Mayfair

Mayfair is a tiny, historic gold-rush hamlet tucked into the forested hills of the Northern Rivers hinterland. Once a bustling mining settlement, today it feels like a forgotten pocket of time, with a handful of heritage buildings, a pub, and beautiful walking trails that weave through subtropical rainforest and past old mine shafts. It’s a perfect off-the-beaten-path stop for travellers exploring the Tweed Caldera or heading between Byron Bay and the Queensland border.

Highlights & What to See

• Mayfire Tavern – A classic country pub with a welcoming fireplace, cold beer, and hearty meals; a great spot to chat with locals and soak up the gold-rush atmosphere.
• Heritage Walk – A short, self-guided stroll past the original post office, bank, and miners’ cottages, with interpretive signs that bring the 1880s to life.
• Bushwalking & Old Mine Sites – Several trails in the surrounding state forest lead to abandoned gold workings, including the Mayfire Mine and Hidden Treasure Mine. Look for lyrebirds and wallabies along the way.
• Duck Creek Mountain Lookout – A short drive from town, this lookout offers sweeping views across the Tweed Valley to Mount Warning and the Border Ranges.
• Night Sky Viewing – Far from city lights, Mayfair is a wonderful place for stargazing; the pub carpark or the lookout are ideal spots after dark.

Suggested Time to Spend

Mayfair is a half-day destination at most. Arrive late morning, do the heritage walk, have lunch at the pub, then take a short bushwalk or drive to the lookout. If you’re a keen hiker, you could stretch it to a full day by exploring several mine trails. Most visitors combine Mayfair with nearby towns like Uki or Murwillumbah, or use it as a lunch stop en route to the Border Ranges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uki – A vibrant little town with a thriving arts scene, farmers’ market, and cafés, just 10 minutes south.
• Murwillumbah – The main regional centre, with the Tweed Regional Gallery, art deco architecture, and the start of the Mount Warning climb.
• Border Ranges National Park – World Heritage rainforest with spectacular lookouts, ancient trees, and excellent birdwatching, a 30-minute drive west.
• Mount Warning (Wollumbin) – Australia’s most iconic sunrise hike, though currently closed to climbing; the base walks and visitor centre are still worth visiting.
• Byron Bay – An hour’s drive east, for beaches, surf, and a completely different coastal vibe.

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