
Crispy fish, salty chips, the sweet-sour tang of vinegar, when it comes to summer seaside rituals it’s hard to beat this takeaway classic, especially when you are in a region famed for its fresh fish! Whether you’re planning a beach picnic with the family, throwing a blanket down on a grassy headland at sunset, or just can’t be bothered cooking, here’s where to get your Northern Rivers fish and chips fix.
WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

FISHHEADS, BYRON BAY
It’s all about eating local at this Byron Bay institution with a fabulous setting overlooking Main Beach. The focus here sits squarely on sustainability and seasonality, and while it’s a lovely spot to dine in, there’s also an extensive takeaway menu. Share a signature meal for two packed with hoki, salt and pepper squid, prawns and chips; treat yourselves to oysters and black lip mussels; or go all out with a decadent seafood platter. And when your order is up, get with the vibe and enjoy the buskers at Apex Park, framed by pandanus palms and sparkling ocean.
THE STUNNED MULLET, CABARITA
If fresh barramundi grilled with garlic butter, served with a generous array of salads and an iced cold fruit smoothie sounds good, The Stunned Mullet in cruisy Cabarita could be your go-to. Providing a healthy twist on a classic takeaway meal, fresh fish is filleted daily, salads are made with local ingredients, and sauces are whipped up in house. Juicy coconut prawns are popular too, as are fish burritos with homemade chimichanga. BYO wine or beer, bring the dog and grab a sidewalk table, or head over to Cabarita Hill lay down a picnic rug and relish the taste of summer with fantastic headland views.
NORTHERN RIVERS SEAFOOD, BALLINA
Once you’ve taken the obligatory selfies at The Big Prawn in Ballina, hop across the road to Northern Rivers Seafood. As well as fresh fish and chips fried in a light and crispy batter, there’s an abundance of fresh seafood for sale here. Starting obviously, with big, sweet, juicy Ballina prawns cooked to order, as well as lobster, snapper, Tasmanian salmon, crabs and tuna. Looking for the perfect picnic spot for your seafood feast? Ballina Headland has sweeping views of the lighthouse and ocean.
THE SALTY BEARDMAN, KINGSCLIFF
This friendly beachside cafe offers delicious fish of the day crumbed, grilled or battered, and your choice of fat, skinny or sweet potato chips. Feeling extra hungry after a swim or surf? Saltys Fishermans Basket is packed with fish, crumbed calamari, prawns, battered sea scallops and chips, and will taste extra special in the fresh sea air. The sheltered picnic tables on the foreshore are conveniently close and come with dazzling ocean views.
SCALES SEAFOOD, TWEED HEADS
An award-winning family-run seafood market, you can pick up all kinds of ocean bounty at Scales. Think local Balmain bugs, spanner crab and whole local salmon, which can all be cooked to order (or taken home for a backyard barbecue.) There’s also no frills, super tasty local flake and chips, beer battered flathead, prawn rolls, calamari burgers and crumbed oysters. The banks of the nearby Tweed River are just the spot to tuck in to your takeaway feast!
YAMBA’S FISHO
Right in the heart of town, Yamba’s Fisho specialises in fresh-off-the-trawler seafood, just check the board for daily specials. This is also the spot to satisfy an old school craving for fish and chips with a side of dim sims, chiko rolls and spring rolls. There’re delicious sea scallops, prawn cutlets, calamari and fish cakes too. Where to enjoy your haul? How about stretching out on the grass overlooking beautiful Yamba Main Beach and the scenic ocean pool.
@yambafishos
HASTINGS POINT GENERAL STORE
If you like your fish and chips served with a side of nostalgia, it’s hard to beat Hastings Point General Store. After working up an appetite on the waves or playing with the kids on the incoming tide in Cudgera Creek, simply stroll across the road for classic fish and chips. More in the mood for a fish burger? The barramundi burger ticks all the right boxes. Enjoy the lot under the shade of your beach cabana or wander up to the grassy headland for a memorable sunset.
@hastingspointgeneralstore
OKKY FISH CHIPS SALAD, POTTSVILLE
Kicking back with the kids on Mooball Creek or Pottsville Beach? Just fill in the online order form and pop over to collect your lunch at Okky. Too easy! As well as fish and chips (all gluten free,) you will find a spicy marine burger made with prawns, calamari and whiting, Japanese style Karaage fish burgers and curries, bento boxes and tasty halloumi sticks. A choice of healthy salads will round out your meal.
FISHMONGERS, BYRON BAY
Elevate your fish and chip game when you add a gourmet twist at Fishmongers on Bay Lane. Opt for tempura battered or grilled fish, accompanied by your choice of homemade chips, rice, tempura vegetables or signature salad and corn. There’s calamari too, grilled with soy and Cajun spices, or king prawns grilled with lemon and garlic herbs. Fish tacos and fish wraps also make an easy lunch and will go down a treat while watching all the action on and off the waves at Belongil or Main Beach.
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