Just a 20 minute drive from Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina, the charming hinterland town of Alstonville is a perfect escape from the coast. Known for its rich red soil, rolling plateau and welcoming community, it blends country hospitality with fresh food, leafy parks and a relaxed small town feel. Whether you are looking for a coffee stop, a nature walk or a laid back pub meal, Alstonville is well worth the visit during your stay in Ballina.
Here is our guide to some of the best things to do in and around Alstonville.
Buckley’s Chance
Located in Alstonville’s heritage Post Office building, established in 1909, Buckley’s Chance is an artisan café and restaurant that blends modern Australiana style with the flavours of the Northern Rivers. The menu highlights local produce and native ingredients, offering seasonal breakfasts, lunches, pastries and bakery treats.
The drinks list is equally well curated, with Allpress coffee, Jilly wines and Yulli’s beers all on offer. You can settle into the historic dining room or take a seat on the large sunlit deck, which is proudly pet friendly. Warm, welcoming and distinctly local, Buckley’s is a must for anyone exploring the Alstonville plateau.
buckleyschance.com
instagram @buckleyschance
facebook @BuckleysChance
Home Alstonville
Housed in a lovingly restored century-old shopfront on Alstonville’s main street, Home Alstonville is part café, part food store and part treasure trove. Created by chef and cookbook author Cherie Bevan, it’s a nostalgic nod to old-fashioned hospitality with a modern Northern Rivers twist.
Step inside and you will find shelves lined with homemade jams, chutneys and pickles, alongside fresh flowers, artisan gifts and a cabinet filled with cakes and pastries. The menu leans into comfort favourites, from cheese and spinach scones to retro-inspired treats like raspberry and cream doughnuts. Local collaborations add even more charm, with fellow baker Anna Hogbin supplying vintage-style cupcakes that look almost too good to eat.
The space itself is filled with antique furniture and quirky curios, a reflection of Cherie’s love of flea markets and vintage finds. The soundtrack of 1950s tunes, the menu of milkshakes and creaming sodas, and even the lolly bags on the counter add to the sense of stepping back into a simpler time.
Open since early 2024, Home has quickly become a community hub, with locals dropping in daily for coffee, cake and conversation. It’s a place where visitors are welcomed like old friends, and where the motto “Faith, Hope and Cake” feels like more than just a sign on the wall. Whether you are picking up provisions, lingering over a sweet treat or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Home Alstonville lives up to its name.
homealstonville.com
instagram @homealstonville
The Federal Hotel
Affectionately known as The Feddy, The Federal Hotel has been at the heart of Alstonville life for more than 100 years. More than just a favourite watering hole, it is a true local institution where the community comes together and visitors are always welcomed.
The hotel has seen many refurbishments over the years, yet its federation charm remains, balanced with all the features of a modern country pub. Inside, you will find a friendly, social atmosphere, an all-weather dining area and a shady beer garden that is perfect for families. Live entertainment runs on Friday nights and throughout summer you can often catch Sunday afternoon sessions too.
The bistro has a reputation for serving some of the best contemporary pub food in the region, with a menu covering everything from classic schnitzels and burgers to seasonal specials. Whether you are after a casual drink, a family meal or a lively night out, The Feddy is a welcoming stop on any visit to Alstonville.
thefedhotel.com.au
instagram @feddy_alstonville
facebook @federalhotelalstonville
Summerland Farm
Set high in the Ballina–Byron hinterland, Summerland Farm is a picturesque macadamia and avocado farm that offers one of the region’s most family friendly day trips. This award winning attraction combines wide open country views with hands-on experiences that bring visitors closer to the land.
You can meet the resident farm animals, wander the orchards, or simply relax on the lawns with a picnic. Guided tours are also available, offering an interactive look at the farm’s produce, practices and history. For a truly memorable outing, keep an eye out for special events like long table lunches set among the orchards.
Beyond the farm itself, there is a restaurant showcasing fresh regional produce, a plant nursery and a retail space stocked with local gifts and gourmet treats. Whether you are travelling with kids, enjoying a quiet day in the countryside or looking for a unique shopping experience, Summerland Farm has something for everyone.
summerlandfarm.com.au
instagram @summerland_farm
facebook @Summerlandfarm2477
Victoria Park Nature Reserve
For a peaceful walk among giant trees, head to Victoria Park Nature Reserve, just 10 minutes from Alstonville. This small but significant patch of Big Scrub rainforest is one of the last remaining remnants of what was once the largest subtropical rainforest in Australia. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk makes it easy for everyone to experience the towering strangler figs, birdlife and lush canopy. It is a serene contrast to the busy coast and a reminder of the region’s incredible natural heritage.
Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park
Adventure seekers can test their skills at Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park, developed by the Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels club. Set among beautiful bushland, the park features a mix of flow trails, jumps and technical lines suited to different skill levels. It is a fun and energetic way to experience the Alstonville plateau and its hinterland terrain. Bring your bike, helmet and a spirit of adventure, this one is for those who like their day trips with a little adrenaline.
nrdw.com.au/duck-creek
instagram @NorthernRiversDirtyWheels
facebook @NthRiversDirtyWheels
Alstonville Community Market
Held on the second Sunday of each month at the Alstonville Showground, the Alstonville Community Market is a vibrant showcase of local produce, handmade goods, plants and unique crafts. With live music, hot food stalls and a friendly village atmosphere, it is a great way to connect with the local community and pick up something special to take home. If your stay in Ballina falls on a market weekend, it is well worth the short drive.
alstonvillewollongbar.com.au/alstonville-community-markets
facebook @alstonvillewollongbar
Discover Alstonville from Ramada Ballina
From its welcoming cafés and classic pub to farm experiences, rainforest walks and monthly markets, Alstonville offers a taste of hinterland life that is full of charm and variety. Staying at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina puts you within easy reach, just a short drive from the riverside to the plateau. Whether you are chasing good food, local culture or a peaceful day in nature, Alstonville is a destination worth adding to your Northern Rivers itinerary.
