Flutterbies, in Tyalgum, northern NSW, is a place to savour both memories and meals.
Story Sue Wallace Photo Flutterbies
When guests walk through the pretty front doors of the iconic Flutterbies Cottage Cafe in the tiny town of Tyalgum in the Tweed region, NSW, Haniel Medinet hopes they feel like they are stepping back in time.
Haniel, the general manager, has been with the business that’s just celebrated its 20th anniversary, since 2010. She describes it as a hidden gem and an integral part of the historic town and surrounds, which has a population of about 510. Located in the shadow of Wollumbin/Mt Warning, on the rim of a caldera, 26km west of Murwillumbah, the area is known for its agricultural pursuits, including dairy, coffee and cattle, and its annual classical music festival. But this much-loved whimsical cafe has also put it on the map.
“Flutterbies is uniquely nostalgic – the drive alone through the hinterland of World Heritage-listed national parks sets the tone and makes for a stunning backdrop on arrival,” Haniel says. “When you enter Flutterbies, you are greeted with a warm country welcome. The ambience and setting are at once a surprise and strangely familiar. Distant memories of days gone by can resurface. There’s a certain magic here as people immerse themselves in a slower, less hectic pace, where they can enjoy delicious home-made food like their grandmas used to make.”
This story excerpt is from Issue #161
Outback Magazine: June/July 2025
