Travel guide Byron Bay Hinterland

The hinterland around Byron Bay is truly God’s own country, with the lush pockets of rainforest, emerald green rolling countryside, fabulous beaches and access to the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay itself or quaint and historic villages like Bangalow. There are wonderful shops, cafes and restaurants, galleries and any number of artisan shops, with everything from saddles to crystals.

So, why not stay somewhere that reflects the wonders around you? The Old Church at Newrybar, just near Bangalow, is a beautiful and historic church, built in 1911, that now pays homage to the wonders of this beautiful region, without losing the sense of serenity from its former life.

The property has been lovingly restored over the last eight years and features polished floorboards throughout much of the house. There is a wonderful sense of spaciousness, with the light-filled living areas and four large bedrooms, and the pressed metal ceilings, arched windows and doors provide a link with the building’s past.

There is room to sleep up to 12 people, and the versatility of the layout means that The Old Church is perfect for families, groups of friends or several couples. Two bedrooms have queen-size beds, there is a double in the third bedroom and the studio apartment has a queen-size bed, two sets of bunks and a futon.

However it is the huge living areas that really set this property apart, with a number of different conversation areas with gorgeous leather sofas, but the scale of the building means that it never feels crowded. The antique dining table seats 12 and there is even a second lounge area upstairs, with two daybeds for lounging, reading and sleeping. There won’t be any arguments about getting clean either, as the property has two showers (plus a beach shower), three toilets and one bath.

For those who need stay connected, there is free wireless broadband and full cable TV.

The kitchen is made for those who love to cook – it is large, open and airy and fitted with state of the art appliances. It is connected to the main dining room, making it easy to get food out to feed the hungry hordes. However, if you prefer alfresco dining, there is plenty of room at the outside dining area and the BBQ allows for casual get togethers in the glorious tropical gardens, which border a macadamia plantation.

While you will probably find it difficult to tear yourself away from The Old Church, there are so many treasures to discover in the surrounding area that you will be sorry if you don’t venture out to uncover some for yourself. Bangalow, with its quirky shops, great restaurants and sense of timelessness is only minutes away, as is the serenity of the Gaia Retreat and Amala Day Spa. Founded by Olivia Newton-John, this retreat features a wonderful array of treatments to help you relax, refresh and renew your energy. The award-winning Harvest Café is just down the road, for those days when you don’t fancy cooking and you can be in the eclectic and fascinating Byron Bay within 15 minutes.

The Pacific Highway up to the Gold Coast and Brisbane has improved so much that it is an easy day trip to the theme parks, where the kids will have a ball, before you head back to the peace and tranquillity of The Old Church to unwind. If you are looking to experience some of the ‘new age’ aspects of the region, you can’t go past Crystal Castle near Mullumbimby, with its amazing array of crystals and jewellery, music and books and services such as tarot card and aura readings.

If you can arrange your calendar for a mid-week stay, then you will be able to take advantage of some very special prices. Make your pilgrimage to The Old Church for a sense of peace and relaxation that will stay with you long after your holiday is over. The Old Church is something out of the ordinary and is one of TakeABreak's featured Unique and Unusual accommodation properties.

About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis.  Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.

Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications.  She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons.