Macadamia Castle in Knockrow, NSW: Why visit?

In Knockrow, NSW, Macadamia is one of the strangest tourist attractions near Byron Bay. Inside this pastiche castle is an animal sanctuary and nut shop.

Macadamia Castle in Knockrow, NSW, is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Byron Bay. You can stop by on the drive from Ballina to Byron Bay – it’s just to the north of Killen Falls and Tintenbar.

History of Macadamia Castle, NSW

Macadamia Castle is a weird combination of theme park, wildlife park and nut shop. The pastiche castle was built in the 1970s by Allan and Joyce Howard, who owned the Ballina Hotel. They put up a giant knight statue, vowed to sell local produce and turned what was then known as Knockrow Castle into a tourist attraction. The name changed to Macadamia Castle when subsequent owners decided to sell macadamia nuts by the roadside.

Macadamia Castle still sells nuts today, but this bizarre roadside attraction focuses more on animal encounters. The castle hosts an animal sanctuary, with more than 150 animals. These include kangaroos, wombats and koalas.

There’s also a reptile house with snakes and crocodiles, plus a chick house with baby chicks and a bird aviary.

8 amazing Byron Bay experiences worth booking today

Experience the region’s glorious natural landscapes from above – on a hot air balloon ride.
Go kayaking with dolphins – and get much closer to them than on a boat tour 🐬.
Learn to surf – on a half day surf lesson 🏄‍♀️.
Discover the local secrets – let a guide show you the hidden beaches and waterfalls 🏖️.
Go on a three habitat wildlife safari – spotting koalas, kangaroos and flying foxes 🐨🦘.
See glowworms light up the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Explore the Byron Bay hinterland – including the rainforest walk to Minyon Falls.
Taste craft beers and spirits – on a tour of Byron’s breweries and distilleries 🍻.
Also try… Skydives | Sea-kayaking | Whale-watching.

Animal encounters at Macadamia Castle

Every day at 12.15pm, there is a free flight bird show, while various creature demonstrations take place throughout the day.

Should you want to have closer encounters with some of the creatures, some special animal experiences are available. Take your pick from encounters with crocodiles, snakes and lizards or owls.

Also on site at Macadamia Castle is an 18 hole mini golf course, a children’s playground and a small water park. Entry costs $29.50 for adults and $19 for children. For more information, visit the Macadamia Castle website.