When THE JONES & CO GIRLS hit the road, we love to SHARE our INSIDE TIPS ON our favourite holiday hotspots! This time: it’s Byron Bay.
There is something so soothing for the soul whenever I return to Byron Bay and revisit the places I love. Maybe it’s the uncertainty of 2020 that’s made me feel this way but I appreciated my favourite spots so much more on this holiday.
Best Byron Bay Breakfasts
Bryon is definitely a breakfast place but in my opinion if you only go to one place then make it Top Shop. We went for 10 mornings in a row and felt like locals by the end of our trip. We even had a favourite spot to sit and the staff greeting us by name. I love the situation of this spot as it’s just that little bit out of town so doesn’t get as heaving as the other eateries. The staff are efficient yet warm and the food, smoothies and coffees are fantastic. We breakfasted on acai bowls, buttery croissants and breakfast burgers washed down with mango smoothies made with local macadamia nut milk. They can also make anything on their menu gluten-free which was a great bonus for the husband.
Best Byron Bay Groceries
We stayed in Suffolk Park just south of Byron and so our local was Baz and Shaz. Compared to the clinical aisles of Woolworths this just felt like how Australian grocers should be. Lots of fresh organic fruit and veggies and such a fascinating array of local produce. The shelves were mesmerising! I spent ages in the beauty aisle buying soaps made with Australian pink clay and magnesium body butter (which just made my sleeps on holiday so much deeper!) plus the condiment aisle is worth a mention too. My 4yo daughter Teddie just loved pushing the kid-sized trolley around barefoot and in her swimmers packing it with kombucha and dried mango. It’s not a fancy place but it filled me with delight every time we went to stock up.
Best Byron Bay Beaches
There are so many beaches in this area but our favourite soon became Tallows for morning walks and then Broken Head for the day. We discovered the Three Sisters walking track in Broken Head which hugs the headland and takes you to secluded coves framed by pandanus trees. The walk is through lush rainforest and easy for kids too as it’s only 1.6km. The views are incredible. There’s a kiosk in the holiday park in Broken Head which is great for post walk ice creams too.
Best Byron Bay Eats
We forgot to book restaurants in Byron, so everything was already fully booked when we arrived! Which was a blessing in disguise as it made us venture further. We loved Shelter in Lennox Head directly opposite the beach. We feasted on barramundi with black garlic, leeks and edible succulents followed by tea smoked duck breast with red cabbage, edamame and walnuts! They have a great happy hour with cocktails and snacks such as river school prawns with chili aioli.
We also adored Japanese restaurant Doma in tiny Federal which we went to after a lovely morning at the Crystal Castle. Federal is literally a three-shop town with a general store selling everything, a homewares and fashion emporium housed in huge shed and then Doma. We ordered seared Tasmanian Salmon salads and organic pumpkin and sweet potato tempura handrolls and then sat in the park opposite with mini bottles of Rosè. Heaven.
Best Byron Bay Secret
We had some friends in the area and they hired a fantastic teepee in the hinterland to celebrate a birthday. We went for the afternoon and watched the kids and dogs enjoy a game of football as the sun set behind them. We then lit the bonfire and made smores and chatted for ages underneath a huge full moon. Our friends said they woke up to a herd of cows surrounding the teepee so you are definitely at one with nature. It would make such a romantic night to celebrate something special.
Best Byron Bay Excursion
A lovely morning excursion is to Killen Falls which is a cave waterfall with a rock pool. It’s a beautiful walk through the bushland to get there and it makes for a refreshing dip once there. Beware as it is tricky getting in with slippery rocks but if you’re careful it’s divine to have the waterfall massage your head as you swim underneath.
Best Byron Memories
All in all, we simply loved our 10 days in this area and can’t wait to return next year with our new puppy! There were so many dog-friendly beaches and seeing all those happy doggos really pulled at our heartstrings. When we arrived back in Sydney, we got the news that a puppy had become available for us! Byron really worked its magic!
