When it comes to Australia, most travellers think of only Sydney and Melbourne. But that’s barely scratching the surface on what Down Under has to offer! The country is a vast continent with countless incredibly scenic places. So many lovely beaches and towns that you probably haven’t heard of, but aren’t these unspoiled destinations the best?
If you’ve already visited Australia’s global cities, it’s about time you hit the road and take yourself to an enchanting coastal town called Bryon Bay, where gorgeous sunsets and impossibly chill vibes await. Byron Bay is Australia’s easternmost town and is home to many stunning beaches – which explains the sheer number of surfers residing here.
While Byron Bay is famous for its surf culture, know that even non-surfers like me can still have a splendid time. There’s something alluring about The Bay & I’m glad that I got to experience it firsthand! Fun fact: Byron Bay is also where Chris Hemsworth lives and where Tones and I started busking and first performed her viral song Dance Monkey.
It’s a shame that I only got to stay a night in this paradise, but I know I’ll surely be back once the pandemic is over.
Where exactly is Byron Bay & its nearest airport?
Byron Bay is located in the state of New South Wales, but it is way closer to the international airport located in its neighbouring state called Queensland.
It might sound confusing… But all you have to know is that Byron Bay is only a 45-minute drive from Gold Coast International Airport.
How to get around Byron Bay?
Definitely rent a car! It’s the easiest way to get around and the cheapest option too.
I managed to spend a day at Byron Bay last year & flew back to Singapore on a 9:00 AM flight the following day. Despite the lack of time, I still had heaps of fun!
1. The Farm Byron Bay – A 80-acre farm which aims to grow, feed & educate
The Farm Byron Bay is more than a restaurant with a farm-to-table concept. It’s a working farm featuring several local micro-businesses. There’s a garden shed selling potted plants and flowers, a pretty on-site cafe called Three Blue Ducks, a gelato shop called Baylato which serves delicious honey ice-cream (AUD 5.50 for a scoop).
Entrance to the farm is free with complimentary parking. You can embark on a Farm Walk which spans a kilometre and watch the pigs roll in the mud and hairy cows graze on grass. If you’ve ample time, consider joining their educational horseback tour, or partake in their series of workshops ranging from baking to tasting.
Address: 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
Directions: 40-min drive from Gold Coast International Airport
2. Folk Byron Bay – The super famous cafe that Instagrammers love
Folk Byron Bay is every Instagrammer’s dream come true. The rustic-looking cafe is nestled in lush greenery – think swaying palm trees and low-hanging fern. Those on a plant-based diet are in a treat as the cafe offers a great selection of vegetarian food. All we had was a cuppa, but judging from its popularity, the food must be decent too.
Fun fact: Folk Bryon Bay has been featured on several reputable publications namely Vogue, Monocle and Condé Nast Traveller. In true Aussie style, the cafe closes at 2:30PM so make sure you’re there early!
Address: 1/399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Directions: 7-min drive from The Farm Byron Bay
3. Stone & Wood Brewing Company – Craft beer lovers must visit!
Stone & Wood Brewing Company is heaven on earth for craft beer fans. The 12-year-old independent brewery is the baby of three mates who bravely left their safe jobs in Carlton United Breweries to pursue their dreams. Despite making up less than 1% of Australia’s beer, Stone & Wood was named Australia’s most popular craft beer!
A tasting paddle (which consists of five beers) costs AUD 16. You can pick your own beers, or allow the enthusiastic staff to choose for you. Definitely try their prized Pacific Ale, a beer characterised by fruity hops and a cloudy haze. Pacific Ale is the beer that clinched the number one position in the GABS Hottest 100 craft beers list! Important: Remember to bring your passport along as proof of legal drinking age.
Priding itself on authenticity and quality, you can expect to sample unique limited releases and experimental beers when you’re here. My personal favourites besides Pacific Ale were Cloud Catcher (a crisp tropical beer with firm bitterness), The Gatherer (refreshing American wheat ale with a distinct watermelon and cucumber aftertaste) and Strawberries & Cream!
I also had their Chashu Ramen (AUD 18), which was surprisingly delicious! Fork-tender pork, agedashi tofu, mushrooms and springy yellow noodles were dunked in a fragrant Shoyu broth, sprinkled with sesame and beansprouts. Stone & Wood would surely be my daily go-to bar for booze and food if I were to live here.
Address: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Directions: 3-min drive from Folk Byron Bay
4. Byron Bay Lighthouse – The most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen
No trip to Byron Bay is complete until you have seen the sunrise/sunset atCape Byron Lighthouse. The iconic white tower is located on Australia’s most eastern point and offers mesmerising views of the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sightings of humpback whales and dolphins!
Do allocate some time to explore its surroundings, as there are plenty of hiking trails and photo opportunities. The Maritime Museum (located within the lighthouse) opens till 4:00 PM daily. While I didn’t have time to visit the museum or spot any majestic animals, I was already blown away by the sunset’s beauty.
The sun started descending into the horizon at 5:05pm in mid July and damn, I have never seen anything this beautiful.
For those who are driving to the lighthouse, note that parking fees vary across carparks. Those parking at the peak have to pay AUD 8. We were at the third nearest carpark and paid AUD 4 / hour. Carpark lots are fairly limited, so good luck!
What I found really fascinating was that on the left, the sky was blue with amber undertones and on the right, it was an explosion of paddle pop hues.
Directions: 8-min drive from Stone & Wood Brewery
5. Woods Bangalow – Drop by every 3rd Tuesday night of the month
Every third Tuesday night of the month, Woods Bangalow transforms into a cosy space with live music, bonfire and pizzas.
When we were there, an indie singer called Georgia Grae graced the stage and serenaded us with soothing tunes under the warm fairy lights. Kids were running around with pizzas in their hands, while adults drank from bottled beers. It felt like we crashed a private backyard party.
Our wood-fired Pepperoni Pizza (AUD 17) by Ilcarretto Pizza was an hour wait, but totally worth it. I honestly haven’t had such a delicious pizza in a long time! If you happen to be in Byron Bay on the third Tuesday of the month, I highly recommend dropping by Woods Bangalow. You’ll love it.
Address: Arts Precinct, 10 Station St, Bangalow NSW 2479
Directions: 17-min drive from Byron Bay Lighthouse
My last itinerary was published in 2018 and it’s already 2020!? Oops. I’m officially the worst travel ‘blogger’. While I was still travelling heaps (before Covid-19), I can hardly find the time to blog, as I’m running a boutique digital marketing agency & a nightlife publication. That said, I would still love to update this space whenever I can…
Disclaimer: We last visited Byron Bay in July 2019 and are not liable for any inaccuracies.
