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Boutique hotels in Byron Bay

Byron Bay, Australia

Byron Bay Overview

Australia

Coastline
Pristine beaches that go on forever
Coast life
Chillin’ with like-minded souls

Some jokingly refer to Byron Bay as the most northern suburb of Sydney – everything you can find in the big smoke is right on the doorstep here too.

But there’s also a charming ‘peace, love and mung beans’ vibe about this place on the north coast of New South Wales that attracts stressed-out well-to-do city folk and backpackers from all corners of the earth. Add in the splendid beaches and you’ve got one of Australia’s best-known destinations.

Beautifully Byron Bay

If you want to realign your chakras, relax with some reiki or generally blitz your tired bod, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Alternative therapists have set up shop all over town, and there are more yoga teachers here, per capita, than anywhere else in the country. Ask a local for a recommendation or pick up a copy of the Byron Body & Soul Guide from the tourist office.

Local knowledge

Taxis
You don’t really need them to get around the compact town – if you’re tired, hail a clean, green Cycle Rickshaw – but they can be handy if you want to head out a little way. Best to book: +61 (0)2 6685 5008.

Tipping culture
Not necessary, but adding five to 10 per cent to the bill is a nice gesture if you had a great time or received excellent service.

Siesta and Fiesta
The shops always seem to be open during the day, and cafes open early to cater to the yoga and beach-walk crowd. Most restaurants will take orders until about 10pm (though most people eat earlier in Australia). Especially during summer and on the weekends, the pubs and bars stay open until late.

Packing tips
Designer swimmers, yoga pants, Havianas.

Recommended reads
Robert Drewe’s The Bodysurfers, a collection of short stories set by the beach, is considered an Australian classic. Pure escapism is how you’d describe The Bay, a novel by Australia’s best-selling female author Di Morrissey. Legendary surfer Nat Young lives at Angourie, about 100km south of Byron. His The Complete History of Surfing should keep devotees entertained while they’re lying on the beach.

Cuisine
It’s clean and green up here. Casual, too. It’s only in the past couple of years that true fine dining has come to Byron Bay, and most people still tend to eat in a more relaxed fashion. You’ll find styles from around the world, cool cafes and plenty of options for vegetarians. This is, after all, the epicentre of alternative culture.

Regional specialities
The lush hills of the hinterland are home to tropical crops: coffee, macadamia nuts (absolutely superb coated in chocolate) and exotic fruits like custard apples and lychees.

Currency
Australian dollar (AUD$).

Time zone
GMT +10 hours.

Dialling codes
The international code for Australia is 61. Byron Bay: 02 (drop the zero when calling from overseas).

Do go/don't go
During the warmer months (November to March), Byron Bay seethes with life and it’s best to avoid December and January when the area is bombarded by schoolies (teenagers who’ve just finished year 12) and families on holiday. Though the sea is a little chilly for swimming, winter here (June to August) is perfect: calm, sunny and warm with far fewer tourists.

Don't go home without

Sipping on a chilled bottle of Ginger Nektar, the handmade drink produced locally from ginger, rainwater, honey and lemon. You can buy it in just about all the cafes and general stores around Byron.