Northern Rivers

The Line Up

A range of iconic Northern Rivers venues will play host to Great Southern Nights artists this year. The opening weekend sees lovable larrikins Dune Rats play The Great Northern, with The Grogans hitting the stage at The Green Room. Indie stalwarts Ball Park Music will head north to the Kingscliff Hotel, playing adored songs from their 15+ year career. The following weekend, Meg Mac will bring her stunning vocals to The Great Northern, Sons of the East will hit the iconic Hotel Brunswick and What So Not will get the dancefloor going at the Kingscliff Hotel. Heading a little further south, Emma Donavan will play an intimate set at Bowraville Theatre. 

Australia’s beloved festival Groovin The Moo rolls into Lismore for a special one-off show, joined by River Sounds Festival bringing its own laidback magic to Bellingen. Together, they set the tone for a Northern Rivers takeover, with a mix of open-air moments, local flavour and big-name energy.

Byron Bay’s motto is “cheer up, slow down, chill out” and here are some places you can do just that across the region.

Local Eats and Treats

The Northern Rivers food scene is shaped by its connection to land and sea, and nowhere is that more evident than across Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Kingscliff. In Byron Bay, dining tends to favour intimacy and restraint over excess. Light Years remains a reliable favourite for vibrant modern Asian dishes in a lively setting, while Moonlight offers one of the town’s most memorable dining experiences — an intimate Japanese restaurant known for its considered approach, minimalism and quietly confident flavours. For food on the go, you cannot go past the iconic Bay Kebabs, a Byron Bay institution. 

In Brunswick Heads, the pace slows and the food scene leans into village charm. Saint Maries is a local favourite for thoughtful, produce-driven plates, while Old Maids offers some of the tastiest burgers in town. Nearby cafés and bars make it easy to drift between meals without much of a plan, which is very much the Brunswick Heads way.

Further north, Kingscliff blends coastal holiday energy with some of the region’s most polished dining. Taverna offers some of the best Greek in the state, whilst Paper Daisy continues to champion Northern Rivers produce through refined, seasonal menus.

Where to Grab a Drink

The Northern Rivers has become a quiet powerhouse for independent brewing, and while Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads are well served by relaxed bars and classic pubs, some of the region’s best beers are found a little further afield. Common People Brewing Co in nearby beautiful Bangalow is a community-minded, favourite pouring small-batch beers in a laid-back setting, while Seven Mile Brewing Co. in Ballina offers a spacious venue that’s ideal for sunny afternoons and live music. Just outside Kingscliff, Earth Brewing Co in Cudgen combines sustainability with thoughtfully crafted beers, making it well worth the short drive.

Where to Spend the Night

Accommodation across the Northern Rivers tends toward boutique, design-led stays with a strong sense of place. In Byron Bay, The Bower Byron Bay offers a peaceful retreat just outside the town centre, while Hotel Marvell places you right in the heart of town with ocean views and a rooftop bar.

In Brunswick Heads, The Sails Hotel delivers classic coastal accommodation with modern touches, positioned perfectly for river swims, pub dinners and slow mornings. Further north, Halcyon House in Kingscliff remains one of the region’s most iconic luxury stays, pairing beautifully styled rooms with direct beach access and one of the Northern Rivers’ most celebrated dining rooms.

See Visit NSW to out more information.