THE CHARM OF CABARITA

SUMMER LOVIN’

Image: Coastal Visions Photography

THE CHARM OF CABARITA BEACH

WRITTEN BY: KYLIE MICTHELL-SMITH

The picturesque coastal town of Cabarita, nestled between Pottsville to the south and Kingscliff to the north was voted Australia’s best beach in 2019 (10 Best Beaches - Brad Farmer AM, Tourism Australia) and we can understand why.

There’s a certain charm to this quintessential beachside village, with an array of independent shops, funky bars, global eateries, and a unique range of accommodation options to choose from. The crowning glory of Cabarita is the stunning Norries Headland, home to an epic surf break and magnificent cliff top walk that sweeps across the Tweed Coast to the valley and mountains beyond. The beachside village has community at heart and welcomes visitors with open arms and minds.

The bustling high street is made up of a major supermarket and independent shops, including Caba Social, Fuel Bakehouse, Get the Scoop, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, The Burrow, and Mist Gallery to name a few, with the stunning Tulum Home and award-winning restaurant Paper Daisy at Halcyon House bookending the strip. As the sun rises over the coastal town grab a coffee at one of the many cafés and take a stroll along main beach south towards the majestic headland and be immersed in nature as the coastal pathway meanders up the cliff. For the budding surfer out there, the main beach has a clean long wave and for the more experienced paddler join the masses at Little Cove to catch that elusive set. If people watching is more your thing, the headland is the ideal place to reverse park your car and stay awhile. The stairs that take you to the top of Norries Headland are ideal for fitness fanatics to run up and down, with panoramic views and a likely whale spotting from the top, an added bonus. Grab a takeaway lunch to enjoy on the headland with a choice of burgers, Japanese, Thai, baked goods, and health food options. After lunch take a bike ride or leisurely walk north along the beach pathway that joins Cabarita to Casuarina, with plenty to see and do along the way. For those long hot days that turn into balmy ‘summer loving’ nights take a picnic on the point to capture the ocean breezes and stunning views across the Tweed Coast. Lay out a spread of local produce from the surrounding farms and pair with a locally brewed beer or botanical gin. Stay at The Hideaway glamping site for a chic camping option by the sea. Nestled on a parcel of land adjacent to the beach, you’ll feel like you’re camping but with all the deluxe trimmings of a resort stay. Accommodating families, couples, and group bookings, with funky shipping containers upcycled into common areas, cruiser bikes and festoon lighting, it’s the ‘happening’ place to stay. The award-winning Halcyon House is located beachfront in the centre of town and is as decadent as it is retro and relaxed in style. The luxe boutique rooms have been lovingly fitted out by Brisbane designer Anna Spiro, complementing the coastal charm of Cabarita.

The Burrow

The hotel’s restaurant, Paper Daisy, has landmarked the region a destination for food - within a year of opening it was awarded a Hat as Australia’s best regional restaurant. Perfect for a long lunch by the sea or to enjoy a locally infused, botanical cocktail on the deck as night is falling. For luxury apartment stays boasting ocean views, stay at Caba Break or The Beach Cabarita Apartments. Decked out with all the mod cons, the open plan, spacious design is ideal for families, with all the conveniences located close by. Home to one of the most picturesque beaches and best surf breaks in the land, Cabarita has managed to retain its natural charm. A town where time and memories have stood still - reminiscent of a 50’s sun loving past with endless summer days and locals committed to preserving the natural environment and growing organically into the future - creating a deep and beautiful sense of place. Being voted ‘The Best Beach in Australia’ comes with a certain notoriety and popularity, but that’s the thing about Caba’, it beats to its own drum. As the town grows so does the community spirit and commitment to keep Cabarita special. Whether you’re driving along the Tweed Coast Road heading south or cruising the motorway north from Byron Bay, Cabarita is central to all that the Tweed Coast and Valley has to offer. The ideal place to base yourself as you explore the stunning natural assets and food bowl of the Northern Rivers.