Northern Rivers macadamia farm, nestled in Clunes hinterland, to become wedding hotspot

This scenic spot has been given the green light for some lucky brides and grooms in search of a perfect big day, but the view doesn’t come without some specific restrictions on partying.

Celebrations at Clunes’ The Orchard Estate. CREDIT: Michelle Young

A boutique macadamia farm in the Northern Rivers hinterland has been granted approval to host wedding, but not without some specific restrictions on the scenic locale.

The development application was approved by Lismore City Council last week, granting the Clunes venue The Orchard Estate with a five-year “temporary use” approval.

According to their website, The Orchard Estate is a “purpose built private event restaurant located on a 100 acre macadamia farm in the Byron Bay Hinterland”.

The venue already had previous approval for a restaurant building and two outdoor areas.

A number of conditions were laid out for the events company, including that no more than 25 wedding ceremonies be held over a 12 month period and that ceremonies can only be conducted for couples who have hired the whole premises.

Wedding ceremonies were also instructed to only take place after 11.30am and wedding patrons cannot erect any temporary structures, according to the approval.

The 1344 Bangalow Rd site overlooks the Nightcap mountain range and features a purpose built barn, commercial kitchen and toilets to accommodate a variety of events.

It comes as the Northern Rivers experiences a resurgence in the wedding industry following the easing of NSW Covid-19 restrictions.