It’s the hip hub of Australia where you’re likely to spot more than a handful of long-haired bearded men in wool fedoras, guitar-wielding dusk dwellers, vegan-eating boho-dressed ladies, surfers at dawn, bicycle-riding babes, and a line of V dubs parked on various street corners. It’s a slower pace of life, and one that has you wishing you were just a little cooler. Cool enough to pass as one of the locals.
While we can’t guarantee any level of obtainable coolness with the below list of where to eat, sleep and shop in Byron Bay, what we can guarantee is that it will at least have you pointed in the right direction. The rest is up to you.
Stay cool.
EAT
Topshop
Address: 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay
Who’s eaten there: Caroline Groth, Cecilia Jacobson, Luciana Rose
Why it’s so good: Insta-worthy acai bowls and drool-worthy burgers… actually, you basically haven’t lived until you’ve tried their halloumi burger. There’s a reason this has become a popular hang-out for the in-the-know crowd.
The Farm at Byron Bay
Address: 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale, Byron Bay hinterlands
Who’s eaten there: Kasey Rayton, The Friendly Pirate, Pretty Frowns
Why it’s so good: Set on an 80 acre farm in Byron Bay’s hinterland – The Farm plays home to restaurant Three Blue Ducks, a restaurant that focuses on fresh produce where visitors can choose to dine in or wander the working farm with a house made picnic hamper. Complete with giant sunflowers and herds of cows. Bliss.
Bayleaf
Address: Corner of Jonson St and Marvell St, Byron Bay
Who’s eaten there: Shantal Indo, Melissa Mai, Meanwhile In Awesome Town
Why it’s so good: With a cool vibe and a focus on using local suppliers – if the sound of a traditional BLAT complete with smoked paprika aioli and spicy tomato relish sounds like your thing, pull up a spot. But get in early – this place is teeming with regulars (including yours truly when we’re on our annual sabbatical to Byron).
Harvest Restaurant
Address: 18-22 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar Village, Byron Bay Hinterland
Who’s eaten there: Shaun Birley, Dates and Avocados, Salty Luxe
Why it’s so good: You go here for the picture, but you definitely stay for the food. A Queenslander-style restaurant, Harvest features a historical wood-fired oven, artisan delicatessen, an edible garden, and a lengthy list of accolades. With native fresh food sourced from local producers as well as the restaurant’s own gardens, this is one worth putting on the list for your next Byron Bay venture.
SLEEP
The Atlantic Byron Bay
Address: 13 Marvell St, Byron Bay
Who’s stayed there: Elle Ferguson, Sibella Court, Yan Yan Chan
Why they’ve stayed there: Taking beach chic to a whole new level, The Atlantic is a coastal haven reminiscent of the Hamptons complete with palm trees, a swimming pool surrounded by wooden deck, hanging chairs, crisp linen… and that’s just the start of it.
Bask and Stow
Address: 59 Carlyle St, Byron Bay
Who’s stayed there: Haylsa, Kirsty Cane, Holly Titheridge
Why they’ve stayed there: Continuing on with the Hamptons vibe is Bask & Stow. Featuring luxury modern coastal living designs, rooms come with light-filled private decks complete with cane hanging chairs, a refreshing plunge pool, and a poolside relaxation deck. You’ll also find the Bask & Stow House – an original federation cottage restored with a minimalist design aesthetic, original details and hardwood timbers.
The Bower Byron Bay
Address: 26 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay
Who’s stayed there: Lisa Danielle, Luciana Rose, Pepamack
Why they’ve stayed there: Home to The Bower Suites, The Bower Barn, The Bower Cottage, and The Bower House – each accommodation brings with it its own take on understated luxury. If you can imagine the laid back ambiance of Byron Bay teamed with the effortless elegance of New York boutique accommodation – you’re on your way to discovering the ethos behind The Bower.
The Byron at Byron
Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay
Who’s stayed there: Tash Oakley, Not so Mumsy, Lion In The Wild
Why they’ve stayed there: An intimate resort set amongst a 45 acre subtropical rainforest, there’s a luxury day spa to enjoy, an infinity pool, complimentary yoga, and a renowned restaurant – one never really need leave once they’ve arrived at this paradise.
One to keep an eye on: Blackbird Byron Bay – luxury hinterland accommodation.
SHOP
Spell & The Gypsy Collective
Who’s shopped there: Micjanee, Elsa’s Wholesome Life, Mimi Elashiry
Why it’s so good: With dreamy boho-esque floating florals mixed with vintage-inspired lace, Spell gives everyone the chance to tap into their whimsical spirited side (plus the fabrics are so soft and dreamy, one can’t help but go back for more).
Hope and May
Who’s shopped there: We The People Style, Saasha Burns, Olive Cooke
Why it’s so good: With their brand Poppy & Co inspired by exotic islands, nomadic travel and a lust for raw luxury – the same can be said for the Hope & May store itself. A treasure trove of fashion, accessories and decor – the store’s minimal neutral pieces are each perfectly styled together to have you wanting to walk out with one of everything.
Island Luxe
Who’s shopped there: Pip Edwards, Stacey Allen, Jason Grant
Why it’s so good: With the founder’s need to fulfil a space in the market that contests against the trend of mass consumption, Island Luxe was born. From one-of-a-kind handmade leather goods and luxury couches inside to immaculate wooden and white styling outside, everything about Island Luxe has you feeling, well, a little luxe.
Main image: Stacey Allen
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