Booyong · NSW · Rest & peace

Welcome to Gwandalan.

Two acres of rolling green hinterland, just north of Byron. We're so glad you're here. Take this as your guide — to the house, to the land, and to the places we love nearby.

To Bangalow 12 minutes
To The Eltham Hotel 8 minutes
To Lismore 18 minutes
To Ballina 20 minutes
To Byron Bay 22 minutes
A note from your host

A few words before you settle in.

Gwandalan means rest, peace, a place of rest — a word from the Darkinjung language of the Aboriginal people of the Central Coast. That's exactly what we hoped to make of these two acres, and what we hope they'll be for you.

Mornings here begin with birdsong and a long, slow coffee on the balcony. The hills roll out ahead of you, often dotted with grazing cows and wallabies at dusk. There's a resident owl on the fence line, magpies carolling at sunrise, and — once in a while — a tree snake passing through to remind you the bush is in charge.

The house is lived-in and full of warmth. Not polished perfection — just our place, made yours while you're here. There's a basics kitchen for those who love to cook — olive oil, salts, teas, coffee pods, a few good things from the last guests. The outdoor bath is best at dusk, with a glass of something cold.

Below you'll find everything you need: how things work around the house, what's growing on the land, a few of our favourite spots nearby, and our most-loved places to slow right down. Anything at all, just message — I'm a quick reply.

Daniella
Your host
Getting here

A short drive into the hinterland.

Plug the address into your map and follow it the whole way. Drive slow, take it in. The house is up the hill, where the road ends — look out for the Gwandalan sign.

01

Getting there

480A Booyong Road, Booyong NSW 2480. Follow your map all the way — drive slow and take it in. Look out for the “Gwandalan” sign out the front; that's how you'll know you're home.

02

The key safe

You'll find it on the fence near the steps that lead down to the BBQ. The code is 2807. Take the keys, settle in.

03

When you leave

Pop the keys back in the safe and lock it. Spin the dial. That's it — we'll see you off from afar.

Wi-Fi

Network: Gwandalan
Password: Gwandalan@123

While you stay

A few of our favourite slow things.

The whole point of Gwandalan is to slow right down. Here are the small rituals we hope you'll fall into — the ones that turn a long weekend into the kind of stay you remember.

  • 01
    Walk the land

    Two acres to wander — long grass, fruit plants, the slow part of the day.

  • 02
    Take a deep bath

    Outdoor tub, open sky, a glass of something cold. Best at dusk.

  • 03
    Put music on

    Bose speaker in the kitchen, your playlist filling the whole house.

  • 04
    Long table dinners

    Fire up the BBQ, set the table for seven, watch the valley turn pink.

  • 05
    Read on the deck

    Coffee in the morning, wallabies grazing at dusk. That's it. That's the day.

Two people walking shoulder to shoulder through the Gwandalan paddock at golden hour, slow and unhurried A walk in the paddock
Bring the dog

Pet friendly.

Gwandalan welcomes well-mannered dogs — the property is fenced and the paddock is endless, plenty of room for a good run. Just a few small things: keep them off the furniture and out of the bedrooms, clean up after them on the lawn, and please give the local wallabies and birdlife some peace, especially at dusk.

Arriving & settling in

The key safe is on the fence near the steps that lead down to the BBQ — code 2807. Drive up the gravel road, park anywhere on the grass. Wi-Fi network Gwandalan, password Gwandalan@123.

The kitchen

Not a fully stocked fridge — but everything to make yourself at home. Full set of utensils and cookware, a basics pantry (olive oil, salt, pepper, teas, coffee pods), and whatever the last guests left behind. Bring your produce from the markets and cook up a feast.

The outdoor bath

Best at dusk with a glass of something cold. Hot tap takes a moment to come through — give it a few minutes to fill, then settle in. Pull the plug when you're done; the water nourishes the garden.

The BBQ

Gas BBQ is set up on the back deck — turn the bottle on at the base before you light. Long stone table and dining for seven under the patio. Wipe the grill while warm — it makes the next cook so much better.

Music & slow nights

Board games live in the cupboard above the fridge — pull up a chair, light a candle, fight politely about Scrabble. The Bose speaker in the kitchen connects directly over Wi-Fi (or via Bluetooth) — your music, filling the whole house.

Water, gas & power

The house runs on rainwater tanks and gas bottles — please be mindful with showers. If a gas bottle runs out mid-cook, switch to the spare on the side of the house. Power is mains; air-con and ceiling fans are in every room.

Laundry & ironing

Iron and ironing board in the cupboard, washing machine and dryer in the laundry, plus detergent. Quick reminder for the dryer — empty the water reservoir and clean the lint filter between loads, including any clothes' lint.

Toiletries & towels

One bathroom, fully stocked — shampoo, conditioner and body wash, plus a hair dryer in the cupboard. Fresh bath towels are folded ready for you, and beach towels are stacked in the bathroom too — grab a pair on the way out the door.

Surfboards

A few surfboards live on the balcony — borrow them, take them down to Lennox or Broken Head, then rinse them off and pop them back where you found them. They're yours to use while you're here.

A few small things

House rules, gently put.

Less rules, more rhythms. These are the little habits that keep Gwandalan feeling like the place we hope you'll find it.

01

Shoes off — ideally

Ideally no shoes inside. But not the end of the world. Listen to the house.

02

Thursday is bin night

If you're staying through a Thursday, move the bins closer to the road before bed. The truck comes later Friday — once they've been emptied, pull them back in.

03

Before you leave

Pop rubbish in the bins outside, leave used towels in a pile in the bathroom — that's all. No need to strip the beds.

04

Septic-friendly bathroom

The house is on a septic system — please go gently with the toilet paper, and only flush what's meant to be flushed. Future guests thank you.

05

Be kind to the land

Mind the rainwater, take it easy on the wildlife, and please don't feed the cows or wallabies over the fence.

Fruit plants and long grass on the Gwandalan property at golden hour
The land

A scattering of fruit plants.

Wander the property and you'll find a handful of fruit plants dotted around — nothing formal, just a generous spread of what likes to grow here. Pick whatever's in season, mind the cheeky bats, and bring a bowl back to the kitchen.

  • 🍊Orange
  • Coffee
  • 🍌Banana
  • 🌰Pecan
  • 🌴Lychee
  • 🥭Mango
  • 🥑Avocado

Whatever's ripe is yours — leave the rest for the next guests and the wildlife.

Our wild neighbours

Eyes open at dusk and dawn.

Gwandalan is shared. Sit quietly on the deck and watch — these are the regulars.

Friendly cow visiting the fence line — one of George's herd

George's cows

From farmer George next door — they wander over to say hello at the fence line. Don't feed them, but feel free to chat.

Wallabies at dusk

Step out at golden hour and you'll often spot them grazing at the bottom of the paddock. Quiet, gentle, easily startled — watch from the deck and let them be.

The resident owl

Sits on the fence at night — silent, patient, never quite where you'd expect. Sit out after dark and you might catch him.

Local doves

A small family nesting nearby — listen for them in the early morning. They like the fig tree by the verandah.

A family of magpies

Carolling at sunrise — the sound of hinterland mornings. Friendly out of season; give them their space in spring.

The occasional tree snake

Once in a while a green tree snake passes through — harmless, more shy of you than you of it. Step calmly aside and let it carry on.

Some evenings you'll lower yourself into a deep bath under an open sky — warm water, cool air, a scatter of stars above you, and nothing else.

The Gwandalan moment

The area

A short guide to the places we love.

The Byron hinterland rewards slow days. These are the spots we send friends to — morning coffee in Bangalow, a swim at Killen Falls, dinner at the Feddy.

Long table set for dinner with candles, wine glasses and dried flowers in the Northern Rivers
Our favourite tables · 8–35 min away

Where we love to eat.

From corner-pub steaks to Tokyo-doll oysters, the spots we book again and again. Bangalow is the easy 10-minute hop; Byron's worth the 22-minute drive any night of the week.

Bangalow & hinterland · 8–15 min

Eltham · Country pub

The Eltham Hotel

The closest proper meal — a beloved country pub eight minutes down the road. Long lunches, wood-fired pizzas and a garden made for golden hour.

Lunch & dinner8 min
Bangalow · Heritage pub

Bangalow Hotel

The grand old pub at the top of the main street. Modern Australian bistro, wide verandahs, live music — a proper village feed.

Bangalow · Wine & dining

You Beauty

Chef Matt Stone's neighbourhood corner bar — local-produce small plates, organic wine, the kind of cool city-pub feel you don't expect to find in Bangalow.

Bangalow · Pizza & pasta

Ciao Mate

Moody, boothy Italian pizzeria — wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta. Book a booth, order the lot, share everything.

Bangalow · Wine bar

Town

Wine bar with a small, thoughtful list and a kitchen that punches above its weight. Best for a slow dinner before the drive home.

Dinner from 5pm10 min
Newrybar · Heritage

Harvest

A short drive south through the hills — restaurant, bakery and deli all in one heritage building. Worth the journey for the wood-fired bread alone.

Lunch & dinner15 min
Federal village · Famous café

Federal Doma Cafe

The famous one in tiny Federal village — a Japanese-Australian café once written up by the New York Times. Donburi bowls, perfect coffee, leafy outdoor tables.

Alstonville · Iconic pub

The Federal at Alstonville

"The Feddy" — a heritage federation hotel with classic bistro, leafy beer garden and live music on Fridays. Our favourite when we're closer to the coast.

Byron Bay · 22 min

Byron · Steakhouse

Ember

Byron's standout steakhouse — char-grilled meats and seafood over a Spanish Josper charcoal grill. Splash-out dinner territory.

Byron · Latin all-day

Roca

Latin fusion all-day diner — ceviche, empanadas, lomo saltado, Pisco Sours. Breakfast through late, the energy never drops.

Belongil · Beachside

Treehouse on Belongil

Relaxed beachside spot at Belongil — wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean menu, live music, strong locals vibe.

Byron · Japanese hibachi

Moonlight

Moody, intimate Japanese hibachi grill and wine bar tucked in Bay Lane. Raw bar, yakitori, watermelon sashimi — special-occasion energy.

Byron · Oyster bar

Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

Perched above Jonson Street — freshly shucked oysters, seasonal seafood, share plates and sunset cocktails with great views.

Ewingsdale · Farm-to-table

Three Blue Ducks

The restaurant on The Farm. Ethical produce, breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Friday–Sunday. Pair with a Sunday afternoon of jazz on the lawn.

Byron · Modern Asian

Light Years

Lively contemporary Asian bar & diner — dumplings, bao buns, miso corn, wagyu rendang. The set menu is a brilliant night out.

Byron · Bistro

Hummingbird Bistro

Tiny Bay Lane gem — Parisian laneway meets Italian bistro. House-made pasta, tight wine list, candlelit corners.

Byron · Japanese

Tokyo Doll

Stylish Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar — premium sashimi, Tokyo-style oysters, sake, dark moody vibe.

Byron · Thai-Asian

Bang Bang

Upscale Thai-Asian fusion — loud, dark, buzzy. Pad Thai, Massaman beef, and cocktails that keep coming.

Byron · Iconic

Beach Hotel

The "Top Pub" opposite Main Beach — beer garden, pub kitchen, Sunset Sessions happy hour. Stop in for a beer at golden hour at least once.

Byron North · Locals' pub

North Byron Hotel

Out near the industrial estate — locals' favourite. Beer garden, live music, pub meals, craft beer on tap.

Brunswick & further · 30 min

Brunswick Heads · Classic pub

Hotel Brunswick

"The Bruns" — Northern Rivers icon. Lively beer garden, pub bistro, live music, right in the village. Worth the drive on a Sunday afternoon.

Bangalow main street with heritage shopfronts and outdoor café seating in the morning
Slow mornings · cafés we love

Where we go for coffee.

The first cup of the day matters. These are the cafés we send friends to — for sit-down breakfasts, morning long blacks, and the kind of pastries you remember.

Byron · All-day institution

The Roadhouse

Byron's all-day breakfast institution — slow mornings, great coffee, seasonal food, walk-ins from 7am. Wood-fired evenings too.

Bangalow · Café

Woods Bangalow

Tucked just off the main street, pure hinterland cool. Order the savoury crumpets — they have a cult following — and settle in with a great long black.

Open 7:30am–2pm daily10 min
Byron · Café

Bayleaf Café

Where the locals go in Byron. Specialty coffee, big breakfasts, and the kind of place you linger longer than you meant to.

Open 7am–1pm22 min
Bangalow · Lunch

Mangosteen

Our go-to for lunch in town. Bright, fresh, dependably good. Eat in or grab takeaway for the river — sushi is made fresh daily.

Lunch only10 min
Beer garden with long tables and string lights at golden hour
Local beer · brewery doors open

Two breweries within easy reach.

The hinterland brews very well. One is a region-defining classic; the other a quiet little gem ten minutes down the road.

Byron · The original

Stone & Wood

The spiritual home of Stone & Wood — taproom with 31 tanks, beer garden, canteen by 100 Mile Table (food from noon daily). Tours bookable.

Bangalow · Small batch

Common People Brewing

Small-batch craft brewery in the hinterland with a beautiful tasting room and food. Thu–Sat noon–9pm, Sun noon–8pm.

Byron Bay beach at golden hour with lighthouse on the headland in the distance
Coast & cascades · 15–25 min

Salt water and freshwater both.

Byron's beaches are world-famous — and the hinterland has some of the prettiest freshwater swims you'll ever find. Beach towels live in the bathroom; just grab a pair on the way out.

Waterfalls & swimming holes

Tintenbar · Cave waterfall

Killen Falls

Our closest. A 1km return walk through forest leads to a 10-metre fall over a limestone cave — you can walk behind the curtain of water without getting wet. Deep amber swimming hole below.

Easy 1km return · swim ✓15 min
Nightcap NP · The big one

Minyon Falls

The hinterland's grand spectacle — a 100-metre waterfall in UNESCO-listed rainforest. Lookout in 5 minutes from the car; full base trail is 4–5 hours. Swim at the base after moderate (not heavy) rain.

Easy lookout · loop trail · swim ✓45 min
Whian Whian · Family-friendly

Boggy Creek pools

4.2km return through blackbutt forest with creek pools along the way. The kind of walk where you swim three times before lunch.

4.2km return · swim ✓45 min
Goonengerry NP · Hidden

Goonengerry Falls

The locals' secret. Rock pools at the top of the falls with sweeping rainforest views. Gravel road in — 4WD recommended in wet weather.

Rock pools · swim ✓40 min

Beaches

Byron Bay

Wategos Beach

The prettiest beach in Byron. Crescent-shaped, gentle waves, sunset views back toward the lighthouse. Park early — it fills up by 9am in summer.

Family-friendly · sheltered25 min
Byron Bay

The Pass

Beginner-friendly longboard waves and one of the great Australian point breaks. Sit on the rocks at dawn — you'll see dolphins more often than not.

Best at low tide25 min
Byron Bay

Tallow Beach

Wild and wide, much quieter than the main beach. Off-leash sections at the southern end — bring the dog. Strong currents though, so swim only between the flags.

Dog-friendly south end22 min
Lennox Head

Boulder Beach

Hidden coves and rock pools at low tide — best for an exploring kind of afternoon. Pack a picnic; you'll want to stay.

Rock pools at low tide25 min
Byron Bay

Belongil Beach

Long, flat stretch with cafés a short walk away. Great for early-morning beach walks with a coffee in hand.

Wide & flat · cafés nearby23 min
Wooden boardwalk through subtropical rainforest in Nightcap National Park
Less than an hour away · half-day or shorter

Walks for the day.

Nothing too serious — these are the walks you can do in an afternoon and be home for dinner. Subtropical rainforest, ancient figs, and the occasional swim along the way.

Booyong · 5 min from home

Booyong Flora Reserve

A 13-hectare remnant of the Big Scrub jungle, right around the corner. Ancient strangler figs, birdlife, pademelons — a quick local stroll on the boardwalk before breakfast.

Easy · ~400m boardwalk5 min drive
Alstonville · Easy

Victoria Park Boardwalk

A short accessible boardwalk through giant Moreton Bay figs and 150 species of subtropical trees. Wheelchair and pram friendly. Pair with a Summerland Farm visit nearby.

Easy · 15–20 min loop20 min drive
Tintenbar · Easy

Killen Falls walk

Short, shaded forest walk that ends at one of the few waterfalls in the area you can swim behind. Wear shoes that can get wet.

1km return · ~30 min15 min drive
Bangalow · Easy stroll

Bangalow riverside path

A gentle walk along Byron Creek through old-growth fig trees — perfect after a long lunch in the village.

Anytime10 min drive
Whian Whian · Family

Boggy Creek walk

4.2km return through blackbutt forest between Rummery Park and Minyon Falls. Swim along the way — perfect for half a day with kids.

Grade 3 · 1–2 hours45 min drive
Nightcap NP · Easy

Protesters Falls Track

1.4km through Bangalow palms to the base of a stunning fall. No swimming — endangered Fleay's barred frog lives here — but spectacular scenery and old-growth forest.

Easy · ~30 min1 hr drive
Nightcap NP · Half-day

Minyon Falls Loop

Descend through rainforest to the base of the falls, swim, then climb back up. Three hours, bring water — magic in summer.

Grade 3 · 7.5km / 3 hr45 min drive
Byron · Coastal classic

Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

Coastal cliffs, the easternmost point of mainland Australia, and dolphins in the bay below. Best at sunrise.

Easy · 3.7km / 90 min25 min drive
Farmers market stall with fresh produce, sourdough and native Australian flowers
Most Saturdays · Bangalow

The Bangalow Farmers Market

Saturdays 8–11am at the Bangalow Showground. Bring a basket and an empty stomach. We always grab the sourdough, mangoes in season, and a coffee to drink while we wander.

Every market in the Northern Rivers

A whole region, full of markets.

Pick a day of the week and there's almost always a market open somewhere nearby. Curated from northernrivers.com.au/markets.

Every week

  • Mon
  • TueLismore Organic · Lismore Produce · New Brighton Farmers
  • WedMurwillumbah Farmers · Nimbin Farmers · Yamba Farmers & Producers
  • ThuByron Farmers · Casino Lions Farmers
  • FriMullumbimby Farmers · Evans Head Farmers
  • SatBangalow Farmers · Lismore Farmers · Kyogle Farmers · Uki Farmers
  • SunBallina Farmers & Producers · Tweed Heads

1st of the month

  • Brunswick Heads Markets Sat
  • Tweed Heads Boat Harbour Sat
  • Byron Community Market Sun
  • Evans Head Rotary Sun
  • Iluka Woombah Rotary Sun
  • Pottsville Beach Community Sun

2nd of the month

  • Kingscliff Lions Beachside Sat
  • Alstonville Community Sun
  • Chillingham Village Sun
  • The Channon Craft Sun
  • Maclean Community Sun
  • Woodburn Market Sun

3rd of the month

  • Grafton Showground Sat
  • Mullumbimby Community Sat
  • Murwillumbah Makers & Finders Sat
  • Salt Beach Markets Sat
  • Casino Golf Club Sun
  • Newrybar Community Hall Sun
  • Pottsville Beach Community Sun
  • Uki Buttery Bazaar Sun

4th of the month

  • Kingscliff Lions Beachside Sat
  • Bangalow Market Sun
  • Kyogle Bazaar Sun
  • Murwillumbah Showground Sun
  • Nimbin Markets Sun
  • Yamba River Sun

Last of the month

  • Tyalgum Village Sat
  • Broadwater Hotel Sun
Farm fields with fresh produce and a wooden barn in the Northern Rivers
For the whole family · 5–25 min

Days the kids will remember.

Working farms with animals to feed, gelato made on site, lazy boardwalks through ancient rainforest, Sunday jazz on the lawn. Hinterland family days, sorted.

Alstonville · Working farm

Summerland Farm

Award-winning macadamia and avocado farm with an open-air restaurant, farm shop, animal encounters and an adventure park for kids. The farm-made ice cream is the headliner — macadamia is the speciality, with rotating seasonal flavours.

Open daily 8am–3pm20 min
summerlandfarm.com.au$3 adult / $5 child entry
Ewingsdale · Regenerative farm

The Farm Byron Bay

An 80-acre working regenerative farm — Three Blue Ducks restaurant, Baylato gelato, produce store, animal feeding, playground. Free to wander; pay to eat. Sundays bring jazz.

Free entry · open daily20 min
thefarm.com.aujazz Sun 1:30–4:30pm
Booyong · 5 min from home

Booyong Flora Reserve

A 400-metre boardwalk through ancient strangler figs, with picnic tables and birdsong. The easiest "wow" walk in the area for little legs.

Easy · pram-friendly5 min
Alstonville · Easy boardwalk

Victoria Park

A short accessible boardwalk through 150 species of subtropical trees and giant Moreton Bay figs. Wheelchair and pram friendly. Pair with Summerland Farm next door.

Easy · 15–20 min20 min
Byron Bay · Family beach

Wategos Beach

The gentlest of the Byron beaches — sheltered, soft sand, easy parking if you go early. Pack a picnic and stay all day.

Sheltered swim25 min
The Farm · Sundays

Sunday Jazz on the lawn

Every Sunday from 1:30pm, Jazz Factory plays at The Farm — book lunch at Three Blue Ducks, then spread out a picnic on the lawn. The slowest Sunday afternoon you'll have all year.

Sundays 1:30–4:30pm20 min
The outdoor shower in golden afternoon light — wellness at home
Massages, facials, bathhouses · in town

The slowest places we know.

The three I send everyone to — the bathhouse I escape to in Byron, the facials I trust in Mullum, and the new bathhouse on Burringbar that everyone is whispering about.

Byron Bay · Bathhouse & day spa

Comma

"Comma stands for taking a moment to breathe, regenerate, find calm, and begin again." Holistic massages and facials in a softly-lit, plant-filled space — my favourite hour in Byron.

Mullumbimby · Organic facials

Mukti Organics Beauty Rooms

Award-winning Australian organic skincare, born in Mullum. Their signature, calming and vitality facials are something else. Book ahead — they're tiny and beloved.

6 Smith St · Mon–Fri 10–4, Sat 10–230 min
muktiorganics.com1300 306 554
Mullumbimby · Bathhouse (18+)

The Banya

A marble lap pool, two hot mineral pools, wood-fired sauna, steam room, cold plunge, five massage rooms and a rooftop. Go midweek, stay the afternoon, leave a different person.

35–37 Burringbar St30 min
Mid-week $185 · weekend $195thebanya.com.au
If you want to cook at home

A short guide to filling the fridge.

The kitchen is set up for proper cooking — and the Northern Rivers grows, raises and catches some of the best produce in the country. Here's where we send people to fill a basket.

Butchers · grass-fed and local

Ballina · Farm to butcher

Daley's Gourmet Meat

Run by the farmer who provides the beef — paddock-to-plate at the proper source. The one we send people to first.

Alstonville · Quality cuts

Alstonville Quality Meats

The closer of the two — reliable, friendly butcher in the heart of Alstonville. Good for everyday cuts and the occasional showstopper.

Closer to home15 min

Seafood · caught that morning

Ballina · Fishmonger

Northern Rivers Seafood

Beautifully laid-out fish counter — sashimi-grade tuna, kingfish, local snapper, oysters by the dozen. Worth a slow browse.

Ballina · Direct from the boats

Ballina Fishermen's Co-Op

Caught that morning, sold by the people who caught it. The prawn cutlets are the best you will ever have — buy more than you think you need.

Supermarkets · the everyday shop

Alstonville · Local IGA

Alstonville IGA

Surprisingly well-stocked country IGA — your closest pantry top-up if you don't want to drive far.

Open 7 days15 min
Bangalow · Village IGA

Bangalow IGA

Tucked into the village — grab essentials and pair it with a coffee, market basket or pub lunch in town.

Open 7 days10 min
Lismore · Ballina · Byron Bay

Woolworths

For a proper big shop — three Woolies within easy reach, all stocked the same. Pick whichever town you're heading to anyway.

Open daily20–25 min

Health food · wholefoods and organics

Lismore · Wholefoods institution

Fundies

The legendary Lismore wholefoods store — bulk grains, herbs, spices, ferments, oils. A pilgrimage in itself.

Alstonville · Wholefoods

Red Earth Wholefoods

Closer-to-home wholefoods grocer — organic produce, bulk pantry, local labels you won't find at the big shops.

Mon–Sat15 min
Byron Bay · Organic

Santos Organics

Byron Bay's beloved organic grocer — produce, deli, supplements, the works. Pair it with a beach day.

And if you can — nothing beats the farmers markets. Pick a morning, take a basket, come home with the best produce of your stay.

For the slow afternoon

Antiques & vintage trawls.

Lismore is unexpectedly brilliant for a vintage hunt. Pick a quiet afternoon, take your time, come home with something with a story.

Lismore · Our favourite

The Two Ravens Antique & Vintage

Our pick of the lot — a beautifully curated collection of antiques and vintage finds. Worth a slow wander, every visit turns up something different.

Lismore · Antique centre

The Fairmarket

A whole rambling antique centre full of stalls and curios — furniture, ceramics, jewellery, ephemera. Easy to lose an hour in.

If you want to move

Where we go to break a sweat.

Holiday doesn't have to mean rest days. The Northern Rivers has a strong studio scene — from 24/7 gyms in Bangalow to heated reformer in Byron — and a lovely little golf course just down the road.

Bangalow · closest to home

Bangalow · 24/7 access

Bangalow 24/7 Gym

Around-the-clock gym in the village — weights, cardio, machines. The easy option for a quick lift before a long lunch.

Unit 1, 4 Bugam Pl10 min
Bangalow · Reformer & barre

Bangalow Pilates Bar.re

Boutique studio with reformer beds, a tower, wunda chair and a twin barre. Reformer, yin, sculpt and barre classes throughout the week.

Byron Bay · the studio crawl

Byron · Rowformer pilates

STRONG Pilates

Nineteen Rowformer machines, dedicated trainers, lighting and DJ playlists — a pilates class with the energy of a workout.

Byron · Pilates studio

Peaches Pilates

Light-filled, palm-lined Byron studio tucked beside the Roadhouse café. Reformer-led, open seven days. Pair it with a flat white next door.

Byron · Heated reformer & yoga

Heat Byron Bay

Heated reformer pilates and yoga in the Arts & Industrial Estate — hot HIIT pilates, hot yoga, weights and pilates, barre sculpt. The infrared warmth is the whole point.

Byron · CrossFit

Salt Strength

Byron's home of CrossFit — high-energy classes, scalable for all levels, a strong community vibe. Recovery space too if you want to ease in.

For the slower swing

Teven · Boutique 9-hole

Teven Golf Club

A beautiful Craig Parry-designed nine-hole course just down the road — the first Tee-to-Green Sir Grange Zoysia course in Australia. Quick, scenic round, surprisingly good.

Getting around

Taxis & Ubers, sorted.

You'll need a car for most things, but for big nights out (or arrivals into Ballina airport), ride-share and local taxis are easy to come by.

Uber

Yes — Uber works in Byron, Bangalow and Lismore. Pickup times can run a little long out our way; Uber Reserve (book up to 90 days ahead) is your friend for early flights and late dinners.

Open Uber

Byron Bay Taxis

The local operator covering Byron, Brunswick and surrounds. Best for after-hours pickups when Uber wait times stretch out.

(02) 6620 9200

Or call 13 22 27 (13cabs — routes to Byron Bay Taxis)

Lismore & further

Heading west? Lismore Taxis run 24/7. For Bangalow-based pickups, Byron Bay Transport is local and reliable.

0414 660 450 · Byron Bay Transport

lismoretaxis.com.au

Coming this October

A pool, a fire pit, and longer evenings.

We're putting the finishing touches on a 12-metre pool with a shallow paddle area for little ones, and a fire pit out the back for the long cooler nights.

  • 12m
    Lap pool with shallow end

    A proper swim, with a baby-shallow side for the smallest guests.

  • Outdoor fire pit

    For storytelling, marshmallows, and the kind of evenings you don't want to end.

Both arriving October 2026 — staying after that and you'll be among the first.

Twilight silhouette of the property — soft light, hinterland horizon Whole-property weddings
For the bigger occasions

Say I do with the hinterland behind you.

Gwandalan hosts intimate ceremonies and small celebrations on the property — the paddock, the deck, and the long table all lend themselves to it. The whole property is yours, and there's bridal accommodation for the wedding party to settle in the night before.

  • Intimate ceremonies under the trees or in the paddock
  • Whole-property bookings with bridal accommodation on site
  • Long-table dinners on the deck for up to your closest few

Get in touch via the Airbnb listing and we'll talk through the details.

Anything at all — just message.

I'm a quick reply. If you need a recommendation, a recipe for the BBQ, or you just want to say hello — the Airbnb message thread is the best way to find me. Wishing you the slowest, sweetest stay.