Places worth discovering
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Donna Sharam creates original artworks, prints, homewares and accessories that defy imagination and inject happiness and joy into homes all around the world. Donna's studio can be found in the rolling hills of the Ballina hinterland. Groups (6 - 30 persons) are welcome to take a tour of her studio for an experience full of colour, fun and imagination.
Alstonvale NSW
2.1 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Byron Bay Workers Gallery is a purpose-built, collaborative exhibition space dedicated to fine ceramics from leading local and national artists. Curated by creatives John Stewart and Leonie Lane, the gallery champions nationally recognised ceramicists while actively supporting emerging and next-generation talent. Open every Sunday, the gallery offers a relaxed opportunity to explore thoughtfully curated exhibitions, with light refreshments available. If you'd like, I can tighten this further to meet a specific ATDW character limit or tweak it to lean more local, more art-forward, or more visitor-friendly.
Clunes NSW
4.6 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Nestled in the Ballina and Lennox Head hinterland, you'll find celebrated potter and maker, Brooke Clunie, at work in her Red Door Studio and Gallery. With the rhythmic spin of the potter's wheel as her soundtrack, Brooke handcrafts each ceramic vessel with care and creativity. Bring out your creative side and feel your stress melt away at a hands on clay workshop. Brooke will personally guide you with clear instruction and support as you experience making a bowl and cup or as you wish on the wheel. The pieces that you make on the wheel will be fired and glazed, be dishwasher and microwave safe and a fond reminder of your special day shared with friends and what you were able to achieve. Pop into her studio to collect some of her unique pieces, book a workshop or just watch her at work on the wheel.
Fernleigh NSW
5.4 km away
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Sports and Recreation Facilities
When only the best will do: Teven Golf Course is the first and only 9-hole course to be listed in Golf Australia’s Top 100 Public Access courses. It boasts Sir Grange Zoysia tee to green, with immaculate playing surfaces throughout. Designed by legendary Australian golfer, Craig Parry, the course is short and fun to play while the layout and degree of difficulty will surprise some and delight all. Enjoy a fresh local beer on tap or a local coffee either on the deck or in the stunning Clubhouse, with uninterrupted views of the tricky 9th hole. Nestled in the Hinterland, tucked into the beautiful Teven Valley, this hidden gem is a must play for golfers of all abilities. Surrounded by remnant rainforest, the course in intersected by platypus inhabited fresh water creeks, it is as stunning as it is tricky. Just 30 minutes from Byron Bay and 15 minutes from Ballina, this course is sure to surprise. Open for social golf daily. Bookings are essential.
Teven NSW
5.5 km away
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Shopping and Markets
Uncle Peter's Books is a general second-hand bookshop located in the beautiful village of Clunes. Book lovers can wander through and browse the seven rooms of wall-to-wall books, neatly categorised to suit all interests, and organised alphabetically by author where possible. Uncle Peter's Books has a collection of over 30,000 quality second-hand books in this Northern Rivers Hinterland bookshop, and a further 6,000 collectible, out-of-print and rare books listed on the Abebooks website. With 24 hours' notice, they are happy to arrange an in-store viewing of any publication from their Abebooks catalogue. The front room of Uncle Peter's Books is home to 'Little Green Clunes', a charming emporium of gifts, soaps and candles, cards, art prints and lots of little treasures. As you drive through the village of Clunes, a visit to Uncle Peter's is worth the trip to stock up on books for your travels.
Clunes NSW
5.8 km away
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Shopping and Markets
House of Alwaans, located on the main street in Clunes, is a boutique store that specialises in a vibrant selection of handmade crafts and art from Arabia. The shops showcases a variety of unique items including Moroccan rugs, home decor and other artisanal products. Their collection is colourful and diverse with their handcrafted goods allowing customers to add a touch of exotic elegance to their homes.
Clunes NSW
5.9 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Standing proudly within Wollongbar District Parkland, the Hardwood Poles are a striking timber sculpture installation inspired by the region's Big Scrub rainforest. The artwork features designs created by Alstonville High School students, celebrating local plant species and the natural heritage of the Northern Rivers. Artists Tim Fry and Jeremy Austin collaborated with students to transform their drawings into engraved motifs routed into natural timber poles. The result is a public artwork that blends environmental storytelling with community creativity — a lasting tribute to the connection between young people, art, and Country. Tim Fry is a Northern Rivers artist and graduate of Southern Cross University whose work explores everyday life through a Pop Art-inspired lens, often using mixed media and ceramics to comment on social and environmental themes. Jeremy Austin, also based in the Northern Rivers, is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative roots began in his father's Lismore art store. Influenced by graphic design, science fiction, and comic art, his practice merges nostalgia with contemporary mark-making. Together, their collaboration brings texture, imagination, and storytelling into Wollongbar's landscape — grounding art in both nature and community.
Wollongbar NSW
6.3 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Blending nostalgia with play, Ping Pong Drive-In is a playful public art installation located at the Wollongbar District Parkland. The artwork reimagines the site's history as a former drive-in cinema, transforming it into a space for community recreation and connection through the universal joy of table tennis. Designed by Tim Fry and Jeremy Austin, the steel decals and table design pay homage to the golden age of cinema while celebrating Wollongbar's transformation into a thriving community hub. The work captures both memory and movement — inviting visitors to pause, play, and reflect on how shared spaces evolve over time. Tim Fry is a Northern Rivers artist whose mixed media drawings and ceramic sculptures are influenced by Pop Art and everyday life. A graduate of Southern Cross University, his work explores social, environmental, and cultural themes with humour and playfulness. Jeremy Austin, also based in the Northern Rivers, is a multidisciplinary artist who grew up surrounded by art materials in his father's Lismore art store. His creative style draws inspiration from comic books, science fiction, and graphic lettering, blending nostalgia with contemporary design. Together, their collaboration turns a simple park feature into a public artwork that celebrates memory, creativity, and community fun.
Wollongbar NSW
6.3 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Tucked away in the scenic Ballina Byron Hinterland, Visit Villa Rustica is a pottery studio and private gallery located just a five-minute drive from Newrybar village. This creative space is home to artists Greg and Jane Furney, whose work reflects a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and design. Visitors are invited to explore the Studio Gallery, showcasing an extensive range of handmade ceramics, distinctive tableware and unique mosaic works. The gallery also features exclusive one-off pieces, offering a rare opportunity to see and purchase original artworks and to meet the artists behind them. Villa Rustica is also known for its highly sought-after creative workshops, including mosaics and candle making. Designed to inspire and nurture creativity, these workshops are held in small groups, allowing for personalised guidance in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Places are limited and often sell out quickly. A visit to Villa Rustica makes for a rewarding stop while exploring the hinterland roads, offering a peaceful blend of art, creativity and landscape. The studio is open by appointment only, so visitors are encouraged to contact Greg and Jane in advance before planning their visit.
Brooklet NSW
6.8 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
David Lane is a well-known regional artist whose paintings will be familiar to many local art enthusiasts. David’s journey to becoming an artist began in Sydney in the seventies, where he studied at the National Art School. After two years of travelling and painting in the United Kingdom and Europe, David returned to Australia. He began to build his studio and garden at Tintenbar in northern New South Wales. He has been painting and exhibiting from his studio in Tintenbar for over thirty years. He is best known for his vibrant and colourful seascapes; however, his love of all things in nature is also reflected in his charming still lifes and landscapes. Each year In early December, David holds an exhibition of recent paintings and a studio sale at his home and studio gallery.
Tintenbar NSW
6.8 km away
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Spas and Retreats
Set on 20 tranquil acres in the Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay, Gaia Retreat & Spa is an internationally recognised wellness retreat renowned for its holistic approach to healing, restoration and sustainable luxury. Perched at the highest point in the Shire, Gaia Retreat & Spa offers sweeping panoramic views across the Northern Rivers, creating a sense of calm from the moment you arrive. Designed in harmony with nature, the retreat showcases thoughtful, environmentally sustainable architecture that reflects Gaia's meaning — Spirit of Mother Earth. Drawing on ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness practices, Gaia Retreat & Spa delivers deeply grounding and restorative experiences. Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect and rejuvenate through curated retreat packages, wellness programs and mindful experiences designed to nourish body, mind and spirit. In addition to multi-day retreats, Gaia Retreat & Spa offers indulgent day spa experiences, perfect for visitors seeking relaxation without an overnight stay. Treatments focus on holistic wellbeing and are delivered in a peaceful, natural setting. Whether you're planning a transformative wellness retreat or a restorative spa day in the Byron Bay hinterland, Gaia Retreat & Spa is a must-visit destination for those seeking balance, beauty and renewal.
Brooklet NSW
6.9 km away
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Natural Attractions
No trip to the Northern Rivers feels complete without chasing a waterfall — and Killen Falls is one of the region's most accessible and photogenic. Just a 20-minute drive from Ballina, the falls are tucked away along Friday Hut Road in Tintenbar, surrounded by lush rainforest that forms part of the Big Scrub — once vast, now reduced to just one per cent of its original extent. It's a special pocket of nature and one well worth slowing down for. From the car park, a 330-metre walk winds through dense greenery to the top of the falls, where a lookout offers sweeping views down into the pool below. For a closer encounter, follow the steep but manageable track to the base of the falls. It can be slippery, so take care — the reward is a dramatic, ground-level perspective and the chance to spot turtles, birds and other local wildlife. Don't miss the small cave behind the waterfall, where you can stand beneath the cascade and look out through the falling water — a favourite photo spot. An easy and memorable stop while exploring Tourist Drive 28, Killen Falls is a must-see for nature lovers visiting the Ballina hinterland.
Tintenbar NSW
7.2 km away
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Natural Attractions
The Alstonville to Wollongbar Village Link Path is a relaxed, walking and cycling trail connecting two of the region's charming hinterland villages. Just off from main roads, the sealed pathway offers a safe and accessible route for walkers, cyclists and families. There are gradual slopes wit an underpass, connecting Alstonville and Wollongbar making the trail perfect for a casual stroll, morning walk or bike ride while connecting with local parks, cafés and village centres. Walk up the leafy path from Bulwinkel Park in Alstonville to begin your journey.
Alstonville NSW
7.7 km away
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Shopping and Markets
Vinnies Alstonville is a community op shop operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to assisting people in need and promoting social justice across Australia. The store offers a broad range of quality pre-loved items, including clothing, toys, homewares, kitchenware and linen, all at affordable prices. Stock is regularly refreshed, making it a great place to discover unique finds while shopping sustainably. All purchases at Vinnies Alstonville directly support vital community programs and services that assist individuals and families facing hardship. A visit to the store provides a rewarding way to support local and national initiatives while exploring the Alstonville village and surrounding hinterland.
Alstonville NSW
8.1 km away
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Shopping and Markets
The Anglican Op Shop in Alstonville offers a diverse range of affordable second-hand goods, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals seeking quality pre-loved items. The store stocks clothing for all ages, along with household goods, kitchenware, books, shoes, toys, jewellery and framed artwork. This modern, well-presented op shop is operated by a friendly team of dedicated volunteers and offers convenient parking for an easy and enjoyable shopping experience. Stock is regularly refreshed, providing plenty of opportunity to uncover unique and practical finds. Shopping or donating at the Anglican Op Shop supports the Anglican Parish of Alstonville's community outreach and welfare programs, both locally and internationally. Each purchase contributes to initiatives that strengthen communities and support people in need, making it a rewarding stop while exploring the Alstonville village and surrounding hinterland.
Alstonville NSW
8.1 km away
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Entertainment Venues
Experience the friendly and inviting atmosphere of the Alstonville Plateau Bowls and Sports Club, a cherished meeting place for the community for more than a century. Set among the sporting fields of Alstonville, this hidden gem is home to some of the finest bowling greens on the Far North Coast of NSW, drawing both newcomers and seasoned bowlers to enjoy its beautifully maintained facilities. Plateau Sports offers something for everyone, from relaxed dining and quality beer and wine to spaces suited for corporate gatherings and areas designed for families to unwind and play. It's a place where the community can come together in a warm and easy going environment, making every visit feel like a welcome return.
Alstonville NSW
8.1 km away
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Shopping and Markets
B.Grounded is a lifestyle store with a slower, more personal take on retail. Nothing here is mass-picked from a catalogue, every piece on the shelves was chosen by hand, for a reason. Expect a rotating edit of homewares, self-care rituals and thoughtful gifts, in small quantities so there's always something new to fall for. Come in, slow down, and have a browse.
Alstonville NSW
8.1 km away
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Spas and Retreats
The Luxe Beauty Co. is a brow, skin and beauty bar offering a comprehensive range of luxurious treatments. Services include specialised brow styling, bespoke facials, advanced skin treatments, personalised skincare regimes, beauty and maintenance treatments, nails, studio makeup, spray tanning and bridal services—making it a complete destination for all your beauty needs. Established in 2016, the team is dedicated to the art of beauty, with highly trained staff, personalised service and premium products to help you look and feel your best. Their welcoming, relaxing environment is designed to ensure every guest feels at home, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Alstonville NSW
8.1 km away
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Shopping and Markets
Created with the men in mind, Bolt and Buckle is an amazing store that has a sense of discovery like no other. From the rustic industrial fitout to a collection of male gifts that you won't find anywhere else, Bolt and Buckle is a must visit store in the heart of Murwillumbah. Their philosophy at Bolt and Buckle and Indepal Leather is straightforward...Simple. Earthy. Real.
Alstonville NSW
8.2 km away
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Shopping and Markets
Step into Shoes From Ella on Alstonville's Main Street and explore a boutique collection of footwear that brings together comfort, support and individual style. the store stocks quality brands sourced from around the world, with options ranging from everyday favourites to shoes that make a statement. If you enjoy finding footwear with a little personality, Shoes From Ella is worth a browse while exploring Alstonville's village shops.
Alstonville NSW
8.2 km away
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Landmarks and Buildings
Discover the creative heart of Alstonville at the Community Art Project, a stunning mosaic of ceramic tiles located in Freebourne Park. Created by ceramic artist Ruth Park, this artwork is a true community collaboration. Ruth worked with students from Alstonville, Rous, Wollongbar and St. Joseph's primary schools to draw and design an artwork that reflects the town's iconic images and local themes. With the help of TAFE students, the design was brought to life as a vibrant mosaic — incorporating pieces of glass uncovered during the excavation for the Alstonville bypass, most visible in the sparkling waterfall feature. Part of the Alstonville Main Street upgrade, the project beautifully ties past and present together. Ruth also designed the mosaic tiles embedded in the main street pavements, each representing the heritage buildings that once stood — or still stand — nearby. Ruth Park is a celebrated ceramic artist based in Wollongbar, Northern Rivers. With a career spanning over four decades, Ruth's work explores both functional ceramics and figurative sculpture, often drawing inspiration from cultural and social themes. She has exhibited widely and holds degrees in Applied Art, Ceramic Design, Education, and Fine Art. Alongside her artistic practice, Ruth has shared her craft through teaching sculpture and ceramics at Wollongbar TAFE.
Alstonville NSW
8.2 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
Step inside Crawford House Museum, a beautifully restored Federation-era farmhouse offering a glimpse into life on the Alstonville Plateau from the early 1900s through to the 1960s. Originally built in 1910 for newlyweds William Ambrose Crawford and his bride, Olive, the home - once known as Olivene - was carefully restored by the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society and opened as a museum in 2003. Today, visitors can explore authentic household items, personal artefacts and thoughtfully curated displays that reflect how local families lived, worked and built community across generations. Beyond the home itself, the museum features a dedicated research room with an extensive collection of historical records and resources relating to Ballina Shire. It is a valuable hub for family history research, local studies and anyone interested in uncovering the stories of the Booyung and Pearces Creek districts, including works by respected local historian Ian Kirkland. Crawford House Museum offers an engaging and nostalgic experience for history enthusiasts, researchers and curious visitors alike. Support workers accompanying a client receive free admission.
Alstonville NSW
8.3 km away
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Shopping and Markets
A hinterland emporium showcasing a range of some of Australia's most amazing labels in ladies' and babies' fashion, jewellery, leather bags, giftware and homewares. Magnolia Lane Emporium has beautiful pieces in store that are unique and carefully curated. The team at Magnolia Lane will ensure you have an incredible experience.
Alstonville NSW
8.4 km away
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Galleries, Museums and Collections
A curated art gallery in the heart of Alstonville, NSW, created for artists – and for those who feel the room and know when something belongs in it. This intimate and thoughtfully designed space invites visitors to slow down and connect with art on a deeper level. Every piece is hand-selected through considered curation, ensuring each work resonates with the gallery's unique atmosphere. Seasonal exhibitions bring fresh perspectives throughout the year, showcasing both established and emerging artists across diverse mediums. From bold contemporary works to delicate, thought-provoking pieces, the gallery celebrates creativity in all its forms. Beyond the art on the walls, the gallery fosters conversations that matter – between artist and audience, between locals and visitors, and between ideas and emotions. It's a place where stories are shared, connections are formed, and creativity feels at home. Whether you're an avid collector, an art enthusiast, or simply curious, this Alstonville gem offers an enriching cultural experience in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Alstonville NSW
8.4 km away
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