Everyone needs to get away and go somewhere to ride out what is left of 2020 – what a year it has been! Like so many, this is the longest that I haven’t been on a plane heading somewhere globally, instead I find myself thinking locally and having a need to explore the state that I have lived in my entire life.
New South Wales has endless possibilities and we recently discovered ‘Bannisters’, in Port Stephens approximately 3 hours from Sydney. Situated on the Salamander Shores. It is a stylish boutique getaway surrounded by water, koala habitat and it has a real sense of peace and seclusion! You are greeted at check-in with a glass of sparkling before we resided to our room to freshen up. Arriving in the afternoon meant it was time for happy hour on the Terrace Bar which is a must. Sitting outside as the sun sets sipping on a cocktail was perfect but this was topped when we watched a koala in a nearby tree climb to the top. This was the first time seeing a koala in their natural habitat – amazing! Dinner was booked at Rick Stein’s! Impeccable seafood simply prepared from the finest locally sourced ingredients from ocean to plate. A must when you are in the area, but bookings are a must, as it is renowned in the area! Nelson Bay is perfect to explore during the day and has breathtaking views from viewing platforms in the Tomaree National Park!
Pictures below of Bannisters Port Stephens
It was then onto ‘Goonoo Goonoo Station’, a working cattle station just outside of Tamworth.
From the moment you enter the gates you instantly see an impressive refurbishment of the 19th century heritage-listed and pastoral village that has been turned into luxury accommodation.
The restaurant, only uses local produce, coupled with floor to ceiling glass windows that offer incredible views over the rolling hills and the distant Liverpool Range. The staff are accommodating and friendly and the menus at breakfast and dinner were of the highest quality and the presentation was impeccable.
Tamworth is a beautiful country town approximately 12 minutes from the property that has everything that you would ever need but aside from visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame museum there isn’t really a lot to do. We did stumble upon a lovely place for lunch, ‘The Pig & Tender Box’.
The Pimm’s cocktail went down a treat as we watched the locals from the verandah go about their daily business! We are already planning our return to Goonoo Goonoo Station, but it was time to head to Byron Bay via the Northern Tablelands stunning landscape.
We travelled through Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield with a country music soundtrack that concluded with Peter Allen’s classic 1970 hit, ‘Tenterfield Saddler’.
Pictures below of Goonoo Goonoo Station
We arrived in Byron Bay on dusk although tired we were instantly impressed with the service and attention to detail at Byron at Byron (our second time here) but it has been taken over by Crystalbrook Collection – the resort is nestled in 45-acres of magical subtropical rainforest. This is the perfect home away from home. We decided to stay in on our first night and dine at ‘Forest Restaurant and Bar’, their contemporary and distinctly Australian restaurant where we had the pleasure of been served by Dish. Having travelled the world extensively her attention to detail, knowledge and expertise was simply outstanding and I can’t remember the last time we experienced service this good. She instantly made us feel comfortable and nothing was too much trouble always interacting with a smile. Dish was amazing and the next morning she was back for the breakfast sitting. Again refreshed, bubbly and again simply superb and again the presentation of each dish was high end!
Pictures below of Byron at Byron
We headed into Byron Bay to play tourist that of course includes a visit to Cape Byron’s lighthouse (picture perfect) but a highlight was travelling the one stop service on the world’s first solar train – an immaculately restored 1949 era two carriage heritage train – it really does take you back in time! $4 each way is a great way to get from one end of Byron to the other. I just wish they would consider extending the train as far as Mullumbimby - the track exists! Lunch was booked at ‘The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co’. A perfect place to enjoy a margarita, an oyster or two and an extensive menu that overlooks Byron that is perfect for people watching. The food was yummy, and the vibe was very Byron. The one thing we did notice is that everyone in hospitality wants to be there and they are all so lovely and accommodating! Other places of recommendation from this trip to Byron was ‘Harvest Newrybar’, nestled in the Byron Hinterland where the mood was casual, the fit-out cosy and the dishes are simple and honest but incredibly finessed. Cocktails one night were had at ‘The Mez Club’ - a sensory experience transporting everyone across Europe, Morocco and the Middle East. We needed to go back to try the food the next day for lunch which took us on a journey around the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, from the noisy ‘souks’ of Morocco to the richness of the south of France, the fresh produce of Italy and the fresh seafood from Spain. So, if we couldn’t be in Europe – this made us feel like we were! This needs to be a must on everyone’s list when you are next in Byron - we can’t recommend this more highly!
Pictures below of Exploring Byron Bay
But the highlight would have to be travelling further north for about 50 minutes to ‘Husk Distillers’, a single estate distillery pioneering Australia's only virgin cane rum from paddock to bottle on the family farm in Tumbulgum. It is also home to Ink Gin (why we needed to go). Lunch was exquisite and the backdrop was breathtaking. The property itself is stunning and well worth going outside of town on a little adventure. Again, the service was perfect, and we are planning on returning soon!
Pictures below of Husk Distillers
A night in Port Macquarie to break up the journey on the way home where we indulged in a beautiful three course meal at ‘The Stunned Mullet’. Fine dining on the North Coast at its best!
Pictures below of The Stunned Mullet
Continuing home we decided to detour slightly for lunch at ‘Vines’ Restaurant at ‘Hollydene Estate’ in Jerrys Plains. The grounds, the location and menu complete with beautiful wine was a perfect way to finish our Northern NSW getaway that was much needed, and we will be back!
Pictures below of Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate
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