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Victoria's at Wategos hotel, Byron Bay, Australia

Victoria's at Wategos

Byron Bay, Australia[view map]

Local restaurants

Restaurateurs John and Lisa van Haandel have brought a touch of Melbourne magic to Byron Bay at Pacific Dining Room (+61(0)2 66 807055; www.pacificdiningroom.com.au), at the Beach Hotel, on the corner of Jonson and Bay Streets. It’s a compact menu with Mediterranean influences – grilled local prawns served with aioli, pimientos de Padrón and Ortiz anchovies are all offered as tapas-style small plates – served in a sophisticated, laid-back venue. At Dish restaurant and Marvell bar (+61(0)2 6685 7320), on the corner of Jonson and Marvell Streets, in Byron Bay, there’s a modern, relaxed Balinese vibe, with ivy clinging to the walls and warmth added by the exposed timber ceilings. Bret Cameron’s seasonal menu – European but with a touch of Asian – reaches just the right level of creativity, too. To dine overlooking the ocean head just down the road from the hotel to the evocative al fresco restaurant at Rae's on Watego's hotel, at 8 Marine Parade (+61(0)2 66 855366; www.raes.com.au), which serves a mix of Australian and Thai dishes with an emphasis on local, organic and seasonal produce and great seafood. Fishheads (+61(0)2 66 807632; www.fishheadsbyron.com.au), on Main Beach at Jonson Street, is another good bet for sampling fresh seafood on a generous indoor and outdoor beachside deck, with calming modern decor and views of the waves and strolling surfers while you eat.

Local bars

Set in a historic local building with a large shaded balcony, The Balcony Bar & Restaurant (+61 (0)2 66 809666; www.balcony.com.au), is a mellow port of call on the corner of Lawson and Johnson Streets,  just off Julian Rock near Main Beach. As well as breakfast from 8am till noon (with buttermilk pancakes, toasted banana bread and burritos on offer), there are healthy lunch and dinner options including grilled catch of the day, Caesar salad and oysters. There's an extensive wine list, too, as well as jaunty cocktails such as lychee martinis and mojitos.

Local cafes

Byron Beach Café (+61 (0)2 6685 8400), on Lawson Street at Clarkes Beach, is just a little bit posher than your average caff, and the views are amazing from both the deck and the dining room. Chef Matthew Gillespie, who has a rep in these parts, prepares a range of enticements, including a great wagyu burger at lunch.

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Byron Bay, check out our Byron Bay eating & drinking guide

Worth getting out of bed for

At the hotel itself, there's a dramatic 16-metre lap pool, which is a top spot for reading and relaxing, as well as swimming and sunbathing. It runs along the spacious lounge area by the guest house and is flanked by columns which lend it an elegant Grecian or Tuscan air. You can play boules on the lawn in the grounds too, or just wander the lush, tropical garden, which includes a water feature with rocks and lily pads – and the hotel's feisty pet gohanna.

You're only a hop, skip and jump from one of Australia's most gorgeous beaches, Wategos, so grab your Seafolly suit and get in there. The hotel can hook you up with one-on-one surf lessons if you'd like some coaching, or just want to hone your skills. Deep-sea fishing charters, whale- and dolphin-watching tours and even kayaking with dolphins are yours for the taking (note: the dolphins won't actually kayak with you, just swim alongside). Scuba and snorkel diving tours to Julian Rocks Nature Reserve are also a must.

If you'd rather stay on dry land, a short, scenic walk takes you up to local landmark the Cape Byron lighthouse. From this lofty vantage point, you can take in sweeping views, spy dolphins cruising by or whale-watch in winter months, when the giant creatures migrate north to warmer waters. Should the mood take you, you can even hurl yourself off the top in a tandem hangglider. There are over 4km of spectacular walking tracks around the headland, taking in coastal rainforest, eye-popping beaches and ancient Aboriginal sites. Other activities nearby include horse riding on the beach and hinterland, golf at one of five local courses or a game of tennis.

For a dash of retail therapy, art galleries, local markets and a stylish mix of cafes, bars and retaurants, just wander down the beach to Byron Bay itself. The vibe here is relaxed with a dash of glam, with gourmet hotspots reminiscent of Bali or Miami.

Diary

July Splendour in the Grass is an annual music festival held at Belongil Fields, outside Byron Bay, with big-name indie treats from electronica to hip-hop, rock, folk and other genre (www.byron-bay.net.au/splendour.htm).

For a full list of recommended activities in Byron Bay, check out our Byron Bay destination guide


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