New Year Escapes in the Northern Rivers: The Best Places to Stay, Sip & Celebrate
There’s no better place to welcome the New Year than in the Northern Rivers. With golden beaches, rolling hinterland, and a thriving craft drink scene, this region is made for celebration. Whether you’re after a coastal getaway with friends, a relaxing hinterland retreat, or a weekend full of good food and great drinks, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
At Behind the Barrel, we love showing visitors and locals alike the best of our region — from boutique breweries and gin distilleries to hidden gems off the tourist track. So, if you’re planning your New Year holiday in the Northern Rivers, here’s where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your time in this stunning part of Australia.
🌴 Lennox Head: Laid-Back Vibes and Ocean Views
If you’re after coastal charm with a relaxed surf-town feel, Lennox Head is hard to beat. It’s less crowded than Byron Bay but still close enough to dip into the nightlife and shopping scene when you want to.
Enjoy morning swims at Lake Ainsworth, long beach walks, and fresh seafood at local favourites like Shelter Lennox or Quattro.
And when it’s time for a toast to the New Year, join one of our brewery or distillery tours. We pick up from Lennox Head, making it the perfect base for your Northern Rivers adventure.
👉 Related link: Byron Bay Brewery Tours
🍺 Ballina: Gateway to the Northern Rivers
Just south of Byron, Ballina is an excellent hub for exploring the region. With an airport, great accommodation options, and a strong local beer scene, it’s ideal for those who want convenience without sacrificing atmosphere.
Kick off the new year with a visit to Seven Mile Brewing Co., one of the standout local breweries we visit on our tours. Ballina also offers beautiful riverfront dining, coastal walks, and easy access to beaches like Shelly and Lighthouse Beach.
👉 Related link: Book a Ballina Brewery Tour
🥂 Kingscliff: Chic Coastal Escapes & Relaxed Luxury
Heading north, Kingscliff combines beachside bliss with boutique resort living. It’s a fantastic spot for couples or groups looking to relax in style while still being close to the action.
Stay at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa or Mantra on Salt Beach for a luxurious start to the new year, then explore nearby bars and restaurants or book a Behind the Barrel brewery tour to discover the craft drinks scene just inland.
🌿 Bangalow: Hinterland Charm & Country Chic
If you’d rather escape the coast crowds, Bangalow offers a peaceful alternative with a touch of sophistication. Its main street is full of boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet cafés — perfect for a slow morning after a night of New Year celebrations.
Nearby, you’ll find Common People Brewing Co., a local favourite and a regular stop on our brewery and distillery tours. Pair it with a scenic drive through the hinterland or a visit to Newrybar and Harvest Restaurant, and you’ve got yourself a perfect weekend itinerary.
👉 Related link: Private Group Tours
🌊 Cabarita Beach: Surf, Serenity & Sunset Beers
If you’re looking for a quiet yet breathtaking coastal escape. Cabarita Beach (or “Caba” to the locals) ticks all the boxes. The town has a relaxed surf culture, stunning headland views, and incredible local dining at places like Paper Daisy in the boutique Halcyon House.
It’s also within easy reach of Northern Rivers breweries and distilleries — making it an excellent base for those wanting to explore the region with Behind the Barrel. After a day of tastings, there’s nothing like watching the sunset from Norries Head with a takeaway beer from one of our favourite local brewers.
🎉 Why Choose a Brewery or Distillery Tour This New Year?
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a group of friends, or family, our tours are the perfect way to add a little extra sparkle to your New Year getaway. You’ll get to:
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Visit 3–4 of the best local breweries and distilleries
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Enjoy tastings of craft beers, gins, and spirits
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Learn about local brewing and distilling processes
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Travel in comfort with door-to-door transport
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Customise your itinerary for private groups
And the best part? You don’t have to worry about driving — we’ll pick you up from Byron Bay, Ballina, Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Cabarita, or Bangalow.
👉 Plan your trip: View Our Tour Packages
👉 Gifting for the holidays? Grab a Behind the Barrel Gift Card
🌅 Ring in the New Year, Northern Rivers Style
From coastal towns like Kingscliff and Cabarita to hinterland gems like Bangalow, the Northern Rivers is full of places to celebrate the season in style. Add a Behind the Barrel brewery and distillery tour to your itinerary for the ultimate blend of adventure, flavour, and fun.
Start your year off right — with good friends, great drinks, and a taste of what makes the Northern Rivers so unforgettable.