The Bales Guide
WelcomeWelcome to The Bales at Caldara Farm! We're so pleased to have you here and hope you enjoy your stay in our little corner of the Northern Rivers.
A Little HistoryLocated on Bundjalung Country, Caldara sits within the landscape once covered by the ancient Big Scrub rainforest, which drew cedar-getters to the area in the 1840s.
Among Uralba’s early settler families were the Simpsons, who helped establish the district’s farming community. Pearson Hudson Simpson (1854–1929) established the original farm on the land now known as Caldara, planting orchards and crops and building the circa 1880s farmhouse that still stands on the property today.
The Bales was originally part of the property’s dairy operations. Today, the former dairy is a self-contained cottage, combining its rural character with the comforts of a modern stay.
Over time, we're hoping to bring more of the farm back to life, restoring the old homestead and orchards, and creating beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.
For now, The Bales is your little piece of Caldara.
Make yourself at home, enjoy the countryside and explore some of the wonderful places the Northern Rivers has to offer.
Getting HereThe Address: 465 Uralba Road, Lynwood NSW 2477
Although the property’s address is on Uralba Road, vehicle access is via Platypus Drive.
Turn off Uralba Road onto Platypus Drive at the ‘Forest Hills’ sign. The driveway entrance is immediately on your right, between the large stone pillars. Follow the driveway into the property. The Bales is the first white cottage on your left. Turn left just behind the cottage and park in the designated parking bay next to the fruit orchard.
From the parking bay, take the steps down to the cottage entrance.
Make yourself at home, enjoy the countryside and explore some of the wonderful places the Northern Rivers has to offer.
Your Stay At A Glance
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Check-in: From 2:00pm
Check-out: By 11:00am
Self check-in via smart lock.
Your personal door access code will be provided through your Airbnb messages before arrival.
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The front door is fitted with a digital smart lock.
To unlock:
Enter the personal access code supplied in your Airbnb message.
Press the ✓ button on the keypad.
Open the door.
To lock:
Close the front door firmly.
Press and hold the ✓ button.
Check that the door is securely locked.
If you have any trouble with access, please message us through Airbnb.
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Network: BunyaRidge
Password: bunyaridge465
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Kitchen & Rubbish
Wash, dry and put away any dishes you've used.
Please leave the kitchen clean and tidy.
Remove any food you’ve brought from the fridge.
Empty the kitchen rubbish and recycling into the outdoor bins beside the kitchen door.
Around the Cottage
Turn off both air conditioning units.
Turn off all lights and cooking appliances.
Close and lock all windows.
Check you've collected your belongings.
Outdoor Area
Leave outdoor furniture tidy.
Ensure the fire pit is completely extinguished and cool.
If possible ashes on to grass, and leave remaining wood by the fire pit.
Only replace the fire pit lid once everything has completely cooled.
Lock Up
Close the front door firmly.
Press and hold the ✓ button on the smart lock.
Check the door is securely locked.
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For questions or assistance during your stay, please contact us through Airbnb.
Zaac 0490 499 395 | James 0494 582 293
We are currently not based at the property, but are available by phone or Airbnb messaging if you need assistance.Murray 0401 691 514
Zaac’s dad, Murray, lives just five minutes away and can help with urgent issues at the property. If you can’t reach us and need assistance onsite, please give him a call. -
For emergency plumbing or electrical issues, please contact us or Murray first so we can coordinate assistance.
Emergency Plumber
Kristian Jercic
0430 717 433Emergency Electrician
Brad Lamb
0417 047 644
Emergency InformationFor police, fire or ambulance emergencies, call 000. In an emergency, leave the cottage immediately and call 000 from a safe location. Notify us when safe to do so.
Fire extinguisher: Under the kitchen sink.
Fire blanket: Under the kitchen sink.
Smoke alarm: Located in the living area.
❋ Nearest HospitalBallina District Hospital
78–92 Cherry Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Phone: (02) 6620 6400
24-hour Emergency Department.
❋ Medical Centre Alstonville Family Practice
Shop 19, 8–20 Robertson St, Alstonville NSW 2477
Phone: (02) 7226 4056
Open Monday to Friday. Please call ahead for appointments and availability.
❋ Medical CentreAlstonville Medical Centre
15 Bugden Avenue, Alstonville NSW 2477
Phone: (02) 6628 3101
Open weekdays and Saturday mornings. Please call ahead to confirm appointment availability.
❋ Injured WildlifeNorthern Rivers Wildlife Hospital
50 Lindendale Rd, Wollongbar NSW 2477
Phone: (02) 5657 9447
If you find injured native wildlife, please contact Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital for advice before approaching or handling the animal.
House
Guide
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For security and to help us monitor the property while we’re away, an outdoor security camera is installed at the front entrance to The Bales. It covers the entrance porch, entry steps, adjoining garden and the parking area. There are no cameras inside the cottage.
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The Bales has two reverse-cycle air conditioning units, one in the bedroom and one in the living room.
Both provide cooling and heating, with a separate remote control for each unit.
Please keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioning is running.
Please turn both units off when heading out for the day and at checkout.
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The living room has a Smart TV connected to the internet, with popular streaming apps including Netflix and Stan.
Sign in using your own streaming account.
Alternatively, mirror or cast from your device where supported.
Please remember to sign out of your accounts before leaving.
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The kitchen is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Appliances include:
Nespresso coffee machine
Cooktop
Oven
Microwave
Kettle
Toaster
Fridge and freezer
Washing machine
You'll also find crockery, cutlery, glassware and cooking essentials.
Help yourself to the tea and coffee provided.
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A washing machine is located in the kitchen and available for your use, with laundry detergent provided under the kitchen sink. You’ll find an outdoor clothesline at the living room end of the cottage.
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The water at The Bales is treated through a triple-filtration system and is suitable for drinking directly from the tap. Please be mindful of water use, particularly during dry periods.
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The Bales operates on a septic wastewater system. To help keep everything running smoothly:
Only flush toilet paper down the toilet.
Please place wipes, sanitary products, cotton pads and other items in the bathroom bin, even if labelled ‘flushable’.
Avoid pouring oils, grease or harsh chemicals down the drains.
Please use the bins provided for anything else.
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Enjoy the outdoor seating and dining area, surrounded by the orchard and countryside. It’s a lovely spot for morning coffee, an afternoon read or dinner outdoors.
The fire pit is available for use when weather conditions and local fire restrictions permit.
Firewood is stored outside near the entertaining area.
Fire-lighting supplies are kept in the basket inside.
Please check current fire restrictions before use. If you’re unsure, message us first.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Keep children and pets away from the fire pit.
Ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Only replace the lid once the fire pit has completely cooled.
Outdoor fires are only permitted in the designated fire pit. No other outdoor fires are allowed anywhere on the property. The fire pit must not be used during total fire bans or unsafe conditions.
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Bins are provided in the kitchen. If you need to empty them during your stay, please use the outdoor bins beside the kitchen door.
Please separate recycling where possible.
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Accidents happen! If anything breaks, stops working or needs attention, please send us a quick message through Airbnb so we can arrange a repair or replacement and keep everything comfortable for you and our next guests.
Around The BalesWelcome to the Farm
Caldara spans 50 acres of rolling countryside and is currently undergoing restoration, including the original farmhouse, gardens, orchards and surrounding grounds.
During your stay, you’re welcome to enjoy the gardens, outdoor entertaining area and fruit orchard immediately surrounding The Bales.
For your safety, the remainder of the property is not currently open for guest access, except when accessing the rubbish and recycling bins at the main farmhouse.
The Fruit Orchard
Directly behind The Bales, near the parking bay, you’ll find our fruit orchard, with a mix of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and custard apples.
When fruit is in season, feel free to pick a little to enjoy during your stay. Please only pick ripe fruit you can safely reach from the ground, and leave anything you’re unsure about.
Wildlife & Nature
Being in the countryside means sharing the property with local wildlife.
You might see or hear native birds, insects, lizards and marsupials. You may also occasionally encounter field mice or snakes, which are a part of life throughout the Northern Rivers.
A few things to remember:
Keep external doors closed to help prevent insects and wildlife coming inside.
Avoid walking through long grass or unfamiliar areas.
Give wildlife plenty of space, and don’t approach, feed or handle any animals.
Let us know if you notice any unwanted visitors inside the cottage.
Restricted Areas & Farm Safety
The original farmhouse and surrounding gardens are currently undergoing restoration. For everyone’s safety, please:
Keep to the immediate area around The Bales and the fruit orchard, except when accessing the bins at the main farmhouse.
Keep clear of the farmhouse interior, construction zones, machinery and other farm buildings.
Take care on steps and uneven ground, particularly after rain.
Keep away from dams, creeks and other waterways. Swimming is not permitted.
Supervise children outdoors at all times.
Thank you for helping us keep the property safe while we continue our restoration.
House Rules
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Please don’t smoke or vape inside The Bales. If smoking outside, please dispose of cigarette butts responsibly and be mindful of fire conditions..
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The Bales accommodates a maximum of two overnight guests. If you’d like to invite visitors during your stay, please check with us first.
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Pets are welcome with prior approval only. The grounds are unfenced, so please keep approved pets supervised and under control at all times. Please clean up after them and be considerate of local wildlife and neighbouring properties.
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We're fortunate to have some lovely neighbours nearby along Platypus Drive.
Please be considerate and keep outdoor noise to a minimum between 10pm and 8am.
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As Caldara is a rural property, occasional maintenance is part of life on the farm. During your stay, you may notice mowing, slashing, gardening or occasional repair works.
We’ll aim to minimise disruption and let you know in advance about any significant work scheduled during your stay.
Eat, Drink & DiscoverThere's plenty to explore around Caldara, from great local cafés and restaurants to beautiful beaches, rainforest walks and charming country villages.
Here are some of our favourite places, along with a few local recommendations worth discovering.
Opening hours, menus and market dates can change, so please check directly before heading out. Booking ahead is recommended for restaurants, particularly on weekends.
The Essentials
Alstonville | Approximately 7 Minutes
The closest town for everyday essentials, groceries and a quick coffee.
Coles Alstonville - Your closest supermarket for groceries and everyday supplies.
The Cellar, Alstonville - A well-stocked local bottle shop with a wide and excellent selection of wine, beer, spirits etc
Ballina | Approximately 20 Minutes
For a wider range of shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and everyday essentials.
Coles and Woolworths
Ballina Fair and Ballina Central shopping centres
Medical services and pharmacies