Hinterland House - Review

Set high in the hills surrounding NSW’s Byron Bay, Bangalow’s Hinterland House is ideal for when you want to retreat from the city with the whole family – while also taking a little time out from the family, too. A heritage-listed house set on a property that was once a dairy farm and now includes a macadamia plantation, Hinterland House can be booked for exclusive use (the grounds cover eight hectares so there’s plenty of room here to find your own space and, at the same time, no shortage of spaces when you want to come together and connect). Alternatively, you can book by the room if you’re after a getaway for two.

Where is Hinterland House?

It’s just a three-minute drive into the shops at Bangalow and a 20-minute drive to Byron Bay town centre. Hinterland House is easily accessed from two airports: Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta, Queensland (a 45-minute drive away) or Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (a 20-minute drive).

What’s near Hinterland House?

Being in the hinterland region of northern NSW, most local icons are best reached by car – Cape Byron Lighthouse (20 minutes), Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park (40 minutes) and Bangalow Farmers Market (held every Saturday morning behind Bangalow Hotel, a three-minute drive away). Broken Head Beach and Brunswick Heads are both a 15-minute drive away.

Room types

There are eight bedrooms across the property, each sleeping two people – four in the main house that also come with an ensuite, as well as two self-contained wings that each feature two bedrooms. The perfectly-curated interiors here draw on Balinese, colonial and Hamptons influences. And while no room is a misstep, the room at the end of the hallway on the right-handside features a four-poster bed and a beautifully updated bathroom that hints at yesteryear with its claw-footed bath and chandelier.

Food

Self-catering is an option with a fully-equipped kitchen available – but consider using the excellent services of private chef Anthony McGaughey from One Green Acre. Anthony can create a menu for your stay that champions Northern Rivers produce. There’s also no shortage of top-notch restaurants in the region. Take the short drive to Maurice Terzini’s Belongil Beach Italian Food, Harvest at Newrybar, Three Blue Ducks at The Farm in Ewingsdale or La Casita at Brunswick Heads.

Sustainability

Water tanks collect rainwater for use throughout the vast grounds The property relies heavily on local suppliers to aid in minimising its footprint and support the community.

Travel for work

While there are plenty of spots to set yourself up with a laptop, the Wi-fi can be patchy. Insider tip: if you’re looking at your screen here, you’re doing it wrong.

What you need to know

Even though family gatherings can lead to late nights, make the effort to greet the sun: “Sunrise is a beautiful time,” says property manager Sam James. “When the sun is shining, you can see across the hills.” Claim a daybed by the 14-metre pool and watch nature do its thing.

SEE ALSO: Byron Bay and Beyond: The Best Places to Discover on the NSW North Coast