Three of the best attractions in macadamia country.
If you love our native nut and wish to explore one of the scenic areas in which they are grown, there are some fantastic attractions in the macadamia region of northern NSW. Here are three places to experience when visiting macadamia country.
Summerland House Farm
A picturesque working macadamia and avocado farm, set amid rolling hills near Alstonville, Summerland House Farm has been operating since 1972 and the cooler months are the ideal time to visit. Take a tractor tour through the orchard to see macadamias growing on trees, then wander through the orchard and collect nuts from the ground under the rainforest canopy. Summerland House de-husks their macadamias on-site, and a range of macadamia products, including honey-coated macadamias, macadamia dukka and macadamia oil are available from the farm’s gift shop. Macadamias also star in the cafe here, don’t miss the freshly baked macadamia scones served with jam and cream! Relax and enjoy some peace while the little ones are kept happy with the mini-golf course, water park and playground. Before you leave, stop by The Grocer, a showcase of locally sourced food and produce. 253 Wardell Road, Alstonville
Daily 9am-4pm
summerlandhousefarm.com.au
instagram.com/summerland_house_farm
The Farm Byron Bay
This idyllic 80-acre working farm is home to a unique collection of growers, producers and educators who remain dedicated to sustainable farming methods. Visitors to the farm can explore the grounds on a guided farm tour or wander freely through the fields themselves. Cows, chickens and pigs roam happily here, alongside fields of flowers and vegetable gardens. A short walk down a picturesque country lane leads to the macadamia plantation where visitors can gather macadamias from the ground, use the nut-cracker placed in the orchard and enjoy macadamias under the canopy. Another lure for visitors is Three Blue Ducks, a cafe embracing sustainable, local produce which serves delicious, seasonal dishes. Next door to the cafe, The Produce Store offers take-away meals, fruit and vegetables, and freshly baked bread. 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale
Mon to Thu 7am-4pm; Fri to Sun 7am-10pm
thefarmbyronbay.com.au
instagram.com/thefarmatbyronbay
Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’ve got young ones in tow, a trip to Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is essential. The little ones can get close to native animals including koalas, wombats, emus and kangaroos. They can also enjoy a round of mini-golf, a train ride or an exciting climb to the top of the playground treehouse. At Cafe Macca, try the famous beef burger infused with macadamia nuts or indulge your sweet tooth with macadamia pancakes topped with caramel sauce. Stop by the gift shop on the way out to sample warm-roasted macadamias in an array of flavours such as chilli, honey and wasabi. The souvenir selection here includes everything from macadamia cookies and macadamia caramel sauce, to macadamia skin care products and macadamia oil. If you can’t make it to macadamia country, the entire range is available from the online shop. 419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow
Daily 8am-5pm
macadamiacastle.com.au