Byron Bay – the place where hippies live amongst surfers, shaggy-haired buskers perform on street corners and shoes seem pointless.
Despite recently copping some heat for its tourist buzz, Byron’s evolution has not strayed from its roots, with Argentinian-influenced, ethically-focused and pan-Asian nooks, now calling the sleepy beach town home.
While Main St Burger is still the perfect hangover cure (and you can’t go past Miss Margarita for a crisp margie), it’s impossible to disregard the newcomers, who hail from all over the world (including Chin Chin in Melbourne!) Here are the best spots to eat, stay and play in Byron:
EAT
Light Years Asian Diner
While Noosa Heads has been lucky enough to call Light Years a local, it’s a new addition to the Byron dining scene – and what an addition it is.
Carrying the coastal-meets-cool vibe from Noosa and beyond, this funky venue (complete with pastel pink walls and a neon rose motif), serves up a treat with power-packed cocktails. The Geisha Sour, Next Lover or must-try Pineapple Margarita were our favourite, cutting through the Hot and sour crispy pork ribs, Miso caramel fried eggplant and delicious Turmeric and Coconut curry (with market fish). It’s a session spot in the afternoon sun, so grab a chilled red, pick your favourite human, order 4-5 dishes to share and leave your car at home!
Light Years Asian Diner
7 Lawson St, Byron Bay
https://lightyearsasiandiner.com.au/
The Loft
The perfect spot for a Sunday sesh, The Loft’s sundrenched seaside terrace makes it impossible to leave (so nice, we went there twice!)
Just metres from Main Beach, the menu satisfies any kind of hunger with smaller bites and share platters, to a $35 entree, main and wine special, which is both delicious, but hearty. Don’t go past the fresh oysters, charcuterie and cheese boards, or our personal favourite, the Vegan cashew brie (which, despite all the wine we ordered, tasted like real cheese). The Ceviche is fresh, with a tomato and watermelon dressing, and the Gold band snapper is so perfectly cooked, you’ll be wanting more once you’re done.
And if that’s not enough of a sell, happy hour means $10 margaritas (which is the perfect start to any weekend in Byron).
The Loft
4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
https://loftbyronbay.com.au/
Bang Bang
Speaking true to its name, Bang Bang was a hit to the senses in the best way possible.
Probably our favourite eatery of Byron, the menu completely floored us as our FOMO took over and we ordered the Bang-quet menu (who doesn’t love a food pun?)
The wait staff were accommodating, with recommendations that ensured we got the whole BB experience, including the Moreton Bay Bug bun (with butter poached bug tail, spicy kewpie mayo on a toasted milk bun), Sticky pork belly with masterstock caramel and charred pineapple, and the xx filling our hearts and tummies with absolute joy. Despite bursting at the seams, it would be rude to say no to dessert (especially since we’d shared a few delicious cocktails), with the Coconut sago with mango sorbet and butterscotch, sealing the deal for us.
Oh, and if the flavours feel like home but you don’t know why, the Head Chef’s made his way from Chin Chin to serve up the most delicious Indochine eats we ever did devour (and boy, are we thankful for that).
Bang Bang
4/1 Byron Street, Byron Bay
https://www.bangbangbyronbay.com/
STAY
Bask & Stow
While the big, beautiful hotels have had lots of limelight lately, it’s the smaller, more boutique spots that we’re interested in.
A seaside hideaway five minutes from Byron’s heartbeat, the Palm Springs-inspired guest suites of Bask & Stow, transport you to your own little, luxe location.
Created by award-winning local architects Harley Graham, the suites celebrate local designers, with its relaxed coastal architecture and Pinterest-worthy accents on your Sun, Salt, Sea and Sand suites, outside of the shared areas.
The rooms are big and airy, with attentive detail to coastal aesthetics, such as the incredible waterfall shower, the lush, green hanging plants and beach chic bedding to rest your weary, slightly sunburnt faces on.
And if the buzz of Byron beaches is too much for your zen mood, cool down in the refreshing plunge pool and poolside relaxation deck. As there are only four suites and a main house on-site, you pretty much always have a place to perch in the afternoon sun, so bring your book, towel and time to read.
In terms of location, it’s impossible to find better, with neighbours and locals such as TopShop Cafe, Clarke’s Beach and the beautiful Beach at Byron for breakfast, making it the perfect place to lock in that weekend away with your significant other.
Bask & Stow
40 Marvell Lane (access via Cowper St), between Marvell and Carlyle Streets, Byron Bay
https://baskandstow.com.au/
PLAY
Visit Byron Bay Community Markets
Who doesn’t love a market in the arvo sun? There are quite a few popping up in Byron, starting from the bustling and busy Community Markets, bringing together the region’s finest artisans, musicians, foodies and healers. Indulge in homemade organic treats, locally-sourced fare, linen kaftans and furniture made out of tyres (which is actually pretty incredible), as you walk from beach to town.
Whilst we didn’t get a chance to visit, we hear the Byron Farmers’ market is your one-stop shop for seasonal produce and preserves, Davidson plums and macadamias, and according to the folk at Bask & Stow, the local native ‘finger limes’ when in season.
Byron Bay Community Markets
Main Beach Foreshore Dening Park
https://www.byron-bay.com/markets/byron-community-markets/
Do a Stone & Wood brewery tour
If you’re a slave to the brew, this tour is for you.
An independent brewer born and raised in Byron Bay, the Stone & Wood Brewery tour does not deprive you of beer, good times and beer… did we say beer? Good. Because there’ll be lots of it.
Once you’ve finished the tour, you’ll need food though, so pick a few bits and pieces from the canteen menu from 12pm – 3pm, before settling in for the rest of the arvo.
Stone & Wood
100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay
https://stoneandwood.com.au/byron-brewery/
Relax and rejuvenate at Comma
Once you’ve eaten and drank your own body weight in local Byron fare, it’s time to switch off with a signature massage at Comma.
With signature treatments that include detoxifiying body clay, invigorating body brushing and thermodynamic basalt stones to release muscle tension and increase circulation, no trip to Byron can be completed without a few hours at this holistic spot.
Comma
7A/11 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay
https://commabyron.com/
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