Byron Bay Short Getaway

 

Byron Bay 3 Dayer Road Trip, Northern NSW. Australia

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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