My 24 Hours in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is widely recognised as one of the best surf towns in Australia. Surf aside, we found it to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing towns we’ve visited in all of our travels. The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming. The beaches, lakes and surrounding hills are breathtaking and ripe for exploring. And there is a plethora of excellent restaurants, cafés and shops. In the end, we love this place so much that we hope to settle here for good.

When we visited Byron Bay six years ago on our first camper van journey, wet weather kept us from doing the usual beachy things. Instead we drove inland and discovered the gorgeous little town of Bangalow. With cute shops, great cafés and a friendly community of residents, we knew we wanted to base ourselves there if ever we returned. Luckily, we discovered the Granuaille Residence on the Kid & Coe site last year when we started planning our trip, and we immediately booked it. The house is cosy, kid-friendly and stylish. Other good places to stay when in the area are The Atlantic, which is a charming boutique hotel in the centre of Byron, or Elements of Byron, which is right on the beach in Belongil.

There is a wealth of fantastic restaurants and locales in the area, which should be to the delight of anyone with the slightest culinary inclination. The Top Shop is a Byron Bay institution, and rightfully so! Harvest Café in Newrybar is one of the best restaurants in the area and the perfect spot to kick off the weekend. The Roadhouse in Byron is apparently the hipster hangout, but they always welcome our boisterous gang of beach rats with open arms. The Woods café in Bangalow is one of our favourite local cafés. The staff is super friendly and the plant-based food is divine. The Treehouse is best for a beachy atmosphere and drinks, we enjoyed this relaxed place for a couple impromptu dinners with larger groups. Miss Margarita is a small Mexican restaurant in the centre of town with a happening vibe and good food; The Mez Club is another brand new, cool venue that belongs to them. Basiloco offers good wood-fired pizzas. The Farm is a place located just outside of Byron Bay. This working farm/restaurant/café/shop/play-space is a wonderful, family-friendly spot to hang out, meet friends, and enjoy a delicious meal. Then we have to mention the Doma Café in Federal. This Japanese-Australian restaurant is one of our favourites for their delicious food and pretty outside dining area. As well as the The Belle General in Lennox Head – really delicious food and coffee. Mullumbimby Farmers Market is an amazing market! There’s also a farmers’ market in Bangalow on Saturday mornings, and one in Byron on Thursday mornings. Punch & Daisy in Mullumbimby is owned by sweet friends of ours. This charming little café serves delicious, healthy foods, all made to order, and great coffee, too. Yami in Brunswick Heads is a little vegetarian restaurant which serves delicious Mediterranean food and has a nice outdoor seating area.

To work up a proper appetite, you’re going to want to get some exercise in – preferably outdoors, seeing as we’re in Australia. You can go for a surf at The Pass, the perfect place for surfers of all skill levels. Have a beach day at Wategos Beach, which is another one of Byron’s gorgeous beaches. The Crystal Castle are botanical gardens filled with extraordinary crystals, sub-tropical plant life and mystical statues. There are several creeks and waterfalls in the gorgeous hinterland surrounding Byron Bay. We loved swimming at the base of Killen Falls (though the large, jagged rocks make it slightly tricky to get into the water). There are a few different tea tree lakes scattered around the Byron Bay region. The lakes are warm thanks to their dark colour, and are believed to have healing properties due to the tea-tree oil infused waters.

Shopping around here is also surprisingly good; here are some of our recommendations: The Newrybar Merchants is a gorgeous shop and a collective of creative local artisans and shops. Our Corner Store in Bangalow has a beautiful selection of homeware and fashion. Tiny People in Byron Bay is a great children’s shop with lots of my favourite brands from all over the world. Mary Ryan’s Bookstore in Byron Bay is a charming bookstore with a good children’s section. Afends is a local surfwear brand for men. Onboard Store is a notch above the rest when it comes to style and sophistication in surf products. Yoli & Otis in Byron Bay is a local children’s brand that recently set up a gorgeous shop in the Byron industrial estate and everything about it is inspiring and beautiful. Sunshine Trader in Brunswick Heads is a small but well curated little boutique has a great selection of books, gifts and home accessories. The Finders Club in Bangalow is a great shop for trendy menswear and accessories.

You just have to love Byron Bay!