Visit Northern NSW
Visit Northern NSW this December – soak up the summer atmosphere and share in the Christmas spirit and New Year cheer.
From Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads is one of Australia's most beautiful regions and picture perfect at this time of year. Idyllic climate, uncrowded beaches for swimming and surfing, lakes and rivers for sailing and fishing, national parks and state forests for bush walks and camping and lush rainforest wildernesses – this is the alternative lifestyle region of Australia. For the holidaymaker there is everything from luxury resorts to relaxing houseboats and secluded campgrounds. With the Christmas holidays beckoning, check out some of the great accommodation deals and escape to Northern NSW – there's lots to see and do and some special events to celebrate the festive season.
Summer Racing Fun
Race-goers – for some holiday punting and partying make sure you pack your hat and check out some of the North Coast's special race meetings
- Chamber of Commerce Twilight Race Meeting – Coffs Harbour, 8 December 2006
- Pink Silks Ladies Day (Breast Cancer Fundraiser) – Coffs Harbour, 14 December 2006
- Marlow Timbers Race Day – Coffs Harbour, 29 December 2006
- Boxing Day Races – Ballina, 26 December 2006
Shop ‘til you drop
Everyone knows that markets are the best places for picking up unique Christmas gifts, fresh produce and fantastic gourmet foods. Whenever or wherever you are in Northern NSW this month, there's a market to explore. On the first Sunday of the month the Byron Market is an experience not to be missed – the epitome of life in Byron with fantastic food, original craft and endless entertainment from buskers and performers. Byron Farmers Market is held every Thursday morning, showcasing the array of local produce which includes sugar cane juice, macadamia nuts, olives, honey, organically grown beef, pork and poultry products and fresh seafood. And there’s more... check out these venues:
- Alstonville
Second Sunday of the month – art and craft and the area’s best fresh homegrown produce.
- Lennox Head
Second and fifth Sundays – art and craft, plants, produce and a wide variety of food. Held on the bank of Lake Ainsworth it’s a great day out for the kids with jumping castle, clowns, swimming and feeding the ducks.
- Nimbin
Held on the third and fifth Sundays, with exotic imports, local art and craft, second hand items, food and produce. Listen to the live music and relax with a massage or therapy by skilled practitioners.
- Bangalow
Fourth Sunday of the month – music, live entertainment, stilt-walkers, exotic food and a wide variety of stalls all set in the shade of beautiful camphor laurel trees at the Bangalow Showground.
Have a very merry Christmas…
Its just not Christmas without some community carol singing. Take a picnic and a rug and join the locals in this traditional Christmas activity at the following parks this month:
- Coffs Harbour
Park Beach Reserve, 6.30pm 16 December 2006.
- Nana Glen
Showgrounds, 6.30pm 23 December 2006. Both of these events include carols and music and a visit from Santa and Big Dog.
- Ballina Kingsford Smith Park, 7.30pm 10 December 2006. Entertainment and fireworks.
- Lennox Head
Surf Club, 7.30pm 10 December 2006. Carols, dance performances and spectacular fireworks.
- Byron Bay
Tintenbar Oval, 6.00pm, 6 December 2006
Treat yourself to a special program of charming Christmas music by the talented husband and wife 'Lipman Harp Duo' when they return to Murwillumbah for a concert at the Tweed Art Gallery at 7pm on Saturday 02 December 2006. The performance will be repeated at the Tweed Heads Cultural and Civic Centre on Sunday 10 December 2006 at 2pm. The international act, unique to Australia, combines the angelic sounds of two harps while presenting other rare and beautiful instruments in a program of classical compositions and favourite Christmas carols.
Come to Bangalow for the annual Christmas Eve Carnival. Join in all the fun of this fantastic street festival – a resplendent celebration of lights and good cheer for all the community and visitors to enjoy.
...and a happy New Year
- Ballina
Head to the beach and the Beach Bum Campground for a New Year's Party under the stars. Located next to Kingsford Smith Oval at the mouth of the Richmond River this is definitely the coolest place to be on New Year's Eve. Cocktail Bar, Outdoor Cinema, live performances and the right spot to catch all the action at Beats on the Beach on New Year's Day. Don’t miss this inaugural rock festival featuring over 20 top bands from Australia, UK and USA performing on two stages. Visit www.beatsonthebeach.com.au
- Byron Bay
See out the old year at this family oriented alcohol-free New Year's Eve community celebration. Themed "Peace and Environment", the December 31 party includes children's rides and jumping castles, street stalls, a community parade and a variety of music including rock, reggae and Polynesian.
- Alstonville
Celebrate New Year's Eve at this community event held at the Showgrounds. Food, entertainment and fireworks.
- Coffs Harbour
Held at Scotts Head Reserve between 4pm and 10pm, this early welcome to 2007 will feature carnival rides, live music, jumping castle, glo-rope stall and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Skydivers will jump from the sky at 9pm followed by fireworks of Elephant Head. This is an alcohol-free event.
Jasons Queensland & Northern NSW Accommodation Guide - order your free guide now.