The local launch of the new Viognier Cask whisky will be an exclusive whisky and cheese pairing event at the Cape Byron Distillery on Thursday, January, 4 2024 at 5pm. The Studd Siblings have been invited to pair their specially-selected cheeses with the Cape Byron Whisky range, and celebrate the recent release of their first book, The Best Things in Life are Cheese.

Paul Wilson is telling me about their new chilli garlic halloumi and how it’s ‘fantastic over summer served with a green paw-paw salad,’ and my imagination is fired. It’s a rare thing for this hinterland business – around for some 17 years now, Paul and Kerry at the helm – to introduce a new cheese as ‘we try to stay focused on traditionally hand-made cheeses.’ And their stable of 12 – best sellers the Nashua washed rind and Tintenbar triple cream – include both cow and goat milk cheeses.

New Year’s Eve in Byron Bay is a time for both celebration and indulgence, and what better way to indulge than with a long lavish dinner at one of town’s best restaurants? Whatever your taste, be it champagne or cocktails, Byron Bay has something to offer for everyone on New Year’s Eve, from beachfront luxury to exotic flavours and unique culinary concepts, a romantic dinner for two or a lively celebration with friends, you’re sure to find the perfect dining venue to welcome the new year in style.

The newly formed Bangalow ‘Bluedogs’ Walking Football Group recently played its first competitive games in the invitational walking football tournament held on astroturf at the Ballina Hockey Club.