Bello. A place that many people don’t even know exists in Australia… an untouched small town that doesn’t even show up on Pinterest inspiration boards and Instagram luxury travel accounts, and for that make’s it a place all the more worthy in my eyes.
But you, dear reader, are looking to do some more exploring and I love providing you with my favorite travel destinations and tips. Although I am writing this piece of my travel map in this region to share why I love this place so much, it’s beauty lies with its untouristy quirks keeping strong to its local roots. For that, I please ask anyone who does make their way to this special town to treat the land with respect (as where anywhere you should go!) but to also keep this place sacred as it is, maybe not screaming at the top of your lungs on social media – let’s make it our little secret.
So, where do you begin?
Local Food Finds: Market Stalls, Bello Box, and Gut Instinct Bucha!!
Whenever I travel to a new place, it is so important to support and eat local. One it’s fresh with the reduction of food miles + you’re getting a truly local experience. Like for example why would you go to New York for example and eat Mcdonalds when you could have a New-york style cheesecake?!? Same thing when it comes to produce peoples! Why would you eat something you could get anywhere compared to food that is plucked out the grounds near you!!
For food picks, head to the local Markets…
Growers Market every 2nd – 4th Saturday and the Big Bellingen Market every 3rd Saturday. Hit the stalls for some farm-fresh vegetables and fruits and unique artisan products from upcycled clothing to black garlic (yep and whoaa!!) to handmade everything! Here you can also find some locally brewed Kombucha from Gut Instinct and on tap at Kombu. Kombucha is kinda my thing right now which giving my gut and taste buds some love. There’s heaps of information out there to learn more about comparing the brands you drink of Kombucha which as consumers should be aware of with sugar labeling for example. Gut Instinct is a gold standard.
Try out Bello Box if you’re on a time crunch or you’re staying in Bellingen for a while. Suitable for both locals and travelers in the region wanting bulk weekly order of farm-fresh produce delivered to your doorsteps. The produce I received from Bello Box was so organically beautiful I almost didn’t want to eat them all – still, of course, couldn’t help myself. From Ombre colored mandarins and tomatoes, lot’s of greens, bags of mushrooms! All fresh produce created on the local farms nearby and I loved how excited I’d get with every delivery to see what I’d get in the box like a surprise then plan out what I’d cook with the local veggies. Happy days eating and supporting local.
If you’re in Bellingen, you should definitely stay for a couple of days as not only is there heaps to do in town, but also the surrounding areas worth a visit as well. Below I put together a mini guide in this travel guide on Day Trips you can do from Bellingen.
Day Trips to…
Dorrigo – an insanely beautiful drive, for waterfalls, hikes and trails + more
Urunga – for the beach, the fish and chips in town, and the boardwalk
Never Never Creek – for the freezing crystal clear water, and jam sessions in nature
Coffs Harbour – the biggest town for everything nearby
My visit: Arriving at the salon I was whisked into my chair, where the very lovely Outpost team got me ready with the full Avenda experience starting with a beautiful head massage – getting down to relaxation business! Putting me instantly at ease with their naturally stylish salon and compassionate nature of their staff. I got to experience everything Avenda with the loving products used to nourish and treat my damaged hair while getting pampered from my hands to scalp.
Lastly, I got to add in a couple of feathers into my styled hair at the end to leave with some wavy beach curls which I totally felt like princess Pocahontas!
I had a rejuvenating experience at Outpost Hairsalon and I can definitely recommend this salon to anyone wanting to walk away with a little bit of Bellingen from their hair and many good hair days ahead of them!
Activities and Fun things to do…
Stop by at Hyde Coffee Shop for some coffee and an awesome co-working space. Gelato in town, try the Ricotta and Rosella Jam, I’m still drooling. The Dead Flower society every Wednesday night at the Bellingen Brewery for wine or beer and dead flower drawings!
There are lots to do, see, and experience in this beautiful town Bellingen which I do hope that many of you get to visit one day. If you are interested in some artwork from Bellingen, check out my boyfriend’s mum’s Instagram page which she does beautiful lino printing and art pieces in Bellingen (she also sells them too!)
Much love from Bello until next time x
