Donkeys on My Mind
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 [...]
Time to get into the water-the best natural spots
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. [...]
Birds of Ballina and the Big Scrub
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 [...]
The Magical World of Fireflies
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 [...]
March into Action
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 [...]
Little Known Facts about Ballina
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 [...]
The History of Duck Creek – Alstonville
Alstonville or Duck Creek Mountain? The village of Alstonville was originally known as "Duck Creek Mountain" after Duck Creek, which flows along the southern edge of town and eventually merges with Emigrant Creek and the Richmond River. The name was [...]
Horses, horses, horses!
We love horses but I know not everyone agrees with us. My father used to say 'Why would anyone love an animal that is dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle?!!' Horses at Alstonville Country Cottages We [...]
Camp fires, clear skies and star gazing. Whales and Lanterns. Winter on the Byron Hinterland
What do the colder nights mean to you? Here are a few of the things we love to do on the clear nights at Alstonville in the Byron Hinterland. Stargazing The sky above Alstonville Country Cottages is perfect for [...]
Byron Hinterland Disclosed-unique places to eat and drink
Looking for somewhere different to eat or drink? Top quality restaurants hidden in the hills and villages of the Hinterland? Or perhaps you would prefer to relax and listen to music at a low key pop up event in a local [...]