Housed within a weatherboard cottage, this Mediterranean-inspired eatery is a firm local favourite. Small share plates dominate the menu, alongside specialty cocktails; nibble on locally caught kingfish crudo while you down an ice cold Greek Martini. brunosbellingen.com.au

If you crave a neighbourhood Italian haunt, Charlie’s is a go-to.There’s hearty (and handmade) rustic pastas, moreish desserts (famed tiramisu included), and a lengthy wine list which promises to please everyone. charliesbellingen.com.au

A must-visit for those with a penchant for pastry, Hearthfire is an organic woodfired bakery which proudly uses local ingredients to craft its array of bread-based goods. Loaves of all shapes and sizes line the shelves here, mingling with equally delicious pastries and toasties. Plus, there’s coffee available too. instagram.com/hearthfire_bakery

This multi-award-winning gelato house is well-worth popping by for an afternoon treat. All recipes are developed from scratch using local ingredients and traditional methods, with flavours ranging from the typical (chocolate) to the innovative (gin and lime). bellingengelato.com.au

More refined dining can be found at Fiume. The eatery celebrates local produce with its creative menu, which caters to all of the day’s meals; drop by for a rich rice pudding for breakfast, or come calling that evening for their specialty lemon tiramisu for dessert. fiumebellingen.com.au

A casual space to grab a bite to eat, Za’atar is the ever-popular Middle Eastern kitchen that’s been serving Bello locals since 1968. Today the meals remain authentic and substantial; choose your fighter among plates of kofta, falafel, malawach and more. zaatarbellingen.com.au

Bello is no stranger to an environmental cause – an ethos upheld by the local brewery. Bellingen Brewing Co doesn’t just create craft beers and ferments in a sustainably-minded fashion from local ingredients, but is housed in a largely repurposed venue. Here it churns out wood-fired pizza to accompany your chosen brew. bellobrewery.com.au

Part-homewares boutique, part-cafe, Hyde is one of Bellingen’s most popular coffee haunts. Run by a mother and daughter duo, this curated venue is a space for the community to gather over decent beans, and a small menu of breakfast options. instagram.com/hydebellingen

Every town needs a decent pub, and Bellingen’s offering is The Federal Hotel (or The Fed). This classic country watering hole has been operating since 1901 and continues to boast a regular live music offering to accompany its pub grub. federalhotel.com.au

On the outskirts of town is this elegant addition to Bellingen’s accommodation offerings. The Lodge is settled on 16 acres, complete with resident alpacas, a heated mineral spa, and a restaurant by Three Blue Ducks. Choose from 30 room options; 27 hotel rooms, 2 luxury glampers, and a 2 bedroom retreat. thelodgebellingen.com.au

A cluster of falls call the Coffs Hinterland home, the closest to Bellingen being Dangar Falls along Waterfall Way. Catch a glimpse of the 30-metre cascade from the viewing platform up top, or take the walking track below for a dip in its pools.

Just as famous as Bellingen’s thriving arts scene is the town’s neighbouring natural delights. The Promised Lands are a cluster of swimming holes along Never Never Creek that lure people near and far for a swim in its crystal-clear waters, hemmed by thick foliage.