Holiday houses in Alstonville

Located in the Northern Rivers region north of Sydney, Alstonville is a small country town in New South Wales. It’s most famous for the large tibouchina trees which line the streets and burst to life with purple and mauve flowers every autumn. The surrounding region is rich in red volcanic soil, which is perfect ground for producing avocados, tropical fruits, coffee, and one of Australia’s most famous exports, macadamia nuts.

Alstonville’s location offers visitors the best of both the coast and the hinterland region, as it's just a 15-minute drive to the nearest beach and only half an hour from the famous Byron Bay. The town is a great base for exploring the nearby nature reserves and wider Northern Rivers, but there’s plenty to see in the town centre as it’s full of historic buildings, several art and antique galleries, and small shops and cafes.

Summer in Alstonville brings long hot days perfect for enjoying the beaches, but it can get sweltering and humid, so plan for some breaks out of the direct sun. Spring and autumn days are filled with warm sunshine and the mild nights that draw nature lovers hoping to explore the reserves, making these popular seasons for booking a range of Alstonville accommodation.

In October, the nearby Ballina Food and Wine Festival features amazing local produce like avocados, as well as live music and activities. Autumn is an exceptional time to visit as the town's famous tibouchina trees bloom, making the town feel especially magical. Winter can get a bit chilly, but it’s a relaxing time in Alstonville, and you may even catch a glimpse of the migratory eastern yellow robin.

Victoria Park Nature Reserve

Start at the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk located in Victoria Park Nature Reserve and begin your journey into one of Australia’s lush subtropical rainforests. Walk among the giant Morton Bay fig trees, towering black bean trees, and the remains of the original Big Scrub that once covered the entire Northern Rivers region. The rainforest is filled with wildlife to spot, including red-legged pademelons, and birds like the colourful wompoo fruit dove and pitta. Although camping is not permitted in the park, there is a picnic area where you can stop and relax for a spot of lunch.

Lake Ainsworth

Take the 20-minute drive to the beautiful Lake Ainsworth, a freshwater lagoon in Lennox Head. Tea tree tannins from the trees above seep their way into the water here, causing discolouration in the lake. The tea tree is also said to give the water rejuvenating properties for the skin and hair, but regardless, this is a truly tranquil spot to enjoy a swim, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. There are also barbecue and picnic facilities available.

The Alstonville Heritage Trail

Download a copy of Alstonville's Heritage Trail online and guide yourself through 17 stops to take in a series of historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The trail takes you to Crawford House Museum, the Courthouse, the Old Butter Factory, the Paddy Bugden Memorial, Lumley and Elizabeth Brown Parks, and a former Anglican Church built in 1897. This is a great way to get a lay of the land and learn about the town’s rich history.