Hinterland Villages & Bangalow
Just behind the surf, green hills dotted with pretty villages — Bangalow, Federal, Newrybar, Clunes, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads, for markets, dining and galleries.
Hinterland Villages & Bangalow
Just behind the surf, the Northern Rivers hinterland rolls into green hills dotted with pretty villages. Bangalow leads the way — a heritage main street of restaurants, boutiques and a beloved monthly market — while Federal, Newrybar, Clunes, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads each add their own galleries, cafes and easy country charm. String a few together for a perfect slow day inland.
Where to Wander
Bangalow
A heritage main street of dining, boutiques and a monthly market.
Newrybar & Federal
Destination dining, galleries and design in the green hills.
Mullumbimby
A relaxed, creative town of cafes, pubs and small galleries.
Brunswick Heads
A laid-back river-and-beach village with a great pub and market.
Village-Hopping Tips
- Base yourself in Bangalow and branch out to Federal, Newrybar and Clunes
- Time your day around a village or farmers market — days rotate, so check current details
- Come hungry — the hinterland is a food-and-produce heartland
- Add a rainforest waterfall like Minyon Falls or a visit to Nimbin
- Prefer not to drive? Try a hinterland and villages tour
Hinterland Villages — FAQ
What are the best hinterland villages near Byron Bay?
Bangalow is the best known — a heritage village with good dining and a monthly market — along with Federal, Newrybar, Clunes, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads, each with its own galleries, cafes and small-town character just inland from the coast.
What is there to do in Bangalow?
Bangalow is a pretty heritage main street of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and galleries, with a well-loved monthly market. It makes an easy, walkable base for exploring the rainforest hinterland.
Which villages are good for food and galleries?
Newrybar and Federal are known for destination dining and design, Bangalow for its restaurants and boutiques, and Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads for relaxed cafes, pubs and a creative, small-town feel. Days and openings vary, so check current details.
How far are the villages from Byron Bay?
Most sit within a short drive of Byron Bay in the rainforest hinterland, so you can easily string several together in a day. A car gives the most freedom, or let us do the driving on a hinterland and villages tour.
When are the village markets on?
The famous village and farmers markets rotate through the week and month across Bangalow, Byron, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads. Days change, so check current details, or see our guide to the markets.
Northern Rivers, Planned Around You
Byron Bay and the lighthouse, the surf beaches, the rainforest hinterland and its villages, distilleries and the rail trail — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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