Byron Bay.
What a place.
Surf and sand, rainforest and rigs, bellbottom jeans and babes with blunt-cut fringes are just some of the delights of the coastal NSW town.
Every year, hundreds of city slickers descend on Byron to attend Falls Festival over New Years. Some of them, so enchanted with the lifestyle, never leave.
If you find yourself with a ticket to Falls, or even just some spare time this summer to explore, here’s a guide on what you must see, do and eat at one of the true gems in Australia‘s coastal crown. (Just promise you won’t Instagram it and hashtag #byronbae, orite? Ta.)
WHERE TO STAY
Byron at Byron (LUXE, $442 pn)
77-97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Byron at Byron is the kinda joint you’d go to when you cash in a really boonta tax return; it’s a 4.6 star resort set within 18 hectares of sub-tropical forest. Luscious pools, 10/10 service and incredible surrounds make this a once-in-a-lifetime accom option.
It’s not the kinda joint you’d host a post-Falls kick on at, but if you want to really treat o’self to a tropical getaway, this is the ticket.
The Atlantic Hotel (MIDLEVEL, $220 – $445 pn)
13 Marvell St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
A quick read of their website description may have you reaching for your credit card:
The Atlantic Byron Bay is a lifestyle hotel. The perfect combination of location and style surrounded by swaying palm trees and the sound of the ocean. The Atlantic is the perfect getaway for couples with cafes, shops and white sandy beaches all steps from your deck. Soak up the sun on the lawn, hide under a palm tree and enjoy the balmy evenings by the fire pit. Cast off your bags and start making moments at your home way from home.
White wooden-floored shanty, linen-drapped beds and landscaped surrounds make The Atlantic so darn Instagrammable it hurts.
Byron Bungalow on Airbnb (CHEAP CHEAP, $110 pn)
Address upon request
God bless you, Airbnb, always coming through with the goods. This lil’ private Byron Bungalow is up for grabs, and for dirt cheap. You can do a spot of yoga on the balcony, or take a chill pill and sit in the suspended egg chair. It’s doggo friendly, too.
WHERE TO GET GRUB
22 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Tapas and creative cocktails make St Elmo’s a choice choice. You gotta try the Ensalada de queso a la plancha, with grilled local halloumi, confit tomato, smoked eggplant puree, dehydrated olives & baby leaves.
2 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
If you like nachos, you will like Miss Margarita. Colourful decor, stunningly fresh fare and good vibes are all on offer. Happy hour is daily from 5 – 6pm 😉
Bogarts 3 Byron Bay, 1/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
If you’re absolutely done with overly-garnished, deconstructed ‘fancy’ cafe food, and you’re after solid, honest meal, look no further. From BLTs to eggs Benedict, Dip bar is a goodun.
4/85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
So damn dreamy. A visit to The Mez Club is worth it to experience the atmosphere alone. That said, it’s got so much more to offer. Sunday sessions are its specialty. It’s very Byron, with white-painted timber floors and floor-to-ceiling doors that open up to the unbeatable Byron sunshine. They do salad, seafood and fresh wraps real good.
Cnr of Lawson and Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Absolutely postable brunch and fresh af cocktails in a breezy, airy setting? Tick. They’re renowned for their freshly-chucked oysters, so prepare to suck em back quick and fast, folks.
87/8 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Google reckons this place has a “hip vibe”. They’re not wrong. One review reads:
All of the people in Bayleaf were amazing! I had cafe latte and their elixir made of coconut water, ginger and other things and it was like healthy bomb! Definitely place with a vibe! Thank you Bayleaf for what you are doing!
65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
This laid back joint boasting Single Origin coffee, if you’re a Melburnite who froths on their beans, you’ll need to make a pitstop. Can’t go past their famous brekky burger, too.
6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
If rustic is your vibe, check this place out. Cocktails with more garnishes than you can poke a stick at, almond-topped muffins and warming bean-in-pot dishes are part and parcel of the Roadhouse experience.
WHERE TO DROP SOME CASHOLA
2/30 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Opened a matter of weeks ago, Nikau is a wonderland of greenery and ceramic homewares. According to their insta, the store has dropped right outta Pinterest‘s butt – and it’s a lovely result.
3/20 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Right next door to Nikau is Byron stalwart 11:11, stocking luxe Aussie basics brands like The Bare Road and In Your Arms. (While writing this I couldn’t resist but buy a khaki playsuit straight off their website. The curation is bloody beaut.)
2/1 Marvell St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Linens, homewares and luxe body products are some of Liberty’s strong points. If you’re into candles of every flavour and persuasion, you will froth this place.
2 Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Unplugged is proper cool. Retro-inspired art, fashion, music and icons adorn the walls of the place. Male or female, your thread needs will be met here.
1/3 Marvell St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
You’ve no doubt seen Ahoy Trader’s famous tiles before. They’re ubiquitous even in the capital cities; regardless of their religious beliefs, many a blogger have one of these hanging on their bedroom wall.
15 Browning St, Byron Bay
Probably the most iconic Byron store; Spell does luxe boho like no one else. If you’re after a kaftan that’d make even the most lives-in-Brighton-but-has-a-holiday-house-in-Portsea mum go “ooh Hun where’d you get that from?”, look no further. (Mimi Elashiry is a yuge fan.)
Shop 2 /15-19 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Earthy tones and natural textures are abundant at locals’ fave, Enzo and Toto. They’ve got a personal shopper service too, so if you’re willing to fork over some cash and your taste to a fashion-savvy stranger, this is the place to do it.
15/19 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Sorting through the endless rubbish at your local Savers is a task and a half, and there’s no worse feeling than leaving the mega-mart empty handed. Curated vintage pieces are Miss Brown Vintage’s game, with high-waisted, perfect-wash jeans and leather goods a specialty.
Butler St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Once a month, Byron’s farmers marker really turns it on. It’s a good way to see how the locals really live. Between the overflowing fresh food goodness lies a few brilliant little clothing stores you can’t miss.
There’s plenty more to explore in this barefooted wonderland – but you’ve gotta take your shoes off and make the trek to discover it for yourself.
Photo: @spell_byronbay / Instagram.
