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1 Marine Parade, Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, Australia
NSW 2481
Elegant Tuscan-style boutique hotel Victoria's at Wategos is set amid lush tropical gardens beside beautiful Wategos beach, perfect for soaking up Byron Bay's laid-back coastal life.
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1 Marine Parade, Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, Australia
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.
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.
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 bars and restaurants in Byron Bay, click here
If you want pretty, elegant Italian-style interiors with a classic Australian beach right on the doorstep, then hold your wedding here. Victoria's at Wategos would work well for a honeymoon or hen party too, as there are spa treatments and swimming pools on hand for rest and relaxation, and cool cafes and restaurants in and around Byron Bay for retoxing with cocktails afterwards.
The hotel would suit small intimate weddings of up to 20 guests only, as it doesn't cater for larger receptions. A maximum of 20 guests can be accommodated overnight.
Click here to view more wedding hotels in Australia
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