Those seeking to master the elusive goal of a rewarding work/life balance should head to the Northern Rivers region of NSW to see it done successfully in the flesh. Forget conjured-up stereotypes of patchouli-scented dreadlocks and surfboard-covered campervans; while aspects of the past do echo (softly), the new Northern Rivers has become a magnet for a collective of visionary creatives, entrepreneurs and moguls in search of a better (and more balanced) way to live.

This latest evolutionary cycle of the Byron region retains its wholesome soul, but there’s also something savvy, dynamic and aware about what the region now has to offer, which probably explains why so many city slickers have swapped their briefcases for Birkenstocks and headed for the coast. World-class produce is everywhere, from farmers’ markets and cafes, to many a fine-eating establishment, so visitors can expect more options at every level than you can poke a stand-up paddle at. From world-class restaurants and local favourites, to hidden gems in Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby and beyond, the best way to discover all that’s on offer is to grab some friends, jump in the car and hit the road (surfboards optional).

Padding past thrift stores, milk bars and cafes just off the beach in Brunswick Heads, the last place you’d expect to find is a restaurant like Fleet (2/16 The Terrace). Inside, you’ll discover a sleek pouredconcrete bar, a tight list of cerebral wines and an equally intelligent shared menu that reads more London, Sydney or New York than sleepy beachside town. This big-city-meets-coastal-country juxtaposition works surprisingly well, with experienced restaurateur Astrid McCormack’s ethereal warmth the perfect foil for her chef co-owner Josh Lewis’ simple-yet-sophisticated menu.

The veal sweetbread ‘schnitty sanga’ encapsulates nostalgic Aussie pub culture between two slices of gloriously refined white bread, while local mackerel is lightly cured, its richness offset by silky black sesame, bitter radicchio and refreshing cucamelon. The slender space fits just 14 (15 at a push!), so a booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Though if you fancy your chances, roll up sans reservation around 3pm for a cheeky late lunch/early dinner.

The tiny, historic town of Newrybar is naught but a brief strip of delightful shopfronts, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in substance with Harvest (8-22 Old Pacific Hwy). The soulful offering from Kassia and Tristan Grier and Brooke Hudson includes a restaurant and a cafe/deli/bakery next door, so whether you’re picking up supplies for a beach picnic or looking for a date-night dinner destination, they’ve got you covered.

An unwavering commitment to local, sustainable and conscious produce (indigenous and wild food icon Peter Hardwick is on staff) proves a hit with like-minded diners. Thoughtful dishes such as mulloway ceviche with macadamia, lemon myrtle and betel leaves, or charred leek with gnocchi, buttermilk and beer mustard are here today, gone tomorrow, as the seasons dictate.

If, while in Newrybar, some post-meal retail therapy is in order, look no further than Newrybar Merchants (19 Old Pacific Hwy). A haven for the bowerbird in your life, you’ll find… well, just about everything. The converted 1890s cottage offers objects of desire by local artisans, covetable stationery, calming crystals, lush Shannon Fricke bed linen, curiosities from Sibella Court’s The Society Inc. and much, much more. It’s your one-stop-shop to find that special something for the person who has everything – even if that person is you.

Sydneysiders wept when David Lovett took his gift for saintly Italian cuisine to Byron Bay. The ex-Uccello chef and his Quay front-of-house partner Sarah Millett now ply their crafts at newcomer Beach Byron Bay (Clarks Beach Park, Lawson St). Lovett is revelling in his proximity to produce city chefs dream about (think burrata from cows located just a moo away) to deliver food that’s gloriously simple yet stunningly elegant, whether that be salt-baked whole comet cod, chargrilled prawns with burnt butter or an epic tiramisu that’s not to be missed.

The Arts Trail, aka a corner of the industrial zone on Byron’s outskirts, has become a magnet for a rising class of Byron-preneurs. Sarah Swan feeds them all from her catering-kitchen-turned-cafe, 100 Mile Table (4/8 Banksia Dr). Pull up at the huge communal table and, who knows, you may be sitting alongside the next Spike Lee or Richard Branson while you slurp your ginger-fragrant chicken congee or chow down on a fresh-as egg and bacon butty, adorned with green goddess dressing. You won’t find chia seeds here, but the vibrant, locally sourced menu lacks little else.

Another Byron Bay fringe dweller, the name inspires movie-soaked memories of ‘50s cars, good-looking bad boys and whisky-soaked live music. And you’d not be that far from the truth at this particular Roadhouse (6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay), where local botanicals make for a thoughtful twist on classic cocktails (above). During daylight hours, you can also order nourishing plates of broccolini, asparagus and shiitake with miso butter, or grilled pumpkin and poached eggs topped with wakame and togarashi. That’s right, even the bad boys like a good brekky in these parts, and this is the place to find some of them… or so I’ve heard.

What started as a dream for the boys from Bronte’s Three Blue Ducks has become technicolour reality in Ewingsdale, just five minutes from Byron. Three Blue Ducks at The Farm (11 Ewingsdale Rd) – an all-singing, all-dancing cafe, restaurant, florist, grocer, functional farm and child-entertaining service – has exploded onto the scene, and isn’t it grand. A constant hum of tourists, locals, farmers and staff keep this location stoked with palpable energy, but if that’s all too much, simply take a seat and sip on a chai while you decide what to have for lunch.

If too much by-the-beach overindulgence has left you flagging, head to Naked Treaties (2/3 Marvell St, Byron Bay) for some raw vegan love to balance the scales. There’s a selection of grab-and-go cold-pressed juices and snacks on offer, but if you have time (and in Byron, doesn’t everyone?) sit in and order a post-swim golden-turmeric-spiked mylk to even out those chakras, or choose from a multitude of green smoothies and nutrient-dense lunch options. Whatever your pick, chances are this cute bolthole will cure what ails you.

Fact: one cannot live on green smoothies alone. And when that moment comes, bring on the pizza. And wine. The reigning king of pizza in the Northern Rivers area is Milk and Honey (5/59a Station St) in Mullumbimby (or Mullum, as the locals call it). A casual eatery offering up perfect Neapolitan pizzas (thin and crispy, but with great chew) that showcase the top-shelf local produce simply and elegantly. Starter specials such as woodfired bone marrow with sourdough elevate this from your regular pizza joint. The charred onion, Gruyere, garlic, mozzarella and rosemary is a top pizza pick. And while the pancetta, pineapple, sweet onion, mozzarella, basil, garlic and pickled chilli (read: ham and pineapple) isn’t especially Italian, it sure as hell is Australian. The fact that you get to wash it down with decent Italian vino doesn’t hurt, either. Do like the locals and chill out with a soak at Kiva Spa’s bathhouse around the corner (1 McGougans Ln), before you pick up that slice.

Consider Bangalow the well-heeled township of Byron Shire, home as it is to boutiques offering an abundance of chic and a pub with icon status in the region. If you’re after a mid-afternoon sugar hit or an evening of elevated (but still homely) dining, you’d best go to Town (33 Byron St). The cafe downstairs/restaurant upstairs combo covers all bases, and chefs Karl and Katrina Kanetani’s stellar reputations preceed them.

Bangalow has received an injection of new blood of late, and with it, creativity and a shot of cool. The Arts Precinct, tucked away from the main street, is home to covetable menswear store The Finders Club (Shop 2, 10 Station St), where you’ll find limited-edition Akubras, Pendleton blankets, classic vinyl and other masculine gems.