Introducing our donkeys We think donkeys are wonderful creatures with their very long ears, tiny feet and big sad eyes. We now have five at the cottages! They are all Jerusalem donkeys with a black cross over their shoulders. There [...]
Alstonville is situated in the Far North Coast of NSW and has an interesting history. Many of the buildings date back from 1900s and are still being used for their original purpose. Come and visit and see for yourself. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstonville,_New_South_Wales [...]
With the cooler weather, its the perfect time to get out and explore. The Ballina Coast and Hinterland has a multitude of hidden paths and rural roads to cycle. Throw the bikes on the car or jump on your motorbike [...]
New Arrival We had a wonderful present last Sunday. Freda our pregnant donkey gave birth to her second son, Freddy. He was born about 5am and soon was tottering around on his too long, gangly legs and suckling at his [...]
As the weather heats up its time to get into the water. Here on the North Coast we have some amazing beaches from Wategos at Byron to Seven Mile Beach at Lennox to Shelley Beach and Lighthouse Beach at Ballina. [...]
With Spring in the air and Summer around the corner, the birds are out and about and we have seen some unique sightings both in Ballina and in the rainforests of the Big Scrub remnants in Alstonville. https://www.bigscrubrainforest.org/ Ballina Birds [...]
Have you ever seen a Firefly? Now is the time to see Fireflies as they emerge from the dark, damp depths of the rainforest looking for a mate. Have you ever seen the twinkling, mesmerising little glow that flickers around [...]
Where to in 2020? Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The weather cools and the rain is falling. We feel energised to go out and explore. Australia has had a torrid few months but is starting to recover. The [...]
Did you know that Ballina is on an Island? Ballina is situated in the Northern Rivers, just one hour from the Gold Coast or two hours from Brisbane. As Byron Bay becomes too busy for some people, the delights of [...]
When you think of Summer on the North Coast what do you think of ? At Alstonville Country Cottages we think of beaches, swimming and leisurely picnics eating fresh seafood. Or watching the sunset over the river with a plate [...]