If you’re reading this, there’s a strong chance you’ve been to Byron Bay before. For anyone living along Australia‘s East Coast, Byron is kind of a rite-of-passage. It’s one of those ridiculously perfect beach towns, except unlike it’s sleepy sisters that dot the coastline, Byron also has a hippie past and a chic present.
It’s no surprise Byron’s beautiful beaches and lush hinterland make it a go-to for the Insta-set. Many live in Byron and earn their followings based on their beautiful surroundings, and the rest frequent the chilled out region, sipping cocktails on sun-drenched decks and taking perfect max-relax pics on lounge chairs that look like they dropped out of Real Living mag.
We’ve rounded up some of the spots with maximum social media worthy settings – because hell, let’s just admit we all like making our mates jealous with our aesthetically pleasing pics when on vacay, right?
This phenomenal resort teams tropical tree-filled surroundings with painfully cool furnishings and decor. From the reception area – all light-filled and folding doors-breezy – to the lengthy pool lined with chic, striped deckchairs, it’s the kind of place you could literally never leave. The rooms are bright and beach-vibed – think of it as an oasis away from the bustle of Byron township.
Head out of Byron and down to the sleepier, but still very cool, Newrybar to check out Harvest. The hatted restaurant is famed for it’s farm-to-table fare, with ingredients sourced from local artisans and a changing menu devoted to seasonal dishes. They open for brekkie, lunch and dinner – and there’s a pretty damn good bakery attached. But this is about social posts, right? Um, did you see the pic above? Hello, double-taps.
When you think Byron dining (and drinks), you think airy, beachy vibes right? Well, The Mez Club really delivers on that front – it’s always packed, always packed with beautiful people, and serves up some delish mezze and cocktails.
Another joint that offers mezze fare and fantastic cocktails, St Elmo has a sexier vibe – think mood lighting and a focus on unique wines. It’s perfect for a long boozy dinner.
The sister coffee shop to Byron’s famed Folk, Woods is insanely cute and situated in Bangalow, so you can enjoy your latte away from the crazy crowds of Byron. Their food is also extremely Insta-worthy – they focus on presentation, so you’ll 100% be snapping away at your smashed avo.
If you love vintage, you absolutely must hit up Miss Brown in Byron. They have a Surry Hills store, which is great – but the Byron store is next level. Think aeons of silk slips, ’70s maxis and every damn pair of reworked Levi’s you can imagine. The store itself is gorgeous – the calico-curtained change rooms beg for an outfit selfie, trust me.
Another must-do for anyone who lives to shop is hitting up Spell & The Gypsy Collective’s only boutique. Sure, they stock their threads online and in other stores around Australia, but their Byron store is a) gorgeous and full of bohemian accents, and b) has the best range. Try on those flirty minis and smocks to your heart’s content – but be prepared, it’s hard to leave without forking out some serious cash.
This homewares shop is where you’ll cry because you can’t possibly ship THAT sideboard home. Bigger furniture aside, there’s loads that will fit into your suitcase, and it’s all so perfectly beachy and neutral, you’ll be inspired to change up your entire home decor to make your new buys fit.
CAPE BYRON LIGHTHOUSE WALK
If you want picture-perfect Byron vistas, Cape Byron Lighthouse is where it’s at. The epic views along the walk from Wategos are good in and of themselves, but once you get up there it’s all on.
WATEGOS BEACH
Forget Main Beach and drive down the winding bushland roads to Wategos. The boardwalk that runs from town is an even better way to get there – it’s full of breathtaking ocean views and you’ll absolutely spot a bush turkey or two.
