Lifestyle Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. There’s more to this northern NSW town than Hemsworths.
Here, a local reveals the best spots to chill, surf, eat (and more) in one of the world’s hottest health destinations. Where to move in Byron Bay Hiking: Broken Head Nature Reserve Trekking to Cape Byron Lighthouse has to be one of the most iconic walks in the country, which means it gets choked with tourists. Leave the crowds to it and set off along the Three Sisters Walking Track, a short drive south of Byron.
Watch for white-bellied sea eagles as you wander past wildflowers on this 1.6-kilometre (return) trail from Broken Head to Kings Beach, in the Arakwal People co-managed Broken Head Nature Reserve. Find out more Find the best breaks.
Image: iStock Surfing: Cosy Corner Beach The Byron shire is blessed with several point and beach breaks, the most famous of which is The Pass, a favourite of longboarders. As tempting as it is to ride such a well-known wave, you’ll have a better chance of scoring a great session somewhere less known. Our pick is Cosy Corner.
At the northern end of Tallow Beach, this dreamy spot is protected from northerly winds. If you need lessons, book one in with Let’s Go Surfing. Find out more De-stressing: Comma Bringing Europe’s spa culture to Byron Bay is Comma, where you’ll find a contemporary bath house, minus the nudity.
Say goodbye to stress as you spend hours moving between the cold plunge, magnesium hot tub, waterfall-like pail showers and the hot rock sauna. You may not be soft-sand jogging on Byron’s beaches, but you will be testing your body and mind here, ending your visit with a scrub in the heated-stone hammam. Book here Reconnect with your body, mind and soul in one of Byron Bay's tranquil wellness hotspots.
Image: Pexels Where to eat in Byron Bay ELEMENTS OF BYRON, Belongil Beach This award-winning beachfront resort has long been at the top of must-stay lists, but you don’t have to bed down to sample its fare. Elements of Byron’s Azure Bar and Grill now has a forest-to-table dining experience. The new native menu, crafted by executive chef, Ebony Baker, showcases ingredients like pepperberry, bush tomato and Warrigal greens.
Non-guests can reserve a table, while those staying can book a foraging tour. Book here FOLK, Byron Bay In spite of its gentrification over the years, the town’s alternative roots still run deep (although is it really alternative to be plant-based these days?). One of the best spots to go for a no-meat meal is Folk, which prides itself on home-grown goodness that has your health, and the health of the planet, top of mind.
Come here for the burrito with biodynamic brown rice, buckwheat hotcakes or an adaptogenic cacao on nut milk (read: fancy hot choc). Book here Lo Scoglio, Byron Bay. Image: Supplied Where to stay in Byron Bay Sun Ranch, Coopers Shoot The decor alone will see you chill out the second you step through the doors of Sun Ranch.
With luxe hippie vibes, this hinterland retreat encourages you to reconnect with nature, which is a cinch thanks to its location on more than 22 hectares of regenerated farmland. But a stay is about more than spending time with the resident horses; swim in the stone pool, practise yoga in the gardens or bliss out in the floating sauna. If you’re seeking something a bit more spiritual, sign up for sound healing.
Book here Lo Scoglio, Coopers Shoot If you still have dreams of creating your own Under the Tuscan Sun experience, but you’re yet to convince your family to uproot their lives, a stay at Lo Scoglio in the Byron Bay Hinterland is your (temporary) answer. This luxury farmhouse will transport you to the hills of Sicily, but you won’t be spending your days picking olives. Instead, you’ll have therapists and personal trainers at your fingertips so you can partake in everything from acupuncture to breathwork.
Book here More Coverage The best eco holidays to slash your stress levels Jennifer Ennion Couples retreats to help you reconnect Elle Halliwell Originally published as A wellness-lover’s guide to Byron Bay More related stories Lifestyle How to find hope after a dementia diagnosis Light at the end of the tunnel Read more Lifestyle 5 serum foundations you need to try now Ace your base Read more.
