Hungry? Then you must do the Northern Rivers Food Trail

Whether you’re new to the region or haven’t yet explored our extraordinary local producers, here’s your comprehensive guide to the area’s finest food experiences.

Ballina & Alstonville area

Summerland House Farm – 253 Wardell Road, Alstonville

Who can resist macadamias and avocadoes? It’s worth spending some time at this farm in the beautiful hinterland. There are farm tours, a cafe with panoramic views, and a produce market featuring local goods.

Bangalow & Newrybar area

Zentveld’s Coffee – 193 Broken Head Road, Newrybar

Curious about how your coffee really makes it from crop to cup? Join a fascinating farm tour where you’ll discover the magic of Aussie-grown coffee, meet the busy bees, and watch the roasting in action – then kick back with a perfectly brewed coffee and take home some freshly roasted beans.

Duck Creek Macadamias – 145 Brooklet Road, Newrybar

I mean, who can resist macadamia ice-cream? Visit this working macadamia farm for tours and tastings. Learn about sustainable farming practices and the history of macadamia cultivation in the region. Oh! And did we mention there’s a chocolate factory onsite, too?

Bangalow Farmers Market – Behind the Bangalow Hotel (7-11am Saturdays)

Come and meet the producers at this producer-only market featuring some of the region’s most innovative small-scale farmers and food artisans. It’s worth seeking out the Bangalow Sweet Pork famous for their free-range pork products, raised sustainably in the Bangalow. area.

Byron Bay & surrounds

Crystalbrook Byron – 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay

Working hand in hand with local farmers, growers and suppliers, enjoy tapas and pinot noir on the verandah in the lush surroundings. Enjoy a chat with the owner Damien Dougherty during a special dining experience.

Cape Byron Distillery – 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot

Set on Brook’s macadamia farm, experience the inspiration behind the award-winning gin and whisky. Go on a rainforest tour and discover the native botanicals grown on-site.

Barefoot Farm Byron Bay – 139 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay

A regenerative market garden offering tours and workshops on sustainable farming practices. Purchase fresh produce direct from their farm gate.

The Farm Byron Bay – 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale

Take a farm tour to see how the food is grown including sustainable farming practices then venture to Three Blue Ducks and sample some of the region’s finest produce with a a paddock-to-plate philosophy.

The Bread Social – The Farm Byron Bay, 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale

This menu selection is quite simply based on the traditional foods that the makers like to eat, including their signature naturally leavened ‘Bread Social’ Sourdough and extra-large custard tart. Their hands-on approach to the craft ensures they maintain an innate connection with the products and processes.

Karkalla Byron Bay – 10/8 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay

Offering an indigenous cooking experience by owner Mindy Woods who is a proud Bundjulung woman. Recipes, products and cooking packs are available to purchase.

Byron Bay Farmers Market – Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay (7-11am Thursdays)

Experience the region’s best produce all in one place, with many producers offering tastings and farm-direct sales.

Mullumbimby & surrounds

Church Farm General Store – 2 Church Lane, Mullumbimby

It’s worth checking out this beautiful produce store and cafe featuring their own organic garden produce and locally made preserves, chutneys, and fermented goods.

Mullumbimby Farmers Market – Mullum Showground, 51 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby (7-11am Fridays)

Another excellent farmer’s market featuring unique local producers and indigenous food products not found elsewhere.

Brunswick Heads area

Native Foodways – Brunswick Heads Markets (and various locations)

Experience traditional bush foods and indigenous ingredients through tastings and educational workshops.

New Brighton Farmers Market – New Brighton Oval, New Brighton (8-11am Tuesdays)

An intimate and excellent market featuring unique local producers. It’s a great opportunity to meet the locals.

Burringbar & Rosebank area

Cheeses Loves You – 386 Upper Burringbar Rd, Burringbar

This is where cheese lovers will get their fix! Featuring wonderful artisan cheeses that are normally sold at local farmers markets around the region. Definitely try a tasting, bet you won’t leave empty handed.

Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses – 34 Wardrop Valley Road, Burringbar

Beer, wine, cheese and gelato – does it get any better? This family-run dairy farm produces award-winning handmade cheeses. Take a tour of their cheese room and meet their happy cows.

Grumpy Grandma’s Olives – 141 Rosebank Road, Rosebank

Visit this olive grove for tastings of their award-winning olives and oils, plus learn about olive cultivation in the Northern Rivers.

Nimbin

Nimbin Valley Dairy – 392 Tuntable Falls Road, Nimbin

Award-winning goat and cow cheeses by fifth generation dairy farmers? Yes, please! Visit this family-run dairy to see sustainable farming practices in action.

Tweed Area

Bucks Farm – 1292 Numinbah Road, Chillingham

Learn about biodynamic farming methods, bushtucker and sample fresh produce at this organic vegetable farm offering seasonal produce boxes and farm tours.

Husk Distillers – 1152 Dulguigan Road, North Tumbulgum

You might want to settle here for a while and enjoy the farm-to-bottle specially crafted spirits and new Australian rum. Wander through the grounds and stay for a spot of lunch from the seasonal menu along with a cocktail or two.

Tropical Fruit World – 29 Duranbah Road, Duranbah

Get your fill of delicious fruit with exotic fruit tastings and tours of this working plantation featuring over 500 varieties of tropical fruit.

Pipit – Shop 4/8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

Want to top off your foraging with a fine-dining experience using produce from local farmers and producers? This is the place to do it.