Byron

A visit to the Byron Hinterland would not be complete without a trip to the bustling hub of Byron Bay itself.  Situated on the most easterly point of Australia the local aboriginals name for the area was Arakwal meaning ‘meeting place’ and it truly is.  

Since settlement by Europeans it has seen many different industries, initially it was a place for collection and transportation of cedar from the big scrub. Later it saw both a gold mine, abattoir and dairy, and at one time was a large centre for fishing and whaling.

Long board surfers arrived in the 1960s and following the Aquarius festival in Nimbin in 1973 Byron’s reputation was cemented as a now well-known centre for an alternative way of life and the hippie culture. Hugely popular today with holiday makers, travellers and young backpackers, the laid back vibe and the unique energy of the area still prevails and so too does its unsurpassable coastal beauty. 

For a spot of retail therapy a good place to start is the area around Fletcher and Marvel Street.  Hang with the Byron Bay locals at our favourite place for coffee and a bite to eat at Bay Leaf cafe. The list of good restaurants is endless but the ones that get most talked about would be The Mez Club for Mediteranian, The Balcony Bar for Modern Australian, seafood, oysters and cocktails, St. Elmo’s for Spanish tapas, Miss Margarita for Mexican and Osushi for sushi.  

Be sure to check out the Byron Bay industrial estate, home to Pampa, Pop and Scott, McTavish boards, Yoli and Otis kids wear, Stone and Wood brewery, and St. Agnes, to name a few.  The recent addition of the Habitat complex designed as a work/shop/live/eat, environment is serious retail therapy.