishing opportunities, while history enthusiasts can embark on the ‘Wardell Walkabout,’ a self-guided tour of the village’s historic buildings that whisper tales of a bygone era.

Situated upstream on the picturesque Richmond River, Wardell is a serene retreat surrounded by rolling sugarcane fields. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey along Tourist Drive 28. Don’t leave without sampling a famous Wardell pie – a treat as warm and welcoming as the village itself!

Wardell is more than a destination; it’s an experience to discover its unique charm!

From the fishing village of Wardell to the historic village of Newrybar, this picturesque hinterland drive meanders though thriving working farms, historic villages brimming with character, artist studios, and a generous sprinkling of cosy cafes to discover.

Embark on this unforgettable journey and let the Ballina hinterland reveal its timeless charm.

Summerland Farm is a must-visit destination nestled in the scenic hinterland of the Northern Rivers, NSW. Set on a stunning 96-hectare macadamia and avocado farm, it’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, experience an authentic productive farm, and enjoy a day relaxing day out.

A vibrant agritourism business, Summerland Farm offers a variety of unique on-site experiences – from interactive animal encounters and guided farm tours to a fully accessible adventure playground and themed seasonal events.

Visitors can taste fresh regional produce in the award-winning café, explore the curated retail hub filled with locally made goods, and relax in beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by panoramic mountain views.

What makes Summerland Farm truly special is its heart. Operated by Aruma, a leading disability service provider, the farm is a working example of inclusive employment – proudly supporting people with a disability to thrive in meaningful roles across hospitality, horticulture, and tourism. It’s a place of purpose, connection, and joy.

Whether you’re travelling with kids, seeking a scenic stopover, or simply wanting to reconnect with nature, Summerland Farm invites you to Taste. Explore. Play. – and discover the wonder at every turn.

Discover the enchanting charm of Alstonville, a hidden gem nestled among the rolling green hills of a stunning plateau, just a short 15-minute drive from Ballina. This captivating town invites you to step back in time with its historic buildings and classic Australian architecture, while offering a modern cultural flair through vibrant galleries, cosy cafes, and delightful tea houses. Alstonville is the perfect getaway for those seeking a unique blend of rich history, artistic expression, and laid-back relaxation.

Famous for its lush red volcanic soil, Alstonville is a paradise for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The region produces an abundance of fresh avocados, macadamia nuts, tropical fruits, and locally grown coffee—treats that will delight your taste buds and connect you to the land.

Venture beyond the town and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding hills, where hidden waterfalls and lush subtropical parks await your exploration. Victoria Park Nature Reserve is a must-visit, preserving one of the last remaining pockets of the ancient Big Scrub rain forest, offering a peaceful retreat into nature’s untouched wonder. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Alstonville promises an unforgettable experience in one of Australia’s most serene and picturesque corners.

Macadamias are native to the Northern Rivers region, and they’re a pretty big deal around these parts. Head into the rolling hills and find out what all the fuss is about.

Duck Creek Macadamias, near the pretty hinterland village of Newrybar, is a working farm that produces top-quality nuts, and if you call in you can enjoy them from the farm-gate store – coated with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Belgian salted caramel chocolate, or any of the other irresistible types of couverture chocolate on offer.

The nuts are also available in natural and roasted and sea salted, and you’ll find cold-pressed oils, macadamia honey and skincare products, from body scrubs to lip balms. You can also join a farm tour to discover how the nuts go from tree to treat.

Duck Creek Macadamias are 100% Australian owned and run, operating from the original farm in historic Newrybar in the heart of the pristine Byron Bay Hinterland. The home of world famous chocolate macadamias exported around the world, enjoyed in premium hampers, duty free and quality retail outlets.

No trip to the Northern Rivers is complete without a visit to a waterfall, and Killen Falls is up there with the most accessible and photogenic of them all.

After a 20-minute drive through the rolling hills of the hinterland from Ballina, the falls can be found in a special patch of rainforest, part of the Big Scrub, which once blanketed this region but is now just one per cent of its previous size.

It’s a 330m walk through the lush forest from the car park to the top of the falls, where you’re rewarded with a bird’s-eye view down into the pool below.

Take the steep and sometimes slippery (but not too challenging) walk down to the base of the falls to see them from a whole new angle. Keep an eye out for turtles, birds and other wildlife. And walk into the cave behind the falls to get a great view looking out.

Killen Falls is a great stop off while exploring tourist drive 28.

The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary’s purpose is to create an awareness of the importance of respecting the natural world together with the community, by offering experiences that enable visitors to leave feeling fulfilled, with a newfound understanding and enjoyment of what Australia’s natural landscape has to offer, with the priority to respect, protect and enjoy Australia’s native flora and fauna.

The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is open to the public seven days a week and offers a comprehensive daily activity schedule including Keeper talks and wildlife presentations including Free Flight Birds. The park also offers interactive wildlife experiences that give you an up-close and personal experience with native animals. The Sanctuary also has a café, a unique retail store, with a focus on locally produced and sustainable gifts alongside a large fine foods department and hot-nut bar.

⁠Their wildlife education programs are available to book for schools or groups interested in learning more about Australian wildlife, conservation and the environment. They also offer comprehensive kids’ day programs during the school holidays which allow kids to get a hands-on experience at The Sanctuary where learning and fun combine.

Situated halfway between Lennox Head and Byron Bay, Newrybar is a picturesque historic village full of charm and character.

A must-visit in the village is The Little General, a delightful local café and store offering freshly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and a carefully curated natural wines. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore unique finds while enjoying the warm village atmosphere.

For those with a love of flowers, The Flower House Newrybar is a beautiful florist offering stunning floral arrangements and bespoke designs. It’s an idyllic place to pick up a unique bouquet or simply enjoy the fragrant blooms in a lovely setting.

Newrybar also offers a variety of local treasures to explore, including Newrybar Merchants, where you can find homewares and lifestyle pieces crafted by local artists and artisans in a charming 1890s homestead.

Take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside to discover coffee and macadamia plantations, as well as farm-gate stalls, particularly along Broken Head, Brooklet, and Piccadilly Hill roads. For a peaceful escape, enjoy a swim at Killen Falls, or stay at a welcoming local bed and breakfast, where the warm country hospitality will make you feel right at home.

With its blend of natural beauty, quirky shops, and relaxing atmosphere, Newrybar is a delightful destination for a peaceful and memorable getaway.

The only thing better than sitting back and admiring the rolling hills of the Byron-Ballina hinterland is sitting back and admiring it with a great cup of coffee.

Zentveld’s Coffee Farm and Roastery is the place to be. Grab a barista-made brew, sit on the deck to admire views of the plantation, and buy a bag of beans that have been grown, processed, and roasted on the farm.

Located near the pretty village of Newrybar, the family-owned and run business embraces regenerative farming practices to ensure this beautiful part of the world stays that way.

On a clear day, you can also see Wollumbin Mount Warning. If you want to bring something more substantial to eat and turn the occasion into lunch, the Zentveld’s crew won’t mind at all.