Byron Bay has lost none of its lustre. Of course, it’s changed over the years, distancing itself from its ‘alternative lifestyle’ reputation by way of a growing number of boutique hotels and burgeoning eateries on the luxe end of the scale. But Byron’s earthy appeal has been preserved, continuing to attract a steady stream of visitors. If anything, its borders seem to be expanding. The alluring beachside escape is not only flourishing, its surrounding townships are also enjoying recognition. A breadth of eateries and boutiques, and bays in which to swim, now stretch to the southern tips of the neighbouring Gold Coast.

The sleepy surf towns have been transformed thanks to an influx of passers-by en route to Byron. Luxury coastal chic hotel Halcyon House put Cabarita on the map, while intimate and much-lauded restaurant Fleet proved that Brunswick Heads has far more than decent swells. There is no denying Northern New South Wales has emerged from the shadow of its star offspring, Byron Bay.

Of course a trip to Northern New South Wales is incomplete without a stop at the universally adored coastal town. The past few years have seen the district blossom, particularly in the food space, with the producer population growing. Recently, the most widely recognised is the revered gin from Cape Byron Distillery. The cafe scene is also expanding: The Farm, set on an impressive 80 acres, includes Three Blue Ducks restaurant, joining existing and much loved cafe stops Bayleaf and Top Shop. Topshop proves so popular on mornings that regulars spill out across its lawns, tucking in to hefty bacon and egg rolls, washed down with coffee and smoothies. Beach Hotel is another must-stop; regardless of the day of the week, the popular pub’s beer garden overflows with locals and visitors alike, from noon well into the early hours.

Habitat is the latest development to make waves in town. Nestled in the former industrial estate, the multi-purpose community space caters to Byron’s extending population, offering commercial loft housing for start-ups and small businesses. There’s also a particular wellness focus within the vicinity through the introduction of infrared sauna specialists Nimbus & Co, as well as the resettlement of cult smoothie nook Bare Blends. Within the arena also sits Barrio, an Argentinean inspired restaurant courtesy of the team behind Harvest and much-loved local chef Francisco Smoje, who has garnered quite the reputation in the area through his roving dinner events.

Perfect for families, Elements of Byron boasts sprawling self-contained accommodation and a large family friendly pool. There’s also a newly opened adults-only pool with bar, and a Mexican food truck serving up myriad snacks and other delights guaranteed to keep everyone happy.

While once it was surf that attracted visitors to Brunswick Heads, it’s now fast becoming a destination for the food-focused. This is by and large thanks to the introduction of Fleet, the 22-seat restaurant from couple Astrid McCormack and Josh Lewis. The limited opening hours of the fine-dining venue have done nothing to dampen its appeal; in fact the eatery continues to be fully booked thanks to chef Lewis’ celebration of local produce. The duo’s recent purchase of the local Mexican restaurant will no doubt also result in a hit when it opens in October this year. A tipple following dinner is best enjoyed at Hotel Brunswick. The local institution has been pouring pints since the late 1800s and is famed for both its brickwork and award-winning beer garden, as well as an expansive drinking den out back, shaded by a grove of giant poincianas.

Brunswick also hosts plenty of appeal for the burgeoning brunch crowd, with coastal cafes in abundance. Milk Bar and Footbridge are two of the stand-outs, home to quality coffee and the kind of elaborate breakfasts expected in any major metropolis.

Farms and acreage plots pave the way to nearby Newrybar, a stretch of land settled around a main strip of no less than 10 eateries and boutiques. The village blossomed under the addition of Harvest, an eatery passionate about using local and native ingredients, partnered with a wine list as strong as its mains. Housed within an historic Queenslander, Harvest also delights visitors with its evergrowing kitchen garden (where diners are welcome to wander), and an accompanying deli and bakery that is a must-visit for pastry come weekends.

Across the road you’ll find a revamped 1890s cottage that is now home to Newrybar Merchants. The boutique is a haven of unique wares sold by independent traders and artisans. From handmade soap to vintage Moroccan wedding rugs, products are carefully curated and will please the most discerning tastes. The store works with the likes of renowned stylists Sibella Court and Shannon Fricke, and purveyors of exotic Berber rugs Tigmi Traders.

Midway along the Tweed Coast you’ll come across Cabarita, a surf town that made its way onto the map thanks to Halcyon House, a boutique hotel that has quickly gained fame for its relaxed yet luxuriously styled interiors and prime location – smack bang on the front of Cabarita Beach. Its statement tropical interiors, courtesy of Brisbane design star Anna Spiro, and lauded restaurant Paper Daisy, which is headed by Noma alumni Ben Devlin, add to the hotel’s upscale character. “My sister Siobhan and I have been holidaying in Cabarita Beach for years. We loved the pristine beaches, rolling hinterlands, emerging food scene and relaxed lifestyle; it really is a little pocket of paradise and we could see so much potential in the region,” says Halcyon House owner Elisha Bickle. “In 2011 we bought a run-down motel and transformed it into the award winning hotel it is today. Since then we’ve seen a renewed interest in the region, which has cultivated a burgeoning culinary reputation.” Despite the addition of the vogue new establishment with freshly opened spa, Cabarita remains a relatively quiet spot.

Long a bridesmaid, never a bride, Bangalow has finally emerged from Byron Bay’s shadow to reveal itself well worth the 10-minute drive from town central. A collection of boutiques, housed in a mixture of traditional workers’ cottages and renovated Queenslanders, line the main street in the hinterland village. Bangalow has become a haven for the interiors addict who can easily find their fix at Island Luxe, a parlour of clothing, homewares and accessories centred around a coastal neutral palette. Bangalow is also host to the first bricks-and-mortar stop for Worn Store, a sustainably focused homewares brand that also stocks a curated collection of home and wardrobe items made from natural fabrics and materials.

Feeling parched after all that shopping? Refreshments aren’t far thanks to Woods Bangalow, a cafe focused on plant-based recipes, brought to you by the eco-conscious team at Byron’s ever-popular Folk. Sidle up for a coffee or a smoothie paired with a hefty salad bowl heavy on the health factor.