Coming from the big city, I never expected to fall totally in love with Mullumbimby, a little town in the Northern Rivers’ region of New South Wales. The pace is super chilled, with plenty of interesting characters that make it a rainbow-coloured treasure.
While “Mullum” (as it’s known to locals) has changed a lot in recent years, it has managed to maintain its old-school charm and relaxed hippy vibe. Now it’s my second home, and the ideal place to escape for some downtime.
Here’s how I'd spend 24 hours in Mullum.
8am

True to its name, owner Matt Marshall bakes while his daughters work behind the counter with their mum Beck. This is where I always go for my first fix in Mullum. And it’s not just me – there’s often a queue for its treats and Ona coffee. But note, it’s closed on weekends.
9.30am

I head to the market mid-morning where I stock up on everything organic as well as some incredible food. It’s a great choice if you’re after breakfast, brunch or an early lunch. Look out for Neville Singh of Singhs Bananas, a third-generation local farmer who is a Mullum market staple.
12pm

Owners Dexter Chou and Linda Hung make the cutest gluten-free, hand-rolled, pastel-coloured dumplings. They’re dyed naturally using turmeric, butterfly pea flower, kale powder and dragon fruit. And if you miss the markets, you can find them in town at the newly opened Radiance Oolongtea House.
2pm

Just behind the main drag in a converted campervan is Russian-inspired Baba Emma’s serving hand-made Pierogies. They taste like my childhood growing up with my Polish grandmother’s traditional Eastern European cooking. It’s legit!
3pm

I escape to the hills of Mullumbimby to check in at Blackbird, one of the most fabulous places to stay in the area. It's a little oasis is tucked away in the Nightcap National Park, one of Australia’s largest subtropical rainforests. This intimate estate has just four pavilions with magical views and a truly spectacular pool. Perfect for a quick afternoon dip.
5.30pm

Described as an evening of electronic “beats with your peeps”, Balcony Beats is on Mullum’s most popular pub balcony every Friday from 5pm. The locals go off, and you will too.
8pm

Time for dinner. Melbourne brothers Daniel and Alexander Ippoliti opened the Continental three months ago and it’s been a hit. A highlight of the menu is the savoury jalapeño donuts. The bar is also a fun place to enjoy a classic cocktail or three.
8am

If some recovery is needed after the previous night’s feast, I’ll head here for a sauna, cold plunge and steam (in that order), then a massage and a mineral soak before I head back to Sydney. This photogenic spa in an old bank is a relatively new addition, and it keeps the vibe of the town as an oasis away from nearby Byron Bay. There’s also a retail space with collaborations with Maison Balzac, Pottery Boy, Upside and locals Dutchie to fill my bag with before the flight home.
Romy Frydman is a Sydney-based stylist and Mullum regular.
Romy wears:
Ganni dress, Mulberry sunglasses, Versace slides (Baker & Daughters)
Sir dress (Mullum Markets, Continental)
Upside x Banya jacket (Radiance)
Zimmermann shirt, Upside x Banya shorts (Baba Emma's, Banya Bathhouse)