After almost a decade since I last graced Byron Bay’s shores for Schoolies, I suppose it was not surprising to discover a lot has changed.
With considerably more options in terms of eating, drinking and shopping, as well as accommodation, prices have also increased significantly. Thankfully I’ve got three top tips to ensure you enjoy all the best bits Byron has to offer without your wallet feeling too much pain.
Bay Leaf Café
The name on everyone’s lips, if you go to one place in Byron Bay make sure it’s Bay Leaf Café. The epitome of Australian breakfast and coffee culture, this bustling hub is centrally located on Marvell Street. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, the entire venue has the laid back feel for which Byron is famous. You can visit with a group or if you’d like to enjoy your own company, you won’t feel out of place. Having eaten there every day of my stay, I can highly recommend almost everything on the menu and confirm the coffee is worth writing home about. A word of warning though, if you visit Bay Leaf at the start of your Byron trip, don’t be surprised if you don’t find yourself branching out for the rest of your time there.
2 Marvell St, Byron Bay
(02) 6685 8900
Miss Margarita
As a margarita enthusiast, one of my favourite pastimes is scouring the globe for the best version on offer. And Miss Margarita on Byron Bay’s main street does not disappoint. With a prime location opposite the iconic Beach Hotel, Miss Margarita has an entire margarita menu with variations such as coconut, strawberry, ginger, mango and even chili – not for the faint hearted! While the cocktails are typical of Byron Bay prices, here’s an insider tip – head there during happy hour and enjoy a classic version for $10. With the money you save you could even test out the noteworthy fish tacos!
2 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Wategos Beach
Approximately a 10-minute drive from the centre of town is the postcard worthy Wategos beach. The perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the main beach, Wategos is the more peaceful place to soak up the sun or make the most of the surf. Sitting directly below Byron Bay’s Lighthouse, Wategos is also the most eastwardly point of Australia, meaning it’s the first place in the country to see the sunrise!
Have you been to Byron Bay recently? What’s your top tip? We’d love to hear in the comments below!
Whale watching along the NSW Coast
A regular travel contributor to YLC, SJ’s travel low point was buying a Beijing guidebook for her visit to Thailand in 2007. Thankfully her geography has improved since then.
