Off I go to discover a quiet township snuggled within hinterland behind the far North Coast of NSW. My journey begins in Sydney, 778km south of where I am heading: Bangalow. Situated 12km west of Byron Bay and 168km south of Brisbane this organically evolving village has a heritage feel about it, white picket fences and delightfully restored homes dotting each street.
By the authority of available records, Bangalow was settled by cedar cutters in the 1840s. Little development occurred until 1869 when the whole district was subdivided. The earliest settlers in the district were Thomas Skelton who agitated for a school to be built – and it was – in 1884, and Thomas Robinson who purchased land near the present town site in 1881.
By 1886 there was a butcher’s shop at Byron Bay and most of the early development of the district can be chartered by the arrival of services. A Post Office was opened in 1891 and a store appeared around the same time to serve travelling folk. In 1894 the railway arrived and the local station was called ‘Bangaloe’. The modern spelling of Bangalow came into existence around 1907 when the school was renamed.
Bangalow truly is a country gem: a picturesque, largely nineteenth-century streetscape of tall verandahed buildings, shady trees and quiet parks. My taste buds did a celebratory dance when I fed them the locally-grown gourmet delights produced in the surrounding region. Initial impressions are very encouraging…
By afternoon the call of the sea sets my compass east – to Byron Bay. Or is it the lure of freshly prepared gelato? Either way, I win: it is mango/guava deluxe which satiates my thirst…
One final meander to the beach, seagulls hungry and restless as the last of the revellers pack up for home…
And I, too, gather myself for home. My journey ends where it begins, Bangalow. Picturesque countryside, rolling hills and patchwork of fruit trees, macadamia orchards and coffee plantations. Senses sated; bottom pleased to have known the convenience of posturing on a rocking chair under shady verandahs, I now make my way south.
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