Escape to Byron Bay - here's our guide
Byron Bay has fast become one of the most popular get-away spots in Australia, and it’s not only due to the stunning crystal-clear beaches and surrounding luscious hinterland. There’s an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars, boutique accommodation, unique homewares and fashion, and day-trips to satisfy all adventure levels.
The team at Stitch & Hide are lucky enough to call Byron Bay home, so we’ve rounded up our favourite spots to ensure you can enjoy the best of the area like a true local.
SHOP
For a truly unique shopping experience Habitat Collective at Byron’s North Beach has everything you need for home, and for all the family in a beautifully curated space. You’ll find the best from local design-led brands, alongside stand-alone retail spaces in the surrounds. Quench your thirst after all that shopping at Barrio bar and restaurant.
Driftlab in Byron’s town centre has the latest in fashion for men and women with all the accessories to match, including Stitch & Hide.
The Arts & Industrial area, just north of town, is home to many of the fashion labels, that has made Byron such a must-visit fashion destination. You’ll find St. Agni, Rue Stiic, Zulu & Zephyr, Rowie, The Bare Road, Yoli & Otis, Velvet Canyon and Flash Jewellery all within walking distance of each other.
EAT
One of our favourite places for breakfast is Bayleaf, in the centre of town, with exceptional coffee and a buzzing atmosphere to match. Another popular spot to visit for brekkie to lunch is the laid-back hangout Topshop, it’s a truly Byron experience.
Bang Bang is a new and exciting addition to the Byron restaurant scene with delicious Asian influenced food, cocktails and beats seven days a week from lunch-to-late.
The Mez Club is centrally located and serves food inspired by the cultures of the Mediterranean region, head there late afternoon for a cocktail and stay into the night while sampling the menu that works for both grazing and dining.
DRINK
Newly opened wine bar Supernatural, in bustling Bay Lane, offers 50 natural wines from around the world, and salty seaside snacks served in a dark and sexy setting.
Loft is centrally elevated, just off the sand of Main Beach and boasts a relaxed terrace to enjoy food, cocktails and broad selection of beers.
The Green Room is the newest addition to the famous Beach Hotel with water views, beach breezes, a drinks list where everything – from the wine to the mineral water – has been sourced locally, and a delicious menu to match.
Local brewers Stone & Wood, have opened their latest brewery just around the corner from our Stitch & Hide HQ, with a tasting room where you can sample the ever-changing short run beers, alongside their regular offerings, in a super friendly environment.
STAY
The Bower is modern Australian beach style fused with the elegance of New York boutique accommodation, surrounded by lush gardens and featuring a central, round shaped pool on the edge of town.
Raes's on Wategos is an exclusive boutique retreat in a luxurious beachfront setting. Overlooking the stunning Wategos Beach your accommodation options range from exquisite suites to penthouses. Enjoy the spa, restaurant or cellar bar and watch the dolphins play in the bay.
PLAY/DO
Zephyr Horses is a unique coastal horse ranch that offer small personalized horse tours, on the beach, in the sub-tropical woodlands or at The Farm. Go for a sunset beach ride and watch the amazing colours that transform the hills surrounding Byron Bay atop one of their gentle horses.
Work up a sweat at Bende, a boutique Pilates, reformer, barre, yoga and flow studio where visitors to Byron can purchase a one week unlimited holiday pass for $70.
A favourite of the Stitch & Hide team is The Lighthouse walk. Enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Cape Byron walking track that takes you on a hike through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse passing by the most Easterly point of mainland Australia. Keep your eyes on the water and you’ll spot humpback whales during their migrating season, turtles, stingrays and dolphins. If you’re lucky you might even spot a koala through the rainforest areas.
The place to shop for locals is the Farmer’s Market, on every Thursday morning. You’ll find the very best fresh produce from local growers that are transported straight to the market for you to buy. You’ll find a range of Byron Shire specialties or just come for a delicious breakfast and enjoy the live music.
OUT OF TOWN
Our Byron Bay Escape competition includes accommodation at the ultra-private Temple Farmhouse, situated in Nashua, a scenic 20-minute drive from Byron Bay town centre, which is surrounded by some eclectic and vibrant areas.
Bangalow is the largest and is known as a pretty town with shady parks, historical architecture with federation buildings housing intriguing shops and high-quality cafes and restaurants along with a pub that sits at the top end of the main street.
Newrybar is a short 10-minute drive from Nashua and is a charming village hidden away from the main road. You’ll find Newrybar Merchants here, a unique retail space in an old house that contains a different artist or designer in each room. Across the road fuel up at Harvest Restaurant or the more relaxed Deli and Bakery option.
Head west up Brooklet Road towards Gaia Retreat and Spa, one of Australia’s most awarded lifestyle retreats, where you can spend a night in their boutique accommodation or just visit as a day guest and enjoy some pampering in their tranquil spa.
A short drive west of Nashua is the village of Clunes, stop in for some country charm at the General Store with their cafe, general store and bottle shop.
