Eat and Drink
As you explore the Northern Rivers, you quickly discover that one of the regions wonders is the food… the quality, variety and sheer abundance are almost overwhelming!... Roadside stalls brim with avocados, macadamias, paw paws, melons, peaches, blueberries, bananas, and farm fresh vegetables. The fish co-ops and markets of the coastal and river towns are a delight for lovers of fine seafood, with river fresh oysters, prawns, crabs, bugs, lobsters and deep sea fish straight from the boat.
The idyllic environment that makes the Northern Rivers a paradise for holiday makers also supports diverse fishing and farming industries. Already renowned for bananas, seafood, dairy products and beef, the region has developed an array of exotic and indigenous delicacies, tropical fruits, herbs, nuts and bush tucker. The region is one of only two areas in Australia producing coffee and tea — its award winning coffee and baristas have been acclaimed as some of the finest in the world. Combine this prodigious output with a cosmopolitan population and you have the ingredients for an epicurean odyssey.
Picture yourself relaxing in a cosy Lismore or Kyogle guesthouse, enjoying farm-fresh eggs, crusty rolls and home-made riberry (lilypilly) jam… or basking in a beachfront café in Byron Bay, Yamba or Kingscliff, lingering over tropical fruit, croissants and locally grown gourmet coffee as dolphins dance in the crystal waves. Lunch?… How about a platter of Ballina’s or Yamba’s remarkable prawns in the garden of an historic riverside pub… a sumptuous seafood buffet as you cruise the magical Tweed… or maybe fresh strawberry’s and cream in a picturesque Uki village tea house?
Dinner?… What’ll it be? … nouvelle or new age, alfresco or al la carte, salsa or sushi? Head for Nimbin, home of Australia’s alternative movement, and some of the most imaginative and healthy cuisine you’ll find… visit the ‘beef capital’ Casino and feast on the finest fillet, or live it up with a fabulous five course banquet in one of the Tweed’s magnificent club restaurants.
You’ll find every dining experience in the Northern Rivers, from fish & chips to international gourmet cuisine, creative vegetarian to old-fashioned Aussie tucker. From your first barefoot, beachfront breakfast to your last sumptuous restaurant supper, the Northern Rivers is a thrill-a-meal gastronomic adventure. Eat hearty!
