The 10 Best Places To Stay Across Australia's Northern Rivers

Let’s get one thing straight, there’s no bad place to stay when you’re visiting the Northern Rivers. The region is dotted with countless little towns full of Australian character, and it’s easy to find that perfect spot, whether you prefer to chill by the coast or want to lose yourself among the rain forest canopy. But if we absolutely had to pick our 10 favourite places to stay, the list would look a little something like this.

Byron Bay

This is perhaps the most famous place to stay in the Northern Rivers and for good reason. The beaches surrounding Byron Bay are some of the best in Australia. While it can get busy in this small town, almost everyone has a chilled vibe that’s perfect for a weekend getaway.

Mullumbimby

Murwillumbah

Nestled between the rolling green hills at the base of the McPherson Range, you’ll find this quaint little town of art deco-style buildings. It’s perfect anytime you want a relaxed coffee while browsing an antique store. To really see the town come to life, visit the farmers’ markets at the showgrounds on Wednesday morning.

Nimbin

This little counter-culture gem has a reputation for being the cannabis capital of Australia, but you’re probably more interested in experiencing its environmental experiments in permaculture and sustainability, right?

Yamba

With 11vbreathtaking beaches within reach, this coastal town is certainly a must-stay spot for surfers, swimmers and sunbathers. Like much of the Northern Rivers, there’s an eclectic range of accommodation on offer, from tumble-down surf shacks to resorts oozing Versace-level decadence.

Brunswick Heads

There are two reasons to stay at this unpretentious fishing village. In the morning, find yourself a table at Bruns Bakery, and do not leave until you’ve sampled all their amazing treats. And, in the evening, if the odds and bookings are in your favour, perch on one of Fleet’s 12 stools and enjoy their unrivalled, locally sourced degustation experience.

Bangalow

This is another under-appreciated picturesque hinterland gem. Many people stop in for a coffee on their way to the coast and get swept up in the charm of the 19-century streetscape. It’s easy to spend the whole day here traipsing from one verandah to the next, enjoying coffee, antiques and more.

Tweed Heads

Right on the edge of the Queensland/New South Wales border, this is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast one day, and the more earthy, relaxed charm of the Northern Rivers the next.

Lismore

Lismore is one of the largest, most established towns in the Northern Rivers. With the region’s most established university close by, the town has developed a thriving arts scene, so there’s always something happening in these heritage buildings.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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