Elwood is the perfect weekend destination.
Elwood is the perfect weekend destination.
Weekend road trips to laidback, peaceful little villages that aren’t too far away but are just far away enough to escape the Gold Coast hustle are our favourite thing.
Especially if those laidback, peaceful little villages are also very pretty and boast exceptional coffee-slinging cafes you’ll definitely lose a few hours in.
Which, if you haven’t already guessed, is exactly what is happening at Burringbar, a leafy little spot just a short half hour drive from the Coast and a sweet new space we (and owners Jack and Soph) like to call Elwood.
After a beautiful drive that winds through mountains and tree-lined streets you’ll arrive on The Broadway at Burringbar, a road reminiscent of a time when all anyone needed was a general store, a coffee shop and a solid sense of community – the simple (most delightful) things.
And that friends, is exactly what Elwood is all about – strangers becoming friends and the simple pleasure of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee with said strangers who become friends.
It’s the very picture of cosy, vintage good vibes with stools pulled up to windows set with flowers that catch the morning light, corner armchairs placed under hats hung on the wall and shelves stacked with perfectly imperfect ceramics you can add to your own collection. Put simply, it’s the lounge room we wish we could just throw together but absolutely don’t have the eye to create.
We’re kind of in love, give us a minute.
Okay. As mentioned it’s the work of the lovely Soph and Jack who met while working in Bangalow, had a dream to build something of their own together where people in the community could come and hang out, and so they set about doing exactly that.
Jack spent considerable time with coffee roasting connoisseurs Moonshine (from Federal) who brew an exceptional cuppa (one of our favourites just quietly) and can also be found at Burleigh newbie Next Door Espresso.
Soph has a foodie background including having worked at St Elmos in Byron Bay and grown up in a family who cooked direct from the veggie garden (jealous), and together they’re the perfect pair to bring a stunning new venue to the people.
Food-wise everything is locally sourced with all pastries and breads made in-house. As of right now, the menu is made up of simple treats like croissants and brownies and the like but within the next little while there’ll be a full offering of fresh, tasty goodies of the breakfast and lunch varieties.
In summary, you must gather your crew and prep for a weekend road trip to Burringbar. We bet you fall a little bit in love too.
LOCATION: 33 The Broadway, Burringbar
HOURS: 7.30am until 2.30pm Wednesday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Scenic drives, exceptional dishes.
Every January, the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) bestows its much-anticipated Chef Hat Awards, aka the foodie holy grail. For hardcore dining devotees, it’s a bit like Christmas morning, only with better smells and no awkward socks. Think of this as our cheat sheet for working your way, hungry-caterpillar style, around the most esteemed and decorated local destinations.
Our Northern Rivers neighbours are doing their thing, but this year we’re also adding South East QLD country into the mix – because why limit your appetite?
Whether it’s hinterland hideaways or mountain-top marvels, these spots all earned a Chef Hat score of 13 or above, making them prime candidates for your next road trip. Here are 16 of this year’s most road trip-worthy restaurants:
Founded by former Paper Daisy chef, Pipit owner Ben Devlin (alongside his wife Yen Trinh) is no stranger to the art of crafting exquisite eats – nor has he pulled any punches when it comes to his first solo venture. And AGFG clearly agrees, with Pottsville’s Coronation Avenue darling taking out the coveted top spot among this year’s most noteworthy Northern Rivers Hat recipients. They stand as the highest-ranked NSW regional restaurant outside of Sydney.
Pipit’s superb score of 16/20 propels them to pole position on our day trip priority list and also, according to the AGFG, ‘ worth a detour’ designation.
Set aside a few hours and treat yourself to the revelatory set menu dining experience, a curated sequence of flavours, textures and ideas spanning over several hours, one which Ben likens to ‘a day trip around the Northern Rivers’ in and of itself.
Where: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville
Byron Bay institution, Raes on Wategos scored an impressive 15/20. Headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby, the restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence deemed ‘Quite Out of the Ordinary’ by AGFG – we wholeheartedly agree.
The chic boutique retreat, an icon set amongst Byron’s idyllic beaches, delivers a fine-dining experience in its Dining Room, headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby. A culinary showcase of the region, curated with Mediterranean influences, the menu offers Caviar service, 3-course à la carte and Tasting Menu options.
A word of warning, though – after tasting dishes like Lamb Blackstrap in black garlic, lamb fat & anchovy salsa, Glazed Northern Rivers Duck, and the MacAffogato dessert, a coconut and roast macadamia sorbet topped with macadamia crumb, Brookie’s Mac liqueur and espresso, you might want to move in.
Where: 6 – 8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
Murwillumbah’s aptly named Tweed River House, perched just a stone’s throw from its banks, also scored a hat – earning a rating of 14 for its gastronomic bistro and bar experience. Shout out to master chef Dayron Perugorria.
The venue, housed in a spruced-up, century-old colonial-style mansion, offers a panoramic river view, wraparound verandas, and elevated eats to match.
The luxurious and immaculately appointed interiors alone make it worth filling your tank. Still, decadent dishes like Lobster agnolotti with vin jaune and wild vanilla sauce, Beef tartare with brioche and crème fraîche and the Peach dessert made with poached peach, almond dacquoise, peach mousse and almond praline certainly sweeten the deal.
Where: 131 River St, South Murwillumbah
Another noshery deemed one of the best in the Northern Rivers Restaurant category is Murwillumbah’s Bistro Livi, scoring the prestigious hat with a total of 14.
A short 30km trek from Cooly and one of the fresher faces among its culinary cohort – if you’re yet to be acquainted with Livi, it’s an easy one to tick off the list when you’re looking for a low effort adventure snap you out of the Sunday lazies (or scaries).
Tucked within the arts precinct of the tight-knit Murbah community, the European-inspired venue radiates romance with rustic textures and an inviting, intimate ambience, while Spanish influences inform the menu. It’s certainly not just the AGFG critics that this regional gem has succeeded in winning over… #swoon.
Where: 1A 1-3 Brisbane St, Murwillumbah
This Possum Creek gem scored 13, shocking absolutely no one who’s ever eaten there. Set in a literal old-school setting (the former O’Possum Creek Public School), it pairs Southern European flavours with Byron hinterland charm.
Soak up garden views through airy white windows as you dive into fresh oysters or Burrata with Tuscan tomato salsa, breadcrumbs and basil oil. For mains, expect delights such as Black Angus brisket ragú with horseradish gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano, and Australian bay lobster with chilli, garlic, confit cherry tomatoes, zucchini and crustacean bisque.
Rustic, refined, and ridiculously good, this is one lesson in good taste you won’t want to skip.
Where: 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek
If long, lazy farm lunches are your vibe, Frida’s Field is a must. Set on 120 dreamy acres just outside Bangalow, this paddock-to-plate gem dishes up a seasonal feast that scored 13/20. Award-winning chef Alastair Waddell lets Northern Rivers produce shine with a modern Australian menu that changes every six weeks – think wood-fired meats, farm-fresh veggies and big, bold flavours.
With only three long lunches a week (Friday to Sunday), this is a slow-food experience in every sense – one sitting per service, plenty of time to sip, savour, and soak up the Byron hinterland views. Whether you go omnivore or veg, you’re in for a next-level spread that might just ruin you for regular dining forever.
Where: 76 Booyong Road, Nashua
Capitalizing on Carool’s sweeping valley views, Potager – A Kitchen Garden has long been a favourite destination among locals and discerning visitors. The charming nosher is also somewhat of a teacher’s pet, earning a score of 13 for its Modern Australian style eats in this year’s Chef Hat Awards – along with a near-perfect 4.8 score on Google, might we add… and honestly, we’re not sure which is harder to pull off.
Set on a small 10-acre farm, the seasonal menu is informed by locally sourced produce, much of which is grown on the property. Dishes like the heirloom tomato with Byron Bay mozzarella are a testament to the community-minded culinary experience, while the fish stew with focaccia and zeta’s coffee and dark chocolate mousse gets a mention, because #yum
Where: 502 Carool Rd, Carool
Byron Bay’s Dorsia has quietly earned itself a well-deserved nod with a solid 13, cementing its place as one of the region’s most exciting dining destinations. Sitting along Jonson Street, this intimate, mood-driven restaurant delivers a polished yet approachable take on modern fine dining – the kind that feels special, but never stuffy.
Guests can choose between a thoughtfully curated two-course or three-course menu, dive all in with the chef’s tasting menu, or kick things off with elegant snacks and a luxe caviar experience. Early standouts include the pillowy Parker roll with Noosa black garlic and the indulgent dry-aged duck cigar. Mains deliver more exquisite dishes like Murray cod paired with pickled green mango and coconut, or the show-stopping Cape Grim sirloin with burnt carrot and puffed grains. Dessert is a must, with Valrhona dark chocolate and malted milk that leaves you wanting to order round two.
Where: 109 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Halcyon House’s beloved Paper Daisy, of course, also earned itself a nod, with an honourable 13. The esteemed and elegant eatery, sitting pretty against Cabarita Beach’s stunning shores, is not just reserved for sandy-footed in-house guests.
We’re all invited to see what the fuss is about, courtesy of the bar, open from 3pm, or for dinner. Led by Andrew Milford, the kitchen shoots for ‘sophisticated simplicity’, where you can expect to delight in inventive and delectable dishes like Spanish anchovies and gremolata on toast with guindillas and coconut-crumbed king prawns, green mango and herb salad alongside an award-winning wine menu.
We’d recommend packing your appetite (and your towel, because, y’know, Caba #phwoar).
Where: 21 Cypress Cres, Cabarita Beach
Brunswick Heads’ River – Wild at Heart has quickly carved out a name for itself after opening less than a year ago. Sitting pretty on Mullumbimby Street, this intimate dining destination is a creation by Scottish-born chef and former welder (yes, really) Michael Lee, serving small plates that change and adapt to what’s growing and what’s caught.
Standout starters include the Lismore wild shot venison tataki made with Blueberry Fields ponzu, radish, charred and crispy shallots and the bay lobster with smoked garlic, lobster coral butter and lemon. For the main, the soltera rum-glazed smoked corn short rib and the local line-caught market fish. Finish with Piña colada made with soltera rum, sumac caramel and coconut aquafaba and you may call it the best meal of your life.
Where: 2/26 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads
For a long, leisurely meal in a ridiculously scenic spot, Shelter is the move. With a score of 13, an award-winning wine list, and bi-fold windows framing 7 Mile Beach, it’s got everything going for it – top-tier food, service, and views.
From sunrise to sunset, they’re serving up seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced goodness. Kick off your morning with green chilli scrambled eggs with avocado and roti, or swing by later for gems like local sashimi with watermelon verjus, gochugaru salt, grapes and finger lime, followed by their daily beef cut with chilli crunch, katsuobushi cream, black sesame. Don’t leave without trying the beetroot mousse with lavender, pine nuts and almond panna cotta rhubarb consommé. Trust us.
Where: 41 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head
Perched on Byron Bay’s Jonson Lane, Bar Heather transports its diners to the charm of Paris or New York – at least that’s what it feels like. They lead with an exquisite selection of natural wine, followed by an equally impressive menu, so clearly designed to torture and tantalize you into returning time and time again. It’s no surprise that they, too, were awarded a 13/20.
You must try their snapper with tomato cream and cucumber and the lamb skewer with roasted chilli and roti. And, of course, no trip to Bar Heather is complete without sampling a selection from their wine list. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay
High on a mountain, with clouds drifting past your table and the Great Dividing Range as your backdrop, The Peak is where Modern Australian cuisine meets luxury without fuss. AGFG scored it 15/20, enough to make this Scenic Rim gem a must-visit.
The tasting menu is a culinary journey across Australia: cured kangaroo, dry-aged duck, Kangaroo Island marron and more, all paired with wines that could start their own conversation. With comfy furnishings, an open stone fireplace and an outdoor terrace that’s practically begging for a lingering lunch, The Peak turns a meal into a full-on experience.
Road trips are better with views like this, and food this ambitious.
Where: 1 Wilkinson Road, Maryvale
At Homage, the clue really is in the name. This refined paddock-to-plate powerhouse at Spicers Hidden Vale celebrates the farmers, producers and fertile lands of the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley with flair.
Scoring a solid 14/20 from AGFG, Homage is officially ‘worth a detour’ and then some. The menu champions local ingredients with dishes that feel both elegant and deeply connected to place, whether that’s Murray cod with finger lime and macadamia cream, pork belly with Kalbar carrot and nduja or heritage rooster elevated into something truly special.
It’s fine dining with heart, where every plate tells a story and every ingredient earns its spot.
Where: Spicers Hidden Vale, 617 Grandchester–Mt Mort Road, Grandchester
Boonah’s Blume is a restaurant that feels like it’s been quietly waiting for you. Inspired by the town’s original name, Blumbergville, this 14/20 AGFG-hatted spot focuses on the principle of ‘time and place’. Only the freshest local ingredients make it to the table.
The ever-evolving set menu is packed with clever touches: rainbow trout with finger lime, Brisbane Valley quail with fig leaf and exotic pepper, or sweet cheese ice cream with apricot and almond praline. Every course reflects the region, the season, and the care of the people behind it.
Where: 5 Church Street, Boonah
In the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, The Paddock is a spacious, sunlit spot celebrating simple, honest food. AGFG awarded it 13/20 for its unpretentious approach to paddock-to-plate dining.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame sweeping Hinterland views while the menu champions local produce, from roast duck with spiced carrot purée to fire-grilled vegetables and Wagyu rump cap. Cooking over an open flame, the dishes are rustic yet refined, the kind that make a long drive feel completely worth it.
If you’re chasing fresh air, great food and a true Hinterland vibe, The Paddock delivers in spades.
Where: 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont
Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons
A crackling fireplace, red wine and snuggle buddy.
Is there anything more romantic than spending a weekend tucked away with your nearest and dearest? Picture the scene: you’re both mountainside snuggled up in front of a crackling fire, glass of red wine in hand and soft jazz caressing your ears. Sounds almost too good to be true? It’s all yours for the taking though, come the impending — albeit short — winter ahead! So it’s time to pull out that roll neck jumper (that, let’s face it, hasn’t been used much) and get planning! To help you along the way, we’ve found the six most romantic cabins and mountain lodges for you, right at our doorstep in the Hinterland.
Cedar Creek Lodges
A mere 40-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, but once you arrive you will feel like you’ve entered an entirely whole new world. Welcome to stunning Tamborine Mountain! Cedar Creek Lodges provide you with a full range of options. The 2, 3 or 4 bedroom self-contatined lodges are situated on your own private section of the gurgling and beautiful Cedar Creek — the perfect romantic getaway to immerse yourself in nature! But if glamping is more your style, look no further than their brand new Lotus Tents taking glamping to the next level with an ensuite allowing you to shower under the stars. The adjacent Thunderbird Park also offers horseback riding for the more adventurous romantics among you. We’re confident when it comes time to check out; you won’t want to leave.
Binna Burra Mountain Lodges
You may recognise the name, as in the 2019 bushfires, most of the property was sadly lost to fires. But where there is a will, there is a way. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, the newly rebuilt and renovated Binna Burra is an authentic heritage-listed lodge offering one of a few genuine Australian experiences in nature. Just imagine, the lodge has been welcoming guests since the early 1930s and still retains its original charm and character. They’ve also been listed in the top 10 eco-lodges and green hotels globally with their unique isolation. If you’re after the perfect escape from everyday life and a chance to get back to basics, leave your phone at home and look no further.
Witches Falls Cottages
Total privacy is the maxim at Witches Falls Cottages. Sip on a glass of wine (from nearby Witches Falls Winery, of course) in your private courtyard garden, relax in front of your cosy fireplace with a book, or just soak away in your own double sized spa bath and reconnect with that special someone. A traditional style breakfast is even part of your stay and delivered to the door — including fresh homemade bread — so you won’t have to leave your room if you don’t fancy it.
Edges Lodge
Another romantic Tamborine Mountain retreat is Edges Lodge, the faultless suggestion for a well-deserved getaway with your lover. Sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and our Gold Coast skyline will have you captivated from the moment you arrive. The lodge itself is shared between three deluxe suites, but fear not, the large, sophisticated communal areas are more than enough for you to escape to and feel tranquil — or feel free to socialise if you want to. There is a long list of extras for you to enjoy, but our suggestion is you arrange a massage in the privacy of your room! Sign us up!
The Polish Place Cottages
Your romantic stay on Tamborine Mountain starts at these charming European-style chalets only an hour from the beach and surrounded by a myriad of walking trails, waterfalls, and wineries: a hidden gem — within an hour of arriving, you will feel any stress disappear as you take in the spectacular view overlooking the Scenic Rim! How does a cosy woodfire fireplace within a loft-style chalet with private balcony, double sized spa (in your lounge room no less) and full breakfast basket provided daily sound like to you? Idyllic, no? Well don’t forget that at The Polish Place, wildlife, lorikeets and birds come to say hi on your balcony. Add to this the amazing onsite restaurant serving up all your favourite Polish winter warmer dishes like their famous Roast Duck for two with cherries (trust us, order it!) accompanied by a couple of Polish beer or vodkas, you’ll be glad checkout isn’t till 12pm!
O’Reilly’s Safari Tents
If staying at the base of a world heritage listed rainforest is at the top of your list, you’ll be happy to know, you can do that only an hour from the surf. A the end of 2020, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat launched 17 safari tents within their new campground found at the Green Mountains Camping Area in Lamington National Park. The new world class ecotourism attraction is set amongst the rainforest of World Heritage Lamington National Park meaning you get to soak up the mountain magic in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Being right at the doorstep of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat certainly has it’s advantages, you’ll have access to all the same experiences and adventures you love about O’Reilly’s including hikes, romantic rainforest picnics, visiting O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards for a tipple or two (where you can also now have a picnic with the alpacas!) or just kick back together and breathe in the fresh air.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Catch ya Gold Coast.
Now is it just us, or is a weekend road trip taking in the best of what the GC and our Northern NSW neighbours have to offer good for the soul? This just in: nope it’s not just us, as every year countless locals cancel their boozy Saturday and/or Sunday BBQ’s in favour of a chilled drive to marvel at our abundant natural beauty.
On that note, we’ve rounded up the best local scenic spots perfect for a spot of unwinding and resetting, allowing you to just ‘be’. Everybody exhale…..
Lost World Valley
A true rugged wilderness by the dramatic Razorback Mountain and Lamington Plateau, the Lost World is as enchanting as it sounds. Decompress and slow the pace along the scenic Lost World Tourist Drive through the Kerry Valley, Lost World, Lamington Gorge and Christmas Creek. Channel your inner farmhand at Tommerup’s Dairy and stock up on the freshest produce at Farm Gate Trails. Feel that? Yep, it’s your stress level plummeting.
Where: Christmas Creek Road, Lamington National Park
Advancetown to Murwillumbah
Fancy winding your way through tree-lined hills and lush green paddocks and oops, you’ve suddenly crossed the border into NSW and don’t you love it when that happens?! Let this journey give you a healthy hit of zen as you switch out the rat race for the simpler pleasures. There’s plenty to see, plus a tonne of eats icons like the majestic hat-winning Tweed River House.
Where: Southbound out of Advancetown on the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road
The Granite Belt
It may be a bit of drive but it’s well worth the fuel (quite a statement right now). There are amazing wineries to visit (just a glass of course – you’re driving remember!),…and umm, case closed coz #vino. The crisp air, endless sky and big flavours of the Granite Belt are only matched by the divine locally made cheese and artisan products, perfect for a romantic picnic among the vines.
Where: Head out west toward Beaudesert, then on to Warwick, and follow the signs from there
The Channon
Famous for its epic monthly craft market, The Channon is a delightful village with artistic flare, friendly folk, and country charm in spades. The village has tea rooms, craft shops, galleries and a historic tav, not to mention the rainforest walk to end all rainforest walks in the spectacular Protestor Falls on Terania Creek Road. Don that Fitbit…or don’t, and just take it allllll in.
Where: Southbound on the M1 before exiting towards Lismore
Brunswick Heads
Okay if you haven’t visited Brunswick Heads, quite frankly #RemedyThisNOW. A quaint, lush and unspoilt coastal village just 15 minutes north of Byron, happy snaps of its stunning beaches and spectacular river will set your socials alight. Also, when one visits this area, one MUST check out ‘The Brunswick’. Full stop. Exclamation mark. You’re welcome.
Where: Southbound on the M1, about half an hour away
Angourie
Just 5km south of popular big sister Yamba, its famous point-breaks have made it a must-see with the world’s top surfers. Explore the renowned Yuraygir Coastal Walk, which kicks off here and take a dip (or a photo this time of year brrrr) of Mara Creek, Back Beach, Lake Arragan, and the Shelley headland caves. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Free Willy (well, close-ish) frolicking in the beautiful waters.
Where: Southbound on the M1, between Ballina and Yamba.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
