A road trip for recovery through Northern NSW
LOCAL Lara Picone writes how best to approach a TRIP to help in the RECOVERY of a REGION still REELING from recent floods.
IN ORDINARY TIMES, the Northern Rivers lays out a welcome mat of idyllic coastlines and lush, canopied hinterlands romped through merrily by seasonal hordes of holidaymakers. But these are less-than-ordinary times and, for years now, usual touring has been hampered by a doubling down of disasters.
For much of the country at least, the pandemic has been overlaid with natural disasters, from drought to bushfires, and now, for the Northern Rivers in particular, the extraordinary flooding along the east coast. And while, yes, there are many rivers here, this unprecedented deluge has left townships and lives destroyed, and those who love and visit the area wringing their hands with helplessness.
But the best thing you can do is continue to go. Spend your money in towns that are still painfully trying to reassemble themselves, support local businesses and producers, and visit hard-hit places you may not usually add to your route. It’s time to hit the road empty-eskied on a road trip to fill the cup of those in need. But this is not solely altruistic travel, there are plenty of gems to discover along the way, too.
YAMBA
This saltwater escape edged by the Pacific Ocean and the Clarence River has recently opened its first boutique hotel, The Surf, to much applause, but there are also plenty of adorable holiday lets you can use as a base to explore the incredible produce of the region. Farmers have suffered crop and livestock loss due to the floods, so stock up on local goods and show support at the Yamba Farmers and Producers Market every Wednesday. Spread the love around hard-hit hospitality places and make bookings at refined local eateries such as Barbaresco and Karrikin.
MULLUMBIMBY
The Mullumbimby Farmers Market is hands-down the best in the Byron Shire. While the town itself was largely submerged during the floods, the local producers were also saddled with fruitless harvests and lost market days, so come along with an empty basket on Fridays to relish the particularly Mullumbimby vibe this shopping event is loved for. Pick up everything from fresh bread, breakfast and coffee, to sprouts and fungi. The mountain-shadowed
township also has plenty of wonderful eateries, such as pizza bar Milk & Honey and Wandana Brewing Co, as well as cutely curated boutiques. Mullum makes a lovely side trip from Byron, but it’s also a destination in itself. Stay a while in the hinterland calm away from the famous beach hub, but with eyes on it, at Blackbird.
MURWILLUMBAH
This gorgeous riverside town and her rural surrounds have been cultivating some under-the-radar appeal for a while. It’s known for its lively art scene, but unfolding quickly behind is an excellent culinary story. Include Tweed River House, Bistro LIVI and Husk Distillers in your itinerary. And, of course, take in the M Arts Precinct in town and the Tweed Regional Gallery. Shouldered by the protective sentinel of Mt Warning, which you’ll glimpse from almost every perspective, Mur’Bah, as the locals call it, is bordered by foothills and rural beauty. Settle in to take in this beauty in a luxury cabin at Mt Warning Estate.
LISMORE
Although no stranger to rising waters, historic Lismore was hugely devastated by the unfathomably deep flooding. This university city doesn’t often find itself in the tourism spotlight, but that’s a shame because there’s plenty to discover in the Richmond Valley. Swing by alternative Nimbin, hike the Nightcap National Park, and admire the works on display at hard-hit Lismore Regional Gallery, then drink to Lismore’s future with a well-mixed cocktail at Augustine’s Wine Bar. Bed down in the stylish rooms above the Eltham Hotel in the beautifully bucolic Eltham village.