‘I visited the tiny town 15-minutes from Byron that’s perfect for a weekend getaway without the crowds.’

It is a testament to Byron's particular brand of coastal allure that, even after braving the snaking line of unmoving traffic heading into town on a Saturday or Sunday, it remains such a popular choice for interstate weekenders. 

Watch: And while you're sitting in that traffic, ask yourself: how do you pack for a weekend away? Post continues below.

And look, even with the crowds, the lines and the insane parking on Jonson Street when the Railway Markets are on, Byron is still one of the most magical spots on earth. 

But a lot of the holiday hotspot's appeal also lies in the surrounding hinterland, an area typically explored as a day trip by people basing themselves by the sea for their break. 

But what if you flipped the script and stayed nestled in the rolling green hills for the weekend, venturing into town for a day at the beach and then retreating once more into the bush?

A number of luxe lodgings in nearby Bangalow, just 13 kilometres inland, have put the village on the map as the ideal hideaway from which to explore the region.

Image: supplied.

There's the ultra-luxe Hinterland House, a private residence designed for a choose-your-own adventure getaway, with everything from a driver to a private chef just a phone call away. 

There is also 99 Acres, a cluster of villas and a guesthouse set on a ridgeline, offering 360-degree views of surrounding patchwork paddocks and bush.

Amaroo, the bucolic retreat sprawled across 213 acres of working cattle farm and regenerated rainforest, is the newest kid on the block when it comes to the Byron Hinterland's ever-growing eco-lodge category, with sleek, modern cabins and a communal farmhouse kitchen designed for big group getaways.

Image: supplied.

"We created it with big family gatherings in mind," explained owners Cathy in Mike, who have successfully hosted their children and grandchildren (and fur-babies too — the property is fully fenced and pet-friendly) for a number of successful events. 

But here's the kicker: even if you only book one of the cabins for the weekend, you'll get exclusive use of the entire property. Meaning everything from the pool, the freshly-laid eggs and the in-ground fire pit is yours to enjoy in utter privacy. 

Image: supplied.

"We just thought, 'We wouldn't like to share the space with strangers, so neither will our guests'," Cathy explained simply. 

And it's not just the accommodation options upping the ante in the hinterland. For years now, an embarrassment of riches when it comes to local produce has been championed in a growing number of truly excellent restaurants. 

Take Ciao Mate!, a vibey Italian eatery that serves up anchovy toast alluring enough to convince Byron's influencer set to hit the road out of town on a Friday night. Order the wagyu meatballs, sure, but for the love of God, save some room for tiramisu, or you'll regret it for the rest of your trip. A couple of doors down on Bangalow's main street, Ciao Mate's chef Matt Stone also runs You Beauty, a timber-clad, '90s Australiana fever dream doing fun, artfully executed tapas. The glistening, crunchy croc toast (the bar's take on your favourite Chinese restaurant's appetisers, using crocodile tail) will take you straight to your nostalgic happy place.

H

Eleven minutes down the road in Nashua, Frida's Field offers a uniquely Northern Rivers approach to food. Set on a working regenerative eco-farm and offering three long-table, farmhouse-style lunches per week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) the philosophy behind the food focuses on slowing down, eating sustainably, and immersing yourself in nature. With a focus on foraged foods, indigenous ingredients and meat that's been woodfired over ironbark, a meal at Frida's Field is an invitation to soak up the quiet majesty of some of Australia's prettiest countryside.

Image: supplied.

For excellent live music, The Eltham Hotel, less than a 20-minute drive from Bangalow, is that rare type of country pub that transcends demographic, pulling a varied crowd every night of the week. Here you'll find everyone — macadamia farmers knocking the top off a couple, local bands of retirees playing Irish ditties for free beer, bougie bohemian types who've just returned from six months in Bali, and trendy out-of-towners who are in on the secret. 

The fourth Sunday of each month brings the Bangalow Markets to town, with fresh produce, artisan goodies and vibrant local fashion lining the historic Showgrounds. Come hungry — there are few pleasures more indulgent than lounging in the dappled morning light with a still-warm organic doughnut in one hand and a flat white in the other. 

If you're craving Byron without the chaos, Bangalow is the move — a place where long lunches roll into golden hour, and the traffic (while definitely not as non-existent as it once was) doesn't need to add an extra hour to your plans. Instead of chasing the weekend getaway you think you should be having, a stay in Bangalow might just let the weekend come to you.

Looking for more weekend escape inspo? Here are three more getaways that prove you don't need a passport to reset:

• 'This country town only 2 hours from Sydney should be your next weekend away.'

• The easiest weekend escape from Sydney? This little wine region just over three hours away.

• 'I've just discovered this hidden beach gem less than three hours drive from Sydney.'

Feature: Supplied.