This
morning, we headed for a three day break to the bohemian beach paradise of
Byron Bay. Byron Bay is Australia's most easterly point and renowned for its
beach lifestyle. You can paddle a Kayak through crystal-clear waters and get up
close to dolphins, turtles and whales (during whale watching season).
Our first stop just before Byron was Bruns
Bakery, which has been around since 1950 and sits in the heart of Brunswick
Heads. The bakery is chock full of the best bakery bites like pies, sandwiches,
pastries and treats, plus great coffee, you are sure to find something that
will hit the spot. You can watch the bakers create their magic right over the
counter in their ‘theatre kitchen’ or check out the range of donuts. Kim always
picks up a Nutella filled doughnut. Come
for the food, stay for the good vibes.
15 minutes from Brunswick Heads we hit Byron
Bay and the Artesian Markets occupying more than half a kilometre of the Main
Beach foreshore and showcasing local sculpture, ceramics, glass, homewares,
fashion, craft, toys and clothing.
Kim brought some vibrant funky leggings from
Honey Hunt Style, some dog treats from Furry Treats and a new dog id tag for
our pup from Bold and Brass.
From the markets we headed down Fletcher
Street in the CBD, which is dotted with all the best Byron Bay shops including
charming boutiques, stocking luxuriant fashion labels and one-of-a-kind
homeware pieces. Stacked with independent lifestyle boutiques, Fletcher Street
is the home of style. Local fashion thrives in the extensive Byron Bay shops,
with many world-renowned labels having originated right here in the town. As
flowy bohemian ensembles fill the streets and beachside activewear tops
Instagram stories, Byron Bay streetwear is a design group of its own.
Only 5 minutes
out of central Byron was are accommodation at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay a
tranquil haven for holidaymakers. With 28 acres of parklands, Ingenia Holidays
Byron Bay is the most spacious of all the Byron caravan parks and sites for
camping. The Park is Byron Bay’s largest accommodation provider with 155
campsites and 52 cabins, with outstanding modern amenities. We stayed in the
neat compact Pet Friendly cabin that provided value and are centrally located
in the park close to all the park facilities. Having all the conveniences of home
covered, this cabin featured a queen sized bed, light cooking facilities
including hotplate and microwave, bathroom, air conditioning, deck and site
parking. Modern well equipped camp kitchens complete with guest fridges and
charging stations, new amenity block with unique individual ensuites (shower
& toilets combined), a salt water swimming pool with a toddlers section and
playground located next to a Chook house, basketball and skating area.
Late
afternoon we took our pup to Tallow Beach, which is a Dog Friendly Beach with a
long stretch of soft sand back of Suffolk Park, only a few minutes’ walk from
the cabin. It never gets too crowded but you are always very likely to meet
other dogs to play with it.
Next
morning we were up and early for breakfast at The Farm, home of Three Blue
Ducks. Little-know secret this is not, in fact, the restaurant and produce
store has a real cult following. However, its busy tables don't detract from
the fabulous food, beautiful setting and excellent service. Set on an 86-acre
working biological farm, Three Blue Ducks is almost a day out in itself.
Thankfully, there's plenty of room for parking, as the remote location doesn't
lend itself well to public transport. Visitors to The Farm at Byron Bay can see
chickens, pigs and cows roaming free, sample fresh produce in the on-site
restaurant and breathe in that lovely country air. The restaurant – once an old
packing shed – has been rebuilt using repurposed materials from around the
property, and includes an undercover patio area, terrace and outdoor kitchen,
as well as the bar that offers (we kid you not) 56 types of Australian-crafted
beers, wines and ciders on tap. The breakfast on offer was delicious and not
your standard breakfast menu. We came to the farm (three blue ducks) for
breakfast and stayed on longer to see what the rest of the property had to
offer before it got too crowded and wasn't disappointed at all.
You can walk
around part of the farm with our pup on the lead to see what they are growing
(which of course they use in their restaurant and bakery - on site); there is a
playground for children and plenty of farm animals to see. There is horse
riding available as well as walking through the plantation of nuts (a great
place if you want to byo your own picnic). The farm offers fresh flowers and plants
for sale to the public along with other treats. Your pup is welcome to join you
as you explore and learn at The Farm.. The Farm requests that you keep your
four-legged-friend on a lead at all times, and out of the indoor areas of its
restaurant.
From the
Farm we headed up Byron Bay hinterland to The Macadamia Castle, which offers a
large range of flavoured macadamia nuts and local fine food. Fur, feathers,
fine food and family fun, The Macadamia Castle is full of little surprises.
There are lots of native furry friends and cuddly nursery animals, mini golf,
train rides, playgrounds and barbecues. There's rabbit petting, face painting,
a treehouse, and a reptile display including the local Brown Snake and Death
Adder. se. Visit the crocodile exhibit and cuddle a croc. The Macadamia Castle
offers a wide range of gourmet macadamia products and tastings of hot, roasted
nuts. There's a fascinating gift shop and a full display of the macadamia nut
industry. The Castle also displays a wide range of local produce from the
Northern Rivers, make sure to have a look to see what goodies you might find.
We hit the
road again for the town of Bangalow. Located a scenic 20-minute drive from
Byron Bay, Bangalow is a historic town with a range of specialty shops, cafes,
and restaurants. Bangalow’s eclectic spirit and lush-green backdrop make it
unlike anywhere else in the Byron Shire. Only a decade-or-so ago, Bangalow on
the North Coast of NSW was a tiny farming community unknown to all but its
locals. Wall plaques are attached to many of the shops and restaurants and
offer a fascinating insight into the history of the town. Bangalow may have
come of age in recent years but the town has stayed true to its roots. Kim loved
stores like Island Luxe for interior design, Johansen’s bohemian fashion and
the eclectic collection at Wax Jumba Emporium. The Corner Store is an
effortlessly cool take on the classic corner store, stocked with simple and
beautiful pieces. Just off the main street, get into nature at Bangalow
Parklands, where you can walk through forest to a swimming weir built in 1924
(and rebuilt a few years ago): it’s the ideal place to cool down in Summer. If
waterfalls are your thing, take the 30min drive to spectacular Minyon Falls in
Nightcap National Park.
We then
headed back to the cabin, firstly stopping at Suffolk Bakery. Nestled in the
stunning sea side village of Suffolk Park the bakery is a feast for the eyes
with its endless illuminated showcases filled with freshly baked goods from
cakes, pies, pastries and sandwiches, and matches the Brunswick Heads bakery. All of the delicious goods are baked daily in
our theater kitchen where you can sit and watch the Bakers creating right in
front of you. Enjoy your barista made coffee in the stunning old world
interiors, honoring the original building that has seen the Baking trade for
many years. The afternoon was spent walking around the camping sites and
letting our pup have a run in the off-leash area.
Early morning
next day Tony enjoyed spectacular coastal views along the Cape Byron walking
track. You walk through rainforest and across clifftops with stunning views of
the ocean and hinterland to the lighthouse. The Cape Byron walking track can be
accessed at numerous points and walked in shorter sections, making it quicker
and easier for some with starting points including Captain Cook lookout, The
Pass, Wategos Beach and Cape Byron Lighthouse. As the walk takes you through
national park land you can’t bring dogs unfortunately. Locals, Aussies from all
over, and tourists from across the globe know about this most easterly tip of
the Australian mainland and the majestic Cape Byron Lighthouse which sits at
its top. It's a fantastically rewarding walk at anytime of the day but extra
special if you can do it to witness the sunrise or sunset. After Tony took some
stunning morning shots we headed for breakfast at Bayleaf Café, a popular café
in Byron Bay, great for a robust and healthy breakfast.
Bayleaf Cafe is one of
Byron Bay’s favourite breakfast and lunch hot spots. Always bustling with
locals and visitors, the cafe prides itself on its innovative menu, unique
drinks, banging playlists and friendly staff. They also love it when you bring
your canine pals along for a visit too. Pups can sit with guests at the outdoor
tables, there they can keep cool under the umbrellas and the friendly staff
will ensure water is always available. The tiered timber and brick café
overlooking the juncture of Marvell and Fletcher Streets is consistently busy.
After
breakfast we headed to M1 onto Old Pacific Highway into Brunswick Heads. Brunswick
Heads really has it all. Filled with an array of trendy antique shops, you will
be able to peruse stunning boutiques around the area in Brunswick, and who
knows... you might find a treasure. If you’re looking to get in touch with
nature, Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve will be the perfect place for you to
check out.
Only a 30
minute drive from stunning Byron Bay, Mullumbimby is a hidden gem. Unlike its
predecessor, Mullumbimby transports you back to the 70’s in no time. Maybe it’s
the laid back locals, artisan farmer's markets or the picturesque scenery
you’ll have the pleasure of seeing on your way into town. If you’re looking for
a relax day filled with drool worthy food, luxurious wellness spas and epic
memories made, you have to visit ‘Mullum’.
We took
the Coolamon Scenic Drive instead of the Pacific Motorway to bask in the
amazing scenery this section of New South Wales boasts. From there make sure to
check out Crystal Castle and Mount Chincogan. Stroll around the gorgeous
streets and check out the amazing farmers markets that people travel all over
to see.
Back at
Byron we had lunch at The General Store in Byron Bay, which has long been a
place for locals and travellers to gather, eat, drink and buy goods. The
building is one of the oldest commercial premises in Byron and has experienced
many incarnations over its 70-plus years. Set on busy Bangalow Road, The
General Store is open seven days from 6.30am – 2.00pm. The café continues to
attract locals and travellers for its all day menu that now has a bit of a
health-conscious streak. The General Store theme is coastal fresh with white
walls and murals, beach umbrellas, recycled timber stools and tables scattered
inside and out with potted succulents, palms and even a papaya tree and a
swing.
The outside seating is under a covered awning and verandah where pups
can sit and enjoy the serenity. Inside there are shared tables and window
seating to watch the passing action and catch the breeze.
We walked
off lunch at Belongil Beach, which is located just west of the Main Beach in
Byron Bay (where dogs are prohibited), and is a very popular spot with backpackers.
The waters are pretty sheltered, and it’s a great spot to head for a walk,
picnic or to enjoy the sunset. The off-leash section starts just west of the
Main Beach car park and extends west to Manfred Street in Belongil.
After a
walk we headed to the Stone and Wood, whose Byron Bay brewery is located just
west of town. The brewery and tasting room is open during the day, and their
friendly staffs allow dogs in the large outdoor space. The stunning venue,
which boasts exposed beams, blonde timber and clusters of greenery, has a
whopping 31 brewing tanks pumping out all their much-loved classics like the
Green Coast Lager, Garden Ale and Pacific Ale. But that’s not all; at their new
digs you can also taste Stone & Wood’s experimental Pilot Batch beers and
limited one-off beers. The Brewery is a fantastic place to visit just for
drinks and food but if you have time book on one of their brewery tours you
will not be disappointed.
You can easily sit here for hours and chill, sipping
away on delicious tap beers. A nice quirky way of getting there from Byron is
on the solar powered train, and then a 5-10 walk to Stone & Wood. All up a
great day out and experience, staff beautiful, genuine and engaging. Next time we’re
in Byron we are definitely doing this again. With the sun setting in the
horizon and the fact Tony had to drive, we headed back to the cabin.
The next
day our little trip was over and time to head back to Brissy. Kim was craving
pancakes, so we headed to Twisted Sista Café, which does all the little stuff
well. The cafe provides a great atmosphere for breakfast and service is
friendly and prompt. We’ve been a few times so we know to get in early before
the rush. If you're looking for a no fuss spot for brunch, lunch, or just a
quick afternoon tea, Twisted Sista had got you covered. Breakfast over, back to
Brisbane till our next planed trip.
If we can
give one piece of advice to anyone who asks us about our relationship, it would
be: do things together…especially TRAVEL! Traveling as a couple brings so much
joy and it affects a relationship in a very positive way.
All around Australia, local communities are
ready and waiting to welcome you. So stop in for a coffee, take that tour and
book that boutique stay you've been dreaming about. It's up to us to eat,
drink, shop and explore local so we can all recover together.
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