The Northern Rivers region of NSW is known for its incredible coastline where beautiful blue waters meet lush green rainforests, as well as its thriving drinking and dining scene. What’s less known about this vibrant region is that it is full of fantastic activities for kids. Here are our five favourites when we’re visiting with the kids.
1. SUMMERLAND FARM: ALSTONVILLE
Set in the heart of the beautiful Northern Rivers Hinterland, this working macadamia and avocado farm is full of activities for kids of all ages that are both educational and enjoyable. You can get up close and personal with a range of farm animals including mini donkeys, mini goats, rabbits and guinea pigs or have the time of your life running around in the adventure playground and water park. The team here also run programs during school holidays which are as enjoyable as they are educational, ranging from farming to floristry to cooking. Be sure to look up what’s on before you visit.
Location: 253 Wardell Rd, Alstonville NSW
2. LET’S GO SURFING: BYRON BAY
Our kids always loved the idea of surfing but given we’re not surfers ourselves we needed to find someone else to teach them. When it came to exploring surf schools we found a lack of kid-friendly options with most children instead just getting lumped into a general beginners class. Thankfully, we found Let’s Go Surfing who offer a variety of kid specific classes as well as participate in the fantastic SurfGrom program backed by Woolworths and Rip Curl which includes extended kid specific courses as well as holiday programs. Not only will kids learn the basics of surfing, they’ll also be well educated on ocean safety, great life skills to have particularly when you like to holiday by the coast.
Location: 5/11 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW
3. KAYAK & STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING: CUDGEN CREEK
The crystal blue waters of Cudgen Creek are the perfect place for those who are keen to get into the water but not so keen on the waves that often come with it in this region. This protected area has the added bonus of a sandbank emerging in the middle of the creek during low tide, making it a great spot for kayaking and SUPing with kids with an additional spot to stop and shallow waters for when you get tired. If you haven’t brought gear of your own, the team at WaterSports Guru will be able to help you out thanks to their wide range of equipment for hire.
Location: Kingscliff Bridge, Sutherland St, Kingscliff NSW
4. THE FARM: EWINGSDALE
This working farm is a fantastic place to explore, with an emphasis on helping people to learn about where their food actually comes from. You can explore at your own pace, but we highly recommend joining one of the guided tours. Our kids loved the feeding time tour which sets off at 10:30am daily and will give you the chance to feed some of the pigs and sheep that live here. As a bonus for parents, this incredible property is also home to the Three Blue Ducks, one of the region's most popular Cafe/Restaurants with a focus on local produce.
Location: 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW
