ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MACADAMIA CASTLE BYRON BAY FOR KIDS

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Family Guide to the Macadamia Castle Byron Bay. 

Just past the Ballina turn off heading towards the Gold Coast is one of the best kid-friendly attractions you’ll find in the region.

The Macadamia Castle Byron Bay.  

If you are staying in Byron on a family holiday, and have kids aged 1 – 12 with you, it’s a MUST DO!  

If you are a family on a road trip looking to break up the drive, it’s a MUST DO.

If you are a foodie, it’s a MUST DO, with kids or not. (Try the Pancakes. It’s a local’s secret.) 

Take a look inside here. 

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The Macadamia Castle Byron Bay Review

Sadly, lots of folks are going to miss out on the glory of Macadamia Castle now that the highway bypass has hidden it 3km off the main drag.

But we implore you, if you miss the Bangalow turnoff, take the NEXT EXIT to Lennox Heads, and work your way back.

You’ll thank us!  

The route back is only 3km, a total of two minutes drive time. In the scheme of things, that’s NOTHING to make sure you get to this place that’s been the top tourist destination in the area since 1975.

Macadamia Castle in Knockrow is worth every second. 

How to get to Macadamia Castle 

To get there, take the Lennox Heads exit (first exit south past Byron Bay, or heading north, it’s the exit after Ballina) and travel along the Hinterland Way to Knockrow.

Macca Castle is on your left with the big shiny Knight standing guard out front.

What to do at Macadamia Farm Byron Bay

Fill a whole day without any trouble. 

There’s:

• Animal Park activities, including feeding opportunities
• Animal shows
• A Frog Pod viewing area
• A Nocturnal theatre
• Mini Golf, and a Train Ride
• Learn about Macadamia Nuts from the information display

Kangaroos

• Visit the kangaroos on the rainforest walk
• Macadamia Castle playgrounds
• FREE Facepainting on Sundays and school holidays

Find your way around

Macadamia Castle staff are awesome.

Friendly locals, always willing to lend a hand.

Lost, or need assistance? Just ask! 

Macadamia Castle Shows

You could spend half a day just watching all the shows and meeting the animals.

Meet the Saltwater Crocs and other reptiles.

Feed the baby animals, watch the Free Flight Bird show, feed the kangaroos and emus, or listen to a talk about Frog Conservation.

 See the events schedule by the entrance, or click here for the current events schedule and wildlife encounters timetable. 

Macadamia Castle train

Catch the tractor-driven train for a whiz around the grounds. 

The train costs $2 per person, and is NOT included in entry fee.

Leaves from near the toddler playground every hour. 

Mini Golf Byron Bay style

Play putt-putt golf on the cute mini golf course. 

Meet the Animals

You can meet and greet with the animals:

• feed the babies in the farmyard
• meet the Wombat
• pat the rabbits, and
• feed the Barn Owl.  

Animal Food 

Feed the farm animals and kangaroos too. 

Food can be purchased for $1 by the entrance. 

Hand Washing stations

Be sure to wash your hands after your cuddles! 

Macadamia Castle Playgrounds!

Kids ADORE the two playgrounds.

Enchanted Forest Faraway Tree playground has:

• slides
• a flying fox, and
• old-school swings
• a turret lookout

They can climb the tree tower right to the top, and wave from the top-of-tree turret!

Toddler playground

The toddler playground near the Putt Putt is great for under 5’s.

Macadamia Castle School Holiday Programs

No.1: Macadamia Castle Wildlife Guardians 

If you are staying in Byron over the school holidays, book your kids in for an interactive day of wildlife fun as they become a Wildlife Guardian.

Complete with the presentation of a keeper certificate at the end of the day.

Ned did this recently.

Take a peek into his day here.  

MORE Macadamia Castle School Holidays events

Book into one of these:

• Macadamia Castle Keeper for the Day
• Macadamia Castle Creature Keeper (for children with disabilities)

The Macadamia Castle Gift Shop

Browse the Macadamia Castle souvenir shop IF YOU DARE.

They stock a range of delicious handmade gourmet food including:

• Macadamia biscuits
• Macadamia nut butter and Macadamia spread
• locally produced Macadamia nut oil 
• Macadamia nut pesto
• Macadamia nut sauce
• Macadamia nut milk
• Macadamia cheese
• Macadamia chocolate bars
• Macadamia nut candy

Best Macadamia Castle Souvenirs 

There’s also hair, skin and beauty products like:

• Macadamia hair oil
• Macadamia face oil
• Macadamia hair shampoo, 

Hot tip: Buy a Macadamia nut cracker & a big bag of nuts to take home. 

The selections of souvenirs, homewares, and toys at this gift shop are seriously awesome with many things you won’t be able to resist!

Tip for the wise. If you prefer to spend money on experiences over ‘things’, take a detour away from this shop. 

And if the kids go in?

There will be NO chance of leaving here without something in hand, a stuffed toy, or animal-themed gadget.

Enter at your own risk! 

Hot tip:  Buy a Macadamia ice-cream for the kids, park them up on the tables outside the cafe with one of your responsible adults, and duck back in alone to peruse the store in peace.

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RELATED: Foodie’s Guide to Macadamia Castle. (Update coming soon)

What to eat at Macadamia Castle Cafe

One of the highlights of Macca Castle is to enjoy brunch or lunch at the Macadamia Castle cafe.

They serve delicious snacks and meals all day long, including their All Day Castle Big Breaky Breakfast with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, beef and macadamia chipolatas made on site, and avo on toasted sourdough.

At $21.90, it’s a steal.

No.1: Macadamia Castle Menu

Their menu also includes:

• honey roasted macadamia fig and pear toasted muesli
• bacon and egg rolls
• BLAT rolls
• slow cooked Bangalow pork rolls with chips
• grilled veggie burger
• caramelized roast pumpkin salad
• signature satay chicken buddha bowl

No.2: Macadamia Castle Kids Menu

And there’s a kids menu too. 

Feel like something sweet? Try one of their freshly baked cake slices from the cabinet, or ice cream. 

You can also BYO picnic of healthy road trip food and snacks, and make use of their free gas bbq facilities. 

Fun Fact: The Cafe menu shows you the “food miles” on each dish so you can chose to eat local and fresh product.

No.3: Macadamia Castle Pancakes

Don’t miss the pancakes.  

We have it on good authority (Ned’s) that they are ‘the best pancakes ever, with icecream and everything’.  

Macadamia Castle Pancakes Flavours

Three stack pancake menu

• Maple syrup and whipped butter
• Mango and Macadamia
• Caramel
• Banana and Honey 
• Classic lemon and sugar

Three stack gourmet pancakes

• Black Forest decadence with cherries, chocolate ganache, vanilla ice cream and toasted macadamias
• Strawberry delight with strawberry compote, vanilla ice cream, toasted macas, and chocolate ganache
• Spicy apple with apple, cinnamon, sultana compote, vanilla ice cream, & toasted macas
• Tropical Passion with passionfruit coulis, vanilla ice cream and macadamia nuts

Kids can have a 2 stack with maple syrup and whipped butter. Or share yours! 

Savoury Pancake Menu

• Canadian – bacon, eggs, maple syrup
• Big Breakfast- bacon, egg, tomato, avo, and beef & macadamia sausage
• Veggie Breakfast stack – pancakes with chickpea pattie, eggs, tomato, mushroom, and avo

Family Pancake!

Order a super stack of 8 pancakes with either caramel or maple syrup or mango or passionfruit sauce, plus vanilla ice cream and toasted macadamias! 

Locals make a beeline for Macadamia Castle when they are hit with a pancake craving rather than make them at home.

Loads of travellers return year after year for those pancakes served with a selection of Macadamia sauces.

But don’t take our word for it.

Try one yourself. 

Macadamia Castle coffee & drinks menu

Coffee here is highly rated too so whether you stop by for a morning cuppa, or need a pep-up cup after lunch, the detour of 3km is well worth it.

All the coffee is made from locally grown hand picked coffee beans by qualified baristas.

THE INSIDE SCOOP: Macadamia Nut Castle

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in Australian dollars, unless otherwise stated

Where is Macadamia Castle?

Macadamia Castle Address: 419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow NSW 2479
Telephone: 02 6687 8432
Website: Click here
Email: [email protected]

Macadamia Castle Opening Hours

• 9am to 4pm daily
• Closed Christmas Day

Macadamia Castle Prices

Macadamia Castle tickets cost: 

• $29.50 for adults
• $22 for concessions
• $19 for kids aged 2 -16 years
• $90 for a family of four
• Kids under 2 are FREE!

Entry includes mini golf, and keeper talks. 

Macadamia Castle discount voucher

• Buy discounted tickets for annual passes online through Deals Extra, and save. 
• Keep an eye on their Macadamia Castle Facebook page for special deals.

Macadamia Castle Cafe & Shop entry fee

Entrance to the Castle building to visit the Cafe, Fashion, Fine Food and Gift Store, and the Macadamia Information display is FREE.

How to get to Macadamia Castle Ballina

Source: MC

From Byron Bay to The Macadamia Castle Knockrow NSW

Catch the 641 Bus from the Byron Bay Jonson Street Tourist Information Centre

During School Term: 641 bus departs 8.40am and arrives right at Castle front door at 9.25am
During School Holidays: 641 bus departs 9:10am and arrives right at Castle front door at 9:45am

Either option allows you a full day at the Castle to enjoy the attractions and café. 

From The Macadamia Castle to Byron Bay

During School Term: Catch the 641 Bus from right in front of the Castle at 2:50pm and arrive back at Jonson Street Byron Bay (Woolworths) at 3.25pm
During School Holidays: Catch the 641 Bus from right in front of the Castle at 4.15pm and arrive back at Jonson Street Byron Bay (Woolworths) at 4.50pm.

Be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to advertised time.
 
You need to hail the bus at The Macadamia Castle. A staff member can help you.
  
Service are operated by Blanchs Bus Company www.blanchs.com.au
24 Hour Timetable Info Line (02) 6686 2144

Fares:

• $12 will get you a freedom pass with unlimited bus travel for the day.
• Otherwise one way tickets are $7.60 or $3.80 concession. Pay the driver.

By Car:  Click here to add your current location for google map directions

Where to park at Macadamia Castle

There’s plenty of free parking on site, within metres of the front entrance. 

Macadamia Castle Map

Facilities at Macadamia Castle NSW

Disability Access: All areas of the park are accessible with a wheelchair. 
Toilets: Yes, on site

Toadstool Rating: Macadamia Castle Review

 Ned, Jack and Roam the Gnome reckon this family attraction in New South Wales is the BEES KNEES!  

5 out of 5.

Animal-lover Ned would love to give it 10 toadstools. “It’s so much better than a zoo, Mum. You get to touch the animals here!”

Looking for more things to do in Byron Shire? 

Click the blue links below for more Byron Bay Shire attractions.

• Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Brunswick Heads with kids

• Essential Guide of Things to do in Mullumbimby with Kids (& in the Byron Hinterland too)

• This secret beach near Brunswick Heads has a bushwalk too