Following is an update on Byron Shire Council operations relating to Cyclone Alfred. infrastructure such as bridges and causeways Council’s teams are continuing to work on 24-hour rosters responding to emergencies as they come up. They are getting to things such as fallen trees and road damage as fast as they can keeping in mind the conditions and their safety They will continue to work around the clock for as long as needed Waste collection services are cancelled until next week and the Resource Recovery Centre at Myocum is closed To keep up to date with Council information follow us on Facebook and check our website regularly The Facebook page will not be monitored overnight. Call Council during business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday) – 02 6626 7000 or after hours for emergencies – 02 6622 7022 Staff will do their best to get to the problem as quickly as they can or when it is safe to do so. This may take several days. The entrances to Belongil and Tallow Creek entrances are closed and this is causing an additional flood risk for Byron Bay and Suffolk Park. The storm surges have pushed sand into the mouth of both creeks blocking their entrances This is a problem because the current cyclonic conditions and force of the ocean is making it hard for the creeks to open naturally and remain open - alleviating some of the inundation and flood risks The size of the swell and force of the ocean also mean that Council manually opening the entrances using machinery will not work – they will rapidly silt up with sand and naturally close again What we’re now faced with is a no-win situation where lots of rain is needed to enable the creeks to push back against the ocean to be able to open naturally And a lot of rain is unfortunately likely to result in the over-topping of these creeks causing inundation and flooding to low-lying properties We are monitoring both creeks very closely and as soon as we can do anything that will have a positive impact on release of water Please factor this new information about the closure of Belongil and Tallow Creek ICOLLs and the likelihood of flood impacts on low-lying areas of Byron Bay and Suffolk Park into your preparations today closely monitor conditions and heed the advice of and warnings of the SES There is no kerbside waste collection (wheelie bins) until next week Those people who missed their collection this week can put all bins (red yellow and green) out on their normal day next week Byron Resource Recovery Centre is closed Friday and Saturday. All beach accesses managed by Byron Shire Council are closed All library branches across the region including Byron Bay The following facilities are closed: For help during flooding or weather emergencies sandbags and damage to property call the SES on 132 500. NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has opened three evacuation centres in the Byron Shire: If possible people should bring camp mattresses People can take pets to the evacuation centres where staff will do their best to accommodate them. Owners should take feed Currently DCJ is asking that no donations of bedding or other items are dropped off to evacuation centres People are asked not to drop or send donations into areas impacted by Cyclone Alfred because unrequested donations can hamper recovery efforts is waiting to find out the impact of Cyclone Alfred. People can however register to help with the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre’s Spontaneous (MDNC) Volunteers The MDNC is taking early volunteer registrations for food support and counselling (only). https://nz.becollective.com/.../64dc5ee4a102c0d17.../profile The MDNC is not currently taking registrations for clean-up activities The Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard, https://emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au/ has links to the following emergency services and information: Byron Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land the Minjungbal people and the Widjabul Wia-Bal people of the Bundjalung Nation and we pay our respects to Elders past and present After more contact information? Visit Lot 12 Bayshore Drive – Roundabout Construction Parking Permit Types & Supporting Documents fed5f177-b12e-417c-b31d-079d227f6197 Community Plan Changes to what goes in your green bin Delays to Development Application Assessment times ' + noBrDesc.replace(/(\r\n|\r|\n){2}((\r\n|\r|\n)+)?/g, '$2 Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe The sold sticker has finally gone up on Cedar Hill – the Newrybar home of wellness guru and trainer to the stars James Duigan and his wife Chrissy – about two years after the couple first listed the luxury acreage in the lush hamlet While the exact price is undisclosed, it’s understood to have sold for about $13 million, which has clocked a Newrybar record – but falls about $7 million short of the vendor’s initial $20 million hopes when the luxury acreage first hit the prestige market in May 2023 SaveLog in or to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. The 2025 Australian Para Surfing Titles and BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surf Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support are set to take over Byron Bay from March 23 – 30 As the first leg on the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP) World Tour The Adaptive Pro will showcase the incredible skill and determination of adaptive surfers from across Australia and around the world bringing an incredible energy to the coastal hub of Byron Bay While the spotlight shines on the inspirational adaptive surfers The week will feature a FREE ‘Come and Try’ clinic supported by Surfing Australia and presented by Macquarie Sports and creating an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators Come and Try Day offers an exciting opportunity for new participants with a disability to experience the joy of surfing and be inspired to compete one day! To get involved, sign up HERE. Six-time world champion and adaptive surfing legend Mark “Mono” Stewart is equally thrilled to see the event return to Byron Bay: “It’s one thing to talk up your hometown on the world stage but it’s another to show it off in all its glory Bringing the many friends I’ve made to Byron Bay has been a highlight of my career and I hope our event will inspire other people with a disability to give surfing a go.” Competition kicks off with highly anticipated Parade of Nations on Sunday which will see competitors from around the world march through Byron Bay’s streets and the unifying ‘Pouring of the Sands’ ritual Opening Ceremony and Mixing of the Sands Ritual March 24th – Monday: Australian Para Surfing Titles Commence March 25th – 12 PM: “Come and Try” Day – Hosted by Surfing Australia and Macquarie Sports March 26th: BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Event heats begin March 30th: Official Presentation Night at Byron Bay Services Club The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support is a testament to the strength and resilience of adaptive athletes It is an event that not only showcases the highest level of competition but also inspires greater inclusivity in the sport of surfing For more information, please visit www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com . Events Events News Rule Book (2024) Coaching Judging Officiating Renewals Sport Integrity Help Resources High Performance Centre High Performance Program High Performance Academy About Irukandjis News About Login to your profile or Sign up to our new Surfing Portal Head to your Surfing Portal to purchase or renew memberships Head to your Surfing Portal to enter events and courses Clinton Guest (NSW) posting a near perfect 9.93 Credits: ISA Day 4 of competition at the ISA World Longboard Championships has wrapped up overnight with all four Australian athletes delivering standout performances... North Shore Boardriders have officially claimed the title of Australia's best boardrider club securing national glory and ultimate bragging rights at the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final,.. HYUNDAI AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE GRAND FINAL PRESENTED BY NRMA INSURANCE IS ON AT BURLEIGH HEADS THIS WEEKEND Australia’s most exciting club surfing competition the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle.. Surfing Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Janine Allis to it’s Board of Directors. A trailblazing entrepreneur and passionate advocate for innovation and growth An extraordinary display of community and connection is set to put Cronulla NSW on the global stage again this March as 1,000 individuals paddle out link arms and unite as one to break the record for the World’s.. Surfing Australia is pleased to announce that the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance has been officially rescheduled to April 12-13 StatesSNSW SQLD SVIC SWA SSA STAS We have now completed the storm related green waste pick up Residents can continue to use their TWO $50 waste disposal vouchers if they have not already done so this financial year to bring green waste to the Byron Resource Recovery Centre Get more information about waste disposal vouchers and courtesy trailers If you have difficulty removing large trees or think your green waste collection has been missed There is no rural collection of green waste form the verge. If you have any issues, please use Report It to let us know and we will investigate on a case-by-case basis. Please do not place waste relating to Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the kerbside. If you have bulky waste caused by storm or flood damage Essential Energy are responsible for tree removal near powerlines For trees that have fallen onto your house from your property please contact SES on 132 500. ' + noBrDesc.replace(/(\r\n|\r|\n){2}((\r\n|\r|\n)+)?/g Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky could have chosen any number of desirable locations to raise a family: California But they chose iconic Byron Bay as their ideal place to settle down California’s climate is ideal and it’s close to their work in Hollywood while Pataky would have be drawn to where she was born and raised in Spain Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky prefer being close to nature/ But instead the pair wanted to live away from the bright lights and media glare and find a home more connected to the great outdoors Madrid-born Pataky said she had long ago decided she wanted to live on a farm “Living in Madrid is complicated when you’ve already lived in the countryside have to do with the world of cinema and its industry RELATED: Liam Hemsworth plans $20m Aussie home Chris Hemsworth going surfing with his sons Instead the Hemsworths only trip to Los Angeles for work and to Spain for holidays The couple’s social media shows off their holidays to Europe but it also shows the lifestyle they have wanted and found in northern NSW MORE: Aussie 23yo ‘It girl’ exposes $30m lush pad Chris Hemsworth and family at Byron – picture: Instagram The couple bought a big slice of land outside Byron Bay township in 2014 and three years later construction began on a huge home there nicknamed ‘Fortress Hemsworth’ by the locals and worth as much as $50m The home sits on 4.2ha estate that took three years to complete and boasts fantastic district views MORE: Nude artist’s $12m problem he enjoys making Byron Bay his home because he feels “less famous” and more grounded there The area has also become something of a family hang with Liam Hemsworth also buying significant holdings in the areas MORE: Kyle Sandilands’ big move amid health scare third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. People are advised to hold onto to their sandbags for a couple more weeks in case there is another weather event as the catchment is now very wet and the dunes are eroded Council’s Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator said that people should not empty their sand or place sandbags onto the beach. “We are getting a lot of enquiries from people asking whether they should put the sand on the beach given the erosion over the last week and the answer to that is no,” Ms Dowsett said “Sand can be dirty and contaminated from flood or stormwater with weeds pests and even chemicals posing an environmental risk for marine life and the birds and insects that live in the dunes and on our beaches,” Ms Dowsett said “While it’s likely most sand for bags has come from quarries and is clean we don’t know for sure so the best thing to do is to not inadvertently contaminate our already depleted beaches “Even Council needs to make sure we have proper assessments in place when we put any material on the beach that could pose a risk to the environment and marine park,” she said We are aware that people are concerned about the dune erosion and want to help but the best way is to let the beaches stabilise first and we will consider any management or interventions after the event. Council is suggesting people hang on to their sandbags for a little while and as information becomes available about how to dispose of them properly Council will promote this to the community. Ballina Shire Council is making strong progress on the major intersection upgrade at Byron Bay Road and Byron Street Stage 3 works will begin Thursday 24 April 2025 with the intersection transitioning to a roundabout traffic arrangement This will be the permanent configuration going forward Traffic control and VMS boards will be in place to guide motorists safely through the area Please drive with care and follow all signage works remain on track for completion in June 2025 Council thanks the community for their ongoing patience and cooperation as we deliver this important infrastructure project This $1.53 million project is proudly funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program For more information visit Council’s project page. More Contact Information We Want Your Feedback Report an Issue events and project updates straight to your inbox Ballina Shire Council acknowledges that we are here on the land of the Bundjalung people The Bundjalung are the traditional owners of this land and are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience In the days spent moving between sea, suite and sun-drenched terrace, a slower kind of luxury revealed itself. Here, Jess Blanch shares a series of postcards from her stay and Mukti organics wait patiently on tiled vanities for a post-beach ritual An eco-conscious ethos runs through every choice If the mini bar stocks Loco Love, you know you’re in good hands. But if you feel like venturing outside your room for a meal, you'll find Byron Bay Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant just downstairs. And from 5 - 6pm, they serve fresh, briny Sydney Rock Oysters for just $3 each which really is one of life’s greatest pleasures the hotel's rooftop bar makes the most excellent martinis You’re in the heart of town at Hotel Marvell. Just down the road you'll find The Bay Leaf which serves a cult-status breakfast, Highlife for curated vintage finds and Bar Heather for the best wine list in town it's only a short walk down to the main beach Enter your details below to receive 30% off Amber Sceats jewellery +61 2 9293 0999 RUSSH.com is published by RUSSH Media Pty Ltd street dining and roving performers…Byron Bay’s Soul Street is a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration “Community is at the heart of the Soul Street festivities and I hope people of all ages step on out on the 31 December and enjoy what the town of Byron Bay is known so well for – a safe welcoming and inclusive celebration,” Byron Shire Mayor Celebrations start at 4pm in Jonson Street with live music and children’s activities The Twilight markets will be on in Railway Park as well Entertainment on the main stage at Dening Park near the surf club will start at 6pm and this part of the night will be all about getting people’s toes tapping and the dancing shoes on “New Year’s Eve in Byron Bay is about safe respectful and community-focused celebrations; it’s not the time or place for hard-partying,” Mayor Ndiaye said Much of the town is an alcohol-free zone and there will be a strong police presence Camping in the streets is not allowed and people will be fined More information about Soul Street 2024 is on Council’s website For enquiries call the Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320 water and sewer were the focus for Council today (Saturday) after ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred crossed the coast The full extent of damage to our road network will not be known until next week until water in some parts of the Shire subsides The main areas of concern currently are the water and sewer networks which have been impacted by the power outages All networks are working but people are asked to conserve water. More information is below Careful use of water and sewer services remains essential as the impacts of severe weather continue to be felt around Byron Shire. Residents are asked to flush toilets only as necessary as power outages continue to affect sewage treatment plants and pumping stations. let it mellow” message continues to apply until full sewer services can be restored. Council staff are rotating generators between pumping stations to maintain basic operations while waiting for electricity to be restored by Essential Energy. Mullumbimby residents are also urged to limit water use to essential drinking The Mullumbimby water treatment plant remains unable to produce more drinking water due to poor raw water quality in Lavertys Gap Weir. Tap water is safe to drink and current storage levels in Mullumbimby’s reservoirs are adequate however careful use is important until water treatment can resume. Mullumbimby residents are asked not to use water for external cleaning and hosing driveways at the moment. Water supplies in other parts of Byron Shire are not affected however residents should use water with care as demand is expected to increase as cleanup work gets underway. Council authorised the removal of three Norfolk pines at Byron Bay late Friday afternoon The sustained strong winds over much of the week had weakened the root systems of the trees and they were swaying dangerously Council engaged an independent arborist to assess the trees and he found that the heaving of the root systems due to the movement of the trees in the wind was an indication they would fall down and that they were beyond saving The risk to public safety was too great and contractors felled the trees People can report trees and other road damage to Council this weekend by calling our after-hours emergency number - 02 6622 7022 Staff will do their best to get to the problem as quickly as they can Both creeks are open and flowing to the ocean Kerbside waste collection (wheelie bins) will resume next week The Byron Resource Recovery Centre is closed tomorrow (Sunday). There is significant erosion on some beaches. For safety people should keep off the dunes and stay away from the eroded dune face People who want to help communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred to NOT DROP or SEND donations into impacted regions as unrequested donations can hamper recovery efforts Rather they should go to GIVIT.org.au to find out exactly what’s needed. GIVIT has been contracted by the NSW Government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by disasters People can however register to help with the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre Ballina Shire Council is constructing a new permanent roundabout at the intersection of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street The new roundabout will replace the existing T-intersection and improve traffic flow and safety This significant project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025 it is vital we invest in infrastructure that not only meets current needs but also ensures the safety of all residents The new roundabout will improve traffic flow but more importantly it will provide a safer commute for motorists This $1.53 million project is proudly funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program. although there will be no full road closures Traffic control will be in place from 7am to 6pm with the area speed limit reduced to 40 km/h to ensure safety Some nightworks may be required during the project Council will provide further information as the project progresses The works will be completed in four broad stages The temporary roundabout has been removed and the intersection has temporarily reverted back to a t-intersection for stages 1 to 3 of the works This will allow Council crews to complete the project more quickly and ensure the arterial road remains open Council crews will make every effort to minimise disruption and appreciate the community's patience as we undertake these essential upgrades Timeframe: February to end of March 2025 Traffic arrangement: Temporary T-intersection. Motorists exiting Byron Street must stop (at the stop sign) before entering Byron Bay Road Byron Bay Road motorists travelling north must give way to south-bound traffic when entering Byron Street. Traffic control is in place to help direct traffic Motorists are asked to follow traffic signage and slow down to 40km/h. Traffic arrangement: Temporary T-intersection Motorists exiting Byron Street must stop (at the stop sign) before entering Byron Bay Road. Byron Bay Road motorists travelling north must give way to south-bound traffic when entering Byron Street.Traffic control is in place to help direct traffic Motorists are asked to follow traffic signage and slow down to 40km/h Work area: Western side of intersection Traffic arrangement: Roundabout. Motorists must follow normal roundabout road rules and give way to vehicles already in the roundabout Scope of works: Roundabout construction shared path connection for pedestrians and cyclists This map outlines the work areas and order they will be completed across this project. Note: These design concepts are subject to change The finish line is in sight for the design element of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade Project with the full detailed design set to be completed by early next year. said he was pleased to see that planned investigative work was now complete “The services location and geotechnical work has now been completed We will use the information gathered from the investigative work to finalise the detailed design for the construction of Byron Bay’s upgraded drainage system Early stages of the drainage system have been designed and are already under construction at the Sandhills Wetlands and Lawson Street has recently been completed We hope to begin construction of the next stages in the Town Centre Catchment early to mid-2025,” he said. “Byron Bay has a history of flooding during heavy rain this upgrade will reduce the risk of flooding in parts of Byron Bay “During construction there will be impacts We have already communicated with businesses and residents and will do our best to minimise impacts where possible If anyone has any questions about the work please contact us now so that we can discuss the project with you,” he said. People can contact Council on email at majorprojects@byron.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 02 6626 7225 to make an appointment Council also plans to host information sessions before construction of the next stages start. Further information about the Byron Bay Drainage Design Project including a map of the work areas is available on Council’s website which will provide you with project updates. The upgrade to drainage will require the works to be completed in stages to match the available funding and to minimise the disruption in the town centre. $11.8 million dollars for the project was jointly provided by the Australian Government through the Emergency Response Fund administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 22-23 $7 million dollars has been jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund. Council will need additional grant funding to complete construction of the remaining stages in the Shirley Street Catchment Sightings of golf’s “Great White Shark”, Greg Norman around Byron Bay have been confirmed – and his interest while staying at an Airbnb in the town was firmly on property acquisitions It arose every time they sold another property in the US MORE: Real reason Hemsworths move to Byron Bay Hope to re-create it some day soon in Oz.” Norman also explained how he was ready to head back to his home MORE: Most stolen items in Aussie homes revealed “Ohana” is among the prestige Byron Bay district offerings which are for sale I was on the phone with my parents and the sounds of the birdlife in the background was something else I want to get back to Australia as soon as I can I think about coming home every second day.” has plenty of pricey options listed around Byron Bay It is not known whether the couple still intends to build or whether to take up something completed like “Ohana” with interconnecting pavilions on almost half a kilometre of beach MORE: ‘Nothing like it’: New resort a car lover’s Nirvana “Hercules” is another potential home for Greg Norman the Bangalow retreat of entrepreneurs Tom and Emma Lane is listed at $35m through Kim Jones of Kim Jones + Co The Lanes also have their 2.75ha “Newrybar” hinterland estate with concept renders by the architects MORQ MORE: Surf legend Mick Fanning: ‘Why I’m selling beach house’ The five-bedroom home on 1.9 hectares, at 1109 Booyong Road, Clunes is listed with a $2.5 million price guide. The Rossers bought the property in 2020 for $1,375,000 after making the move from the inner Sydney suburb of Redfern. Hamish, who also plays drums for iconic Australian rockers The Vines, said they fell in love with the property and its space and privacy at first sight. “As a musician, it’s great to find a home where you can play music freely without worrying about neighbours, and this property offers that,” he said in a statement. “Living 1.5km from the famous Clunes Store & Cellars is a huge convenience, and the proximity to the Eltham Hotel sealed the deal.” “I remember joking in our early conversations that the design brief was kind of like: “What would Lenny Kravitz do with a house in Byron?” Kristy said in a statement Former ‘unfenced jungle’ one of Leura's best garden estates The luxury penthouses with prices so high they're on the market for years 8 of the best luxury homes for sale across the country The house is very naturally Louella’s style lived-in vibe that really reflects our family.” She said the renovation took around a year to complete it’s a mix between the unique interior and exterior “The master bedroom is one of my favourite spaces so you wake to sunrise views over the hills She’ll also miss the custom details of the vintage timber cheeseboard and French louvre wardrobes and the claw-foot bath on the balcony he’ll miss the place where they could welcome in friends and family “We wanted a place that felt good to live in entertain friends and have space for the kids to run wild It was important to me that everything had a purpose and felt natural,” he said “The connection to nature was a huge plus as well running along the incredibly quiet and serene Booyong Road with the dogs in the early morning is something I’ll really miss,” he said As The Sydney Morning Herald reported, the Rossers are selling to buy closer to town after Kristy’s promotion to lead Live Nation’s sponsorship business in Australia and New Zealand. The property is on the market with Ray White Byron Bay’s Michael and Martine Gudgeon. 2 Baths2 ParkingView listing 7 Hayter Street, Suffolk Park NSW 24813 Beds2 Baths2 ParkingView listing 2A Shelley Drive, Byron Bay NSW 24813 Beds2 Baths2 ParkingView listing The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate Council authorised the removal of three Norfolk Pines in Byron Bay. One tree was in Jonson Street and two were in Apex Park near the Byron Bay Surf Club Council is very aware that our community strongly values trees and the removal of any tree is not taken lightly especially the iconic Norfolk pines in Byron Bay Council engaged an independent arborist to assess the trees and he found that the heaving of the root systems due to the movement of the trees in the wind was an indication they would fall down and that they were beyond saving Council staff are keeping a close eye on the other Norfolk pines in the area In coming weeks staff will be assessing many trees on Council-managed land and more may have to be removed. In the meantime, if people’s property next to Council land has been damaged by trees please send photos and information to council@byron.nsw.gov.au Roots So Deep is a groundbreaking documentary series following innovative cattle farmers and a team of maverick scientists exploring whether grazing practices that mimic bison movement can restore environmental health and combat climate change This series bridges the gap between traditional and regenerative agriculture sparking a movement toward sustainable farming from both sides of the fence we’ll screen two episodes showcasing inspiring land management and groundbreaking scientific research grass-fed and finished beef burger and a beer. Check out the Trailer and tell your friends! Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there) Trailer 1 Learn more about the film: Roots So Deep Documentary This event is proudly supported by Byron Council Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time In the heart of hippie country is a property that makes more money than the typical Aussie worker The unique property in the Byron Bay region earns the owners up to $278,000 a year A glass studio overlooking a dam and the Nightcap Ranges is a drawcard on the $2.3 million property for sale A 10-metre private waterfall has made this hinterland estate about an hour and 15 minutes inland from Byron Bay popular with guests wanting to realign their chakras The Nimbin Waterfall Retreat grossed $278,000 in its “best year” according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Guest accommodation offers an income to the owners of this Nimbin property.Credit: @realty the property promises a blend of business and otherworldly serenity Guests can choose from four configurations – two rooms in the main homestead The little glass hideaway is in prime position to the rolling greenery which is in arguably the best spot out of the structures,” the listing The main house includes bedrooms equipped with kitchenettes “It is a small insulated structure with an amazing outlook Everything inside is new and as it is built on a chassis The bedrooms in the warm and rustic 1950s main house have kitchenettes and balconies The owner can occupy the larger portion of the home while two guests are booked in The glass studio overlooks the dam.Credit: @realty A hammock and an infrared sauna on the verandah are the places for some self-reflection before a drive to the famous Wategos Beach at Byron Bay for a dip A paddock-to-plate lifestyle is possible thanks to a macadamia orchard Tourism in the Byron Bay Shire delivered $751 million to the local economy in the past financial year This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission The Nimbin Waterfall Retreat grossed $278,000 in its \\u201Cbest year\\u201D Guests can choose from four configurations \\u2013 two rooms in the main homestead A manager\\u2019s residence is also on-site which is in arguably the best spot out of the structures,\\u201D the listing \\u201CIt is a small insulated structure with an amazing outlook it does not require council approval.\\u201D This article was originally published by Reproduced with permission Byron Shire Council is excited to announce it will co-host the 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium and North Coast Regional Tourism Awards on Thursday 31 July with Destination North Coast NSW. Local tourism businesses are encouraged to apply for the prestigious North Coast Regional Tourism Awards which are open until 9 May The North Coast Tourism Symposium is an annual one-day tourism industry event that brings together 14 North Coast local government areas (LGAs) from the MidCoast Port Macquarie-Hastings area all the way up to Byron and Tweed Shires “We’re honoured to be co-hosting this year’s Tourism Symposium for our region It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the rich creativity spectacular nature and resilience that has always been a part of our community here in Byron Shire,” Byron Shire Mayor “Like many of our North Coast neighbours we’ve faced significant challenges in recent years — from the impacts of Covid and natural disasters to the more recent cyclone. but they’ve also sparked new ways of thinking “Byron Shire is a place where diverse ideas and experiences come together we have the chance to reflect on and celebrate how far we’ve come and the vision for what we would like our visitor economy to look like in the future. “I encourage all our local tourism businesses to get involved in the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. the awards process offers valuable resources as a way to recognise the dedication and innovation that contribute to our shared success,” Mayor Ndiaye said The North Coast Regional Tourism Awards feature 18 categories that align with the NSW Tourism Awards and Australian Tourism Awards. The program celebrates excellence and equips tourism businesses with the tools for lasting success. This initiative is supported by an extensive program designed to drive business growth and industry best practice Byron Shire Council’s Business and Industry Project Lead said it would be great to have more Byron-based businesses participating in the Awards “We’d love these awards to reflect the true diversity of our tourism businesses we’d love to see applications from our ecotourism cultural tourism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Experiences coming through,” Mrs Silburn said “We’d also encourage our accommodation providers at all levels to get involved accessible tourism businesses and our distilleries and breweries,” she said For more information about the 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium and North Coast Regional Tourism Awards visit: https://dncnsw.com/2025-north-coast-regional-tourism-awards/ Byron Shire Council’s new cap on unhosted short term rental accommodation (STRA) of 60 days a year came into effect this week (23 September 2024) Apart from some areas in Byron Bay and much of Brunswick Heads people are now only able to rent their unhosted properties for holiday accommodation for two months a year “Getting this 60-day cap approved by the NSW Government took many years of work and is recognition of the difficulty many people long-term accommodation in the Shire,” Shannon Burt Director Sustainable Environment and Economy Council staff will now spend the next several months focussing on consolidating data on unhosted properties including those registered on the NSW Government Short Term Rental Accommodation Register as well as public and private listings on on-line booking platforms “While we have already done a lot of background work in preparation for this, as the starting date for the changes was earlier this week (Monday 23 September) we need to review and refresh the work we have done,” Ms Burt said “Once we are confident our data is robust we will begin looking closely for property owners who are breaching the new regulations and we are asking them to get in touch with us if they think their neighbours are breaching the new rules “This is new territory for us and there is no rule book to follow so we will be reviewing and refining our approaches as we go,” Ms Burt said Information about STRA is on Council’s website. You can also view the online public mapping tool Council and the Marvell Hall Committee invite the Byron Shire community to a special morning tea at Marvell Hall on Saturday (12 April) to celebrate the recent completion of a $756,000 renovation and transformation of this much-loved community space The hall upgrade was funded by Byron Shire Council with a generous contribution of $65,000 from Marvell Hall’s operations and includes new air-conditioning accessibility upgrades and improved soundproofing “The morning will kick off with a free taster session from Move It Dance Fitness at 10am and a chance to have a look at the new and improved space,” Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said “The halls play such a vital role in bringing our community together and these upgrades have created more functional and accessible spaces making Marvell Hall an even better facility for all It’s exciting to see how these changes will benefit everyone who uses the space,” she said Upgrades to Marvell Hall were completed in December 2024 and were funded through Council’s Capital Works Program including: Marvell Hall is located in the heart of Byron Bay It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the community I warmly invite everyone to come along and join us,” the Mayor said IMAGE CREDIT: MOVE IT Dance Fitness Fun Photo: Kurt Petersen We received more than 390 submissions and staff reviewed the feedback and presented a report to the Council on 27 February 2025 76 percent of respondents supported the redevelopment of the Byron Bay pool on its current site Suggestions for inclusions in the plan included: 68 percent of people supported the development of a new pool for Mullumbimby Suggestions for inclusions at a new Mullumbimby pool included: Staff were directed to identify funding and progress detail design staging options and initial costings of preferred options We are planning for future pools and aquatic facilities in the Byron Shire View the information below and provide your feedback before 4 November 2024 The Byron Bay Memorial Swimming Pool and the Mullumbimby pool (Petria Thomas Swimming Pool) are both over 55 years old. It's time to plan for redeveloping or replacing these valued We asked them about the aquatic facilities needed in the future We selected a preferred option based on feedback and other factors Our preferred option for future aquatic facilities is: We propose the following facilities at both pools We want to know if these facilities will suit your needs. The Byron Bay Memorial Swimming Pool was built in 1966 and the Mullumbimby pool (Petria Thomas Swimming Pool) was built in the 1950s The pools are coming to the end of their operational lives consultants were commissioned to produce The Byron Shire Aquatic Options Report This came after an earlier feasibility study for the upgrade of the Mullumbimby pool. the focus needed to shift to consider future pool facilities across the entire Shire As part of this project consultants spoke to a wide range of pool users about current facilities and what they would like to see in the future. Consultants also looked at a wide range of other issues to inform their report including: council-owned sites were investigated as part of the Byron Shire Aquatic Options Report Bangalow was not considered because of its location in relation to the rest of the Byron Shire and a lack of suitable After looking at advantages and disadvantages of each site the preferred locations for future aquatic facilities are: The Byron Bay Memorial Swimming Pool is the preferred location for a future swimming complex in Byron Bay While a small and constrained site it is highly valued by the community as a continued location for a swimming pool Feedback from stakeholders was clear in that they did not support the closure of the current pool in favour of a new facility at the Cavanbah Centre. even if a new aquatic centre was built at the Cavanbah Centre Council would also upgrade the current pool This is not feasible for a range of reasons including: A redevelopment of the Byron Bay Memorial Pool is therefore recommended with the facility to include: Three sites were looked at in Mullumbimby: Lot 22 Stuart Street was identified as the preferred location for a new aquatic centre Consultants believe that the site will need to be filled The current site of the Petria Thomas Swimming Pool was not supported because: The old hospital site whilst not flood-prone was not supported because of site constraints including: Consultants estimate the cost of redeveloping the Byron Bay pool and building a new aquatic centre at Mullumbimby will be more than $76 million Council does not have the funds to pay for these projects. The delivery of new and improved aquatic facilities will be done over five to 15 years when grant funding and other funding sources are available Once Council approves a plan for future aquatic facilities staff can start detailed planning and looking for funding opportunities Mid 2023Consultants spoke to a range of pool users and investigated issues Council will decide on the way forward for aquatic facilities in the Byron Shire Watch 5m Severe weather warnings are in place across south east Queensland and northern New South Wales as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) rehabilitation or just cooling off…Council is looking at what residents want when it comes to future pools and aquatic facilities in the Byron Shire “With the Mullumbimby pool now topping more than 65 years in operation and the Byron Bay pool built in 1966 it’s time to plan for redeveloping or replacing these valued community facilities,” Malcolm Robertson Over the past two years consultants have spoken to many pool users and asked them about aquatic facilities needed in the future The preferred option is an upgrade of the Byron Bay War Memorial Swimming Pool on the existing site and a new facility at Mullumbimby on land at Lot 22 Stuart Street Council is proposing the following facilities at both pools although Mullumbimby will also have a heated “We want to know if our preferred option will meet people’s needs because the next step is to start applying for grants to fund the planning of the aquatic centres which are estimated to cost more than $76 million,” Mr Robertson said “Doing major improvements to an existing pool takes a lot of planning and a lot of money but the first step is to have a plan to work from “When we apply for funding we need to show the State and Federal Governments what we will spend the money on and one thing they will want to know is if the plans for aquatic facilities have been presented to the community for feedback,” Mr Robertson said “The proposed location of a new aquatic facility in Mullumbimby is in a flood area and fill would have to be brought in as part of the development,” Mr Robertson said “The land at Lot 22 Stuart Street is already zoned for public recreation but the Plan of Management for the area would need to be changed to allow for this type of development “I am really hoping the community will share their thoughts with us so we can start sourcing funding for these important community assets,” he said Information about the future pools and aquatic facilities project are on Council’s website. Byron Shire Council has added four new EV chargers to its carparks in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay thanks to over $18k funding from the NSW Government EV Destination Charging Grants program The carpark adjoining Council’s Mullumbimby offices and library currently home to one EV charging station split over two car parking spaces is now home to two new 22kW AC chargers. This brings the total number of charging stations available to the public in the Council carpark to four. The Mullumbimby EV charging stations are connected to a 99kW solar array there is one EV charging station split over two parking spaces in the Byron Library carpark and now two new 7kW charging units have been installed in the Lawson Street North carpark “We see the shift to electric vehicles playing an important role in reducing transport emissions in the Byron Shire and we were thrilled to receive funding for these additional charging stations,” Council’s Sustainability Officer “We know that the Byron Shire has the highest EV ownership in the Northern Rivers and the second highest EV ownership in regional NSW next to Queanbeyan-Palerang. We have around 517 EV registrations in Byron Shire alone and this number is expected to continue to grow we also need to be ready for the needs of our visitors – to help decrease the ‘range anxiety’ that is a common barrier to people buying EVs in the first place,” Ms Thatcher said “Increasing EV infrastructure in the Shire is key to supporting continued uptake and aligns with our Net Zero Emissions Action Plan and Power Up Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Strategy,” she said For more information see Council’s website This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Play Duration: 51 minutes 30 seconds51m Presented by Akmal Saleh doesn't like the jungle or rainforests, or any of the animals in the jungle or rainforest. Akmal likes cafes and running water, which made the comedian's purchase of a cabin in the hills outside Byron Bay incredibly puzzling to those who know him. Looking for a place where their two dogs could run free, Akmal and his wife bought their remote cabin on an impulse. After twelve days, they knew the tree-change, hippie lifestyle wasn't for them. What followed was a comedy of errors involving a python in the roof, carpet-eating rats, a half-finished home, an unexpected tax bill, two reality shows and discussing bowel movements with Shane Warne. trains and mouth musicPublished: 11h agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:00am Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts There are hopes a trophy home with "the best ocean views in Byron Bay" could break regional records just months after being pulled from the market 'Hercules' at 59 Coopers Shoot Road in exclusive Coopers Shoot the 'Hollywood Hills' of Byron Bay has been listed for $27.5m to $30m by CEO of retirement development group GemLife who've owned the property for less than three years 59 Coopers Shoot Road is for sale It's a bold price for a non-waterfront property in a regional area, but agent Nick Dunn at McGrath Byron Bay says he has "no doubt" this sale will smash the local record "There are only five properties in this little enclave of Coopers Shoot and no one is selling this one is by far the best," he said "The ocean view is extraordinary; there's no view in the Byron Bay region like that — I'd confidently say that once this property sells if someone wanted another property with an ocean view like that The home is one of five properties in the exclusive enclave Hercules is an extravagant hinterland retreat standing proud on 5.59 hectares of flat land atop an escarpment it enjoys views stretching from Broken Head to Cape Byron Lighthouse it features two cliff-face observation decks built into the escarpment that offer a front-row seat to spectacular sunrises plus an ionised horizon pool that appears to seep into the vast Pacific The property includes two residential dwellings and a film or sound recording studio with make-up facilities The main residence boasts multiple formal and informal entertaining zones including an internal Travertine courtyard floodlit tennis court and the expansive big blue The main residence boasts multiple formal and informal entertaining zones A second two-level dwelling features multiple living zones Hercules resides among lush rainforest gardens The Puljichs bought the house ahead of auction in June 2022 for $22m from previous owners Robert and Deborah Wild co-directors of the Evolve College school of massage training — who bought the property off international music producer Tom Misner in 2014 for $7.9m the Puljichs' $22m sale equaled that of the record price set in the Shire in 2020 when Rip Curl founder Brian Singer paid the same for recruitment industry heavyweight Geoff Morgan’s Wategoes home at 35 Marine Parade After buying Hercules, the Puljichs decided to stay on the Gold Coast, snapping up a mansion at 3 Kootingal Street in Ashmore in September 2024 for $9.7m at auction The property is rumoured to have hosted celebrities including Jude Law and Elon Musk as well as director Baz Luhrmann and actor Amber Heard The high-powered couple originally attempted to offload Hercules last April for around $35m through Mr Dunn but were unsuccessful so they're trying again — with Mr Dunn believing the current price "is in the right pocket" he said there had been "good interest" in the property from both local The high-end market in Byron Shire remained strong "for extraordinary properties in great locations" In January he sold beachfront property at 8 Border Street, Byron Bay for $33.5m The current area record was set by tech entrepreneur Benjamin Bray, who reportedly paid $37m in 2023 for The Range a 48ha luxury escape also in Coopers Shoot 'Hercules' resides among lush rainforest gardens While Hercules' price tag is a few million below Mr Dunn said there's "no question" it will set a new sales record for the Byron Bay coast "It is the best property in the hinterland It deserves a record sale and it will be." The beachside enclave of Byron Bay will become the first regional NSW town to get a protected late-night entertainment precinct under a state government push to boost nightlife by relaxing rules around trading hours and noise complaints for live music venues Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham will on Saturday announce Byron Shire Council will trial a “special entertainment precinct” to protect the popular pubs restaurants and venues along Bay Street and Jonson Street as well as nearby Middleton and Browning streets Local band the Seeding plays to crowds in the centre of Byron Bay after the Splendour in the Grass music festival was cancelled due to bad weather in 2022.Credit: Natalie Grono The trial will be the first outside Sydney and follows the success of the state’s first special entertainment precinct on Enmore Road Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the scheme was an opportunity for the council to collaborate with the region’s artists businesses and residents to shape a night-time culture that was “vibrant welcoming and truly reflective of Byron’s creative spirit and coastal lifestyle” “We want to create a night-time experience that not only supports our local economy but also celebrates the essence of Byron – its people its stories and its unmistakable energy,” she said Byron Bay – a hippy and surfing mecca turned tourism and tree-changer hotspot on the North Coast – has felt the pressure of rising living costs a booming population and surging property prices created by the former Coalition government gives councils the option to introduce more favourable trading conditions for live music venues restaurants and bars within a defined area The Byron Bay precinct will cover legendary venues such as The Backroom at The Northern Hotel live music venues typically receive a two-hour trading extension on nights when live music is offered Councils can also set later default trading hours that supersede the venue’s development consent Sound levels are managed by council noise management plans to provide greater certainty for venues and shield them from unreasonable complaints The Rails Hotel is a popular live music venue on Jonson Street which is in the trial special entertainment precinct Graham said the government’s plan to revive the after-dark economy was not limited to Sydney and six regional councils had expressed interest in the scheme Byron Shire received $162,800 from the government to consult venue operators and residents on new opening hours and sound rules “A night out in Byron Bay has been a special part of the lives of so many people whether they are locals to the area or visitors getting a taste of North Coast NSW “Byron Shire is an iconic destination and the establishment of a trial special entertainment precinct will ensure the classic days continue well into the night,” Graham said The government last month said Burwood and Fairfield councils would trial the scheme The move to make it easier for venues to operate comes months after the Splendour in the Grass music festival, typically held annually in Byron, was cancelled for the second year in a row Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham will on Saturday announce Byron Shire Council will trial a \\u201Cspecial entertainment precinct\\u201D to protect the popular pubs The trial will be the first outside Sydney and follows on Enmore Road Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the scheme was an opportunity for the council to collaborate with the region\\u2019s artists businesses and residents to shape a night-time culture that was \\u201Cvibrant welcoming and truly reflective of Byron\\u2019s creative spirit and coastal lifestyle\\u201D \\u201CWe want to create a night-time experience that not only supports our local economy but also celebrates the essence of Byron \\u2013 its people its stories and its unmistakable energy,\\u201D she said Byron Bay \\u2013 a hippy and surfing mecca turned tourism and tree-changer hotspot on the North Coast \\u2013 has felt the pressure of rising living costs Councils can also set later default trading hours that supersede the venue\\u2019s development consent Graham said the government\\u2019s plan to revive the after-dark economy was not limited to Sydney \\u201CA night out in Byron Bay has been a special part of the lives of so many people \\u201CByron Shire is an iconic destination and the establishment of a trial special entertainment precinct will ensure the classic days continue well into the night,\\u201D Graham said The government last month said would trial the scheme The move to make it easier for venues to operate comes months after the Splendour in the Grass music festival Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens Former magazine model and reality TV star Krystal Hipwell has set her sights on a new big money deal to add to her $25m empire FutureFlip property developer entrepreneur Neil Hipwell and his wife a former lads’ magazine model who appeared on Big Brother in 2006 have secured their latest Byron Bay project It is a 4093sq m rural building block at Ewingsdale on Byron Bay’s outskirts which was purchased for $1.1m MORE: Roosters star’s $2.5m pre-marriage play Property developer Neil Hipwell and his wife have bought their next Byron Bay project site The deal represents the continued generational baton change as it was bought from Cornell Holdings the pioneering Byron investment company of actor Delvene Delaney and her late husband John “Strop” Cornell Glen Irwin of Byron Bay Real Estate Agency sold the Wallaby Close block Ewingsdale is popular with the influencer set MORE: Aussies’ $3.6k loss could flip script on rate cut constructed a luxe Instagram-worthy retreat which sold for $6.3m in 2022 It was on a 4053sq m building block that had been sold by Cornell Holdings in 2016 for $605,000 Delany released a documentary in March dedicated to John’s role in the making of the box-office-record-breaking classic Hogan co-wrote the script for Crocodile Dundee in 1985 MORE: NIMBY blacklist – suburbs blocking most home builds It was 1983 when the trio first homed in on the Byron district to spend $265,000 on an 8ha oceanfront holding It was sold for $5.02m to the Smorgon family from Melbourne in 2005 They also separately owned large holdings on Belongil Beach MORE: Suburbs with worst tenants revealed The Hipwell couple have a property portfolio with an estimated $25m worth including luxury holiday homes under their business Bunker Escapes in the Snowy Mountains The Hipwells have a property portfolio with an estimated $25m worth including luxury holiday homes in Byron Bay We have developed a Landscape Concept Plan for the Byron foreshore to guide future improvements and allow us to upgrade aging infrastructure The Concept Plan includes parklands and open space within: What is being proposed in the Concept Plan Submissions on the Concept Plan have now closed Thank you to everyone who completed our survey or visited a pop-up information session. We received feedback from over 700 people Your feedback will help to inform a final Concept Plan to be adopted by the elected Council construction will be done in stages over the next 10 years. More detailed consultation with the community will happen for key projects such as: Option 1: Ocean-front carparking retained but reduced Option 2: Remove carpark from current location Key features at Apex Park include creating a foreshore promenade and ensure all pathways are accessible for all users Dening Park - There are minimal changes through this section The Byron Foreshore is an iconic public space for residents and visitors there are ongoing and competing demands from: The community has already told us through the masterplan process that they want a space that is more visually appealing and user friendly. The plan aims to create a space that addresses these challenges while retaining the local rituals and rhythms our of our place and celebrating its natural beauty The design proposes a space where everyone is safe and welcome a canvas on which the community can tell its stories and show its creativity through future play and art elements. We want to create space for people to linger inspire the investment in infrastructure that Byron Bay requires and provide for the future needs of the community and the environment Feedback from this consultation will help to inform what that looks like on the ground Early 2025Your feedback will inform a final Concept Plan construction will be done in stages over the next 10 years More detailed community consultation will happen for these key projects Subscribe to Byron Bay Foreshore newsletter Stretched on the back deck, engrossed in the final stages of a deeply intense game of Uno, only the sound of the dumping surf nearby interrupts the twilight heat Half-drunk cans of Pasito bead with condensation in the heat, while a pile of hot chips so thoroughly doused in chicken salt it looks radioactive sits atop grease-stained paper beside us It's 2025, but it could just as easily be the summer of 1996, when I was still a primary school kid with a sock tan wearing Billabong boardies (what happened to girls' boardies BTW?) over my swimmers In spite of every quaint coastal town in Australia claiming itself as 'the new Byron', capturing that laidback, surfer vibe that has seen tourists flocking to Australia's most iconic beach town for decades is getting harder and harder to do. Yet just 25 minutes up the M1 from the now-boujie-fied hotspot, nestled between a meandering creek and the Pacific ocean, is the tiny little beach 'burb that time forgot. Watch: Need help packing? Try this handy trick… Post continues below. Dotted with '50s Australiana beach shacks in the shade of towering spotted gum and tangled bougainvillaea, New Brighton — tucked in between Brunswick Heads to the south and South Golden Beach to the north — is worth putting on your Airbnb watch list. It delivers precisely the type of beach-house holiday you had as a child: sandy bums, fish and chips for dinner, and bare feet on bike pedals as you cruise the peaceful streets. A few weeks back, that's precisely what my husband and I did, after being gifted an Airbnb voucher for a milestone birthday (and the promise of free babysitting from my parents so we could make our escape sans children!). This is how we found ourselves languidly passing the time over card games well into the balmy evening. A yellow-brick general store selling everything from wine and souvenirs to zinc and bait sits beside sail-fringed, fibro-clad neighbourhood cafe, The Salty Mangrove, which boasts a short menu punching well above its weight and a regular lineup of live music and cocktails in the evenings. The venue's iconic fish sandwich — described by Good Food as 'worth the eight-hour drive from Sydney' — is excellent value, and best enjoyed after being tossed around in the waves that crash just one block to the east. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Salty Mangrove (@the_salty_mangrove) And while puttering around the shady streets collecting fallen frangipanis is a perfectly pleasurable way to spend an afternoon with young kids you don't need to venture far to inject some extra excitement. Riverfront oasis Brunswick Heads is a fishing boating and swimming hotspot that has retained the simple barefoot feel of the quintessential summer holiday albeit while being given the boujie Byron treatment when it comes to its boutiques and restaurants Nosh on elegant Japanese bites with a view of the river at Trouble San or wander around the corner to what is possibly the best beer garden in Northern NSW With a summertime food mainstay by Darren Robertson and Andy Allen (the culinary brains behind Three Blue Ducks) it's worth popping in for some seriously elevated pub fare (think Australian bay lobster rolls and prawn toast with nam jim) the spoils of the Northern Rivers hinterland also lay in wait sleepy villages and laidback distilleries all make a perfect pivot for a few hours out of the sun — but ultimately and a quiet seaside village are really the only ingredients you need TAKE SURVEY ➤ AustraliaChevron New South WalesChevron Byron BayChevron Anna PihanSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links It's dawn on Byron Bay's Wategos Beach. A steady stream of surfers are making their way across the doughy sand for their first paddle of the day. Out on the water, green troughs spread between blue ripples. A short amble away is the lighthouse marking Australia's easternmost tip with views that stretch beyond the nearby banana and macadamia plantations this jewel of the North Coast of New South Wales has attracted hippies and surfers caught between the beauty of the headland and the hinterland Maritime birds at the quaint Tallow Beach on Byron Bay I fell for Byron Bay on a family holiday in the mid-1990s a floor-to-ceiling store bulging with kaleidoscopic tie-dyed clothing in a dizzying spectrum of colors and patterns a wide-eyed fever dream where shaggy barefoot locals and salt-crusted backpackers slept in vans while processions of Hare Krishna devotees kept the air filled with the sound of clanging bells There were no high-rise buildings or fast-food chains But around that time the tide of tourism in Byron Bay started to turn in a more glamorous direction. A well-known local named Ruth Harris sold her grand, eccentric Spanish-mission-style villa by the sea to Vincent Rae, who turned it into the waterfront hotel Raes on Wategos While the rumors that Salvador Dalí designed either the garden or the pool remain unconfirmed the spot has always held a certain mystique Soon this hideaway in the hamlet of Wategos Beach became a discreet but legendary hangout for the rich and famous Australian tycoon Antony Catalano took over the bright white building and filled its sloped curves with colorful textiles the hotel defines a certain kind of coastal chic Linen-clad families picnic and play on the manicured grass out front while the ad hoc coffee van at the hotel's entrance sells velvety almond milk piccolos used to toil in Byron's fields for free room and board just to be part of life here the dreamers ultimately gave way to developers These days the groovy surf town is a haute-boho utopia for touring Hollywood stars and barefoot billionaires thin road from the town center's main drag down to the privileged pocket of Wategos Beach there are now three G-Wagons sporting anti-fracking bumper stickers for every creaking overstuffed Volkswagen van everybody pauses at the hairpin bend to glance down at the reliable right-hand swells at the Pass a slice of frothy beach between Clarkes and Wategos that always has a lineup of bobbing surfers Every few years I hear whispers of “the new Byron,” prompted by fresh openings on hitherto untapped swaths of coastline—in Noosa Lately people have begun talking about a few sun-soaked under-the-radar North Coast spots between Sydney and Byron where the seas are as blue and the hinterland looms with subtropical rainforests George Gorrow and Cisco Tschurtschenthaler at their Sea Sea Hotel in Crescent Head Sea Sea Hotel is a surf lodge in the quiet seaside town of Crescent Head owned by George Gorrow brought creative cool to the relaxed surf village of Canggu Gorrow is hoping to channel the same vibrations with a hotel and creative commune where like-minded travelers can drop in and tune out It's “a new version of a community center,” he says a sleepy fishing town an hour's drive from Byron there's the supremely stylish inn Il Delfino Carved into the cliff and seemingly snatched from the Mediterranean it's owned by the well-traveled local Sheree Commerford “We're honoring Yamba's legacy,” she says “while creating a space that welcomes both new visitors and those returning to relive cherished memories.” The surf at Crescent Head seen from the new Sea Sea Hotel Byron itself has done some additional sprucing up The town just added Hotel Marvell and Basq House which is still a humdinger of a spot to watch the sunset has been refreshed with spacious new rooms and a magnesium pool surrounded by lush gardens that are filled with scampering lizards Then there's the shopping precinct of Jonson Lane which houses a coterie of next-gen makers and designers including the leisure-sports label Nagnata and Deiji Studios which blends floaty linen loungewear and sleepwear There are restaurants that sling seasonal small plates and natural wine where tables are packed with diners refilling one another's glasses to a soundtrack of clattering plates and Italo-disco beats an industrial park on the other side of town local designers can be found alongside beloved Aussie brands St Agni and Zulu & Zephyr have their flagship stores here a newish design-forward modern bathhouse and spa is a haven of saunas and magnesium hot tubs “With so many inspiring people living and moving here there's space for big ideas and the promise of dreams outside of major cities,” explains owner Susie McIntosh 55-acre good-time ranch that opened in the hinterland in 2023—my evenings are powered by Van Morrison and spicy mezcal margaritas “There's a magic to the Bundjalung region,” says co-owner Julia Ashwood “For many returning visitors it's a place of inspiration and freedom.” Everyone around me is still scruffy and freshly salted fired up by sound healing and crystal-charged energy work And the Rainbow Shop is still open and bursting with groovy colors There's still plenty of the old Byron Bay left The exquisitely designed check-in desk at Basq House the recently opened Il Delfino offers stylish suites named after Italian seaside destinations like Ischia and Portofino the 16-room Swell Hotel has an earthy 1970s palette of crushed velvets and timber in a converted motel; there's also an ice bath The Atlantic Byron Bay has bright and airy bedrooms Sun Ranch takes inspiration from California and New Mexico ranch style ultracool crowds flock to the open-air rooftop bar for fruit cocktails and prawn rolls The iconic Raes on Wategos recently took over the nearby Victoria's increasing its room total from 7 to 18 suites has communal spaces like libraries and living rooms crammed with sculptures and sofas it's a mecca for edgy but laid-back cool Founded as a showroom for surfboard shaper Gato Herói Wild Things now stocks a range of boards as well as the art Sydney photographer Brigette Clark stocks everything from jelly sandals and crocheted clothing to beach bags and wicker hats made in Mexico Tigmi Trading is a meticulous showroom of furniture and knickknacks by designers and makers from Australia and around the world Bangalow Pharmacy sells beautiful Japanese linen robes and Italian hairbrushes along with products from brands like Aesop Island Luxe has international women's and men's fashion and accessories Diners beneath a laneway that connects the shops and restaurants of Jonson Lane in Byron Bay which overlooks Wategos Beach and offers a Mediterranean menu with Aussie flair—think kangaroo-tail ragu and pasta with local lobster Kouzína is a charming Greek taverna serving homestyle cooking—moussaka with checkered tablecloths and candlelight is a fun-loving pizza place in Bangalow that serves a popular wood-fired menu with an Italo-Australian vibe During the summer ask for an airy table in the courtyard and small plates that have an Australian twist on French and Asian flavors—green prawns slathered in sambal Start your day at High Life with the coconut-and-apple porridge; the kimchi rice fritters and plates of fermented veggies and wild salmon are as delicious as they are good for you head to the buzzy Light Years for hot and tingly barbecued lamb ribs It's one of the best places to eat in the whole region Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips Stop Counting the Countries You Visit How Safe Is Flying Today The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Worldwide The Best Flights I've Booked With Points and Miles—And How You Can Too up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Finding a beachside suburb where prices are set to surge is a property investor’s dream and the latest data shows buyers won’t need to look far to find the next contender Data from PropTrack has revealed the coastal suburbs buyers are most keen on, highlighting the hotspots around Australia that have the potential to be the next Byron Bay Home values in the sought-after northern NSW town surged over the past decade, especially during the pandemic, putting it at the top of the list of the Australian suburbs with the strongest 10-year price growth To attract wealthy buyers of the calibre that splurge on multi-million dollar Byron Bay mansions, homes need stunning ocean views or beach access, agents say. This newly-built home Byron Bay home recently sold for more than $30 million Prices in Byron Bay quadrupled in that period with the once-sleepy surf town swamped by cashed-up city slickers and even Hollywood celebrities buying holiday homes The warm climate and natural beauty of Byron Bay were two major factors attracting buyers real estate agent and Sotheby’s Byron Bay director Will Phillips said but he said there was more to picking a winner than just sunny days and golden beaches “There are other places that have those things but I think what makes Byron special is it has that sort of laid back lifestyle but you're within 45 minutes’ drive of a major city,” Mr Phillips said the produce and the nightlife are important as well.” While values in Byron have surged to levels that are out of reach for most — the suburb has a median house price of more than $3 million — the data shows there are plenty of in-demand coastal suburbs that are much more affordable Jump ahead to see the most in-demand beachside suburbs in: REA Group senior economist Paul Ryan said changing demographics and the arrival of wealthier buyers were key drivers of price growth in coastal hotspots such as Byron Bay “It’s gentrification that starts that process,” Mr Ryan said “The demographics start to change and that becomes this snowball effect “Once there's a few interesting restaurants or people from wealthy parts of the country who know people who live there “This could have happened to other parts of the coast and it could still happen to other parts of the coast.” A growing foodie scene is a sure sign that a town is gentrifying and may be a precursor for price growth Real estate agent and First National Byron director Su Reynolds said an evolving food and beverage scene is a key sign of a suburb on the up “One of the things you start to see changing is the availability of quality food,” Ms Reynolds said “Once you start to see the evolution of the commercial creator and an eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants It shows increasing demand and increasing numbers of customers.” Byron Bay McGrath director Nick Dunn said the supply side of the equation was just as important in predicting future price growth “The biggest driver of growth in our area is that classic statement of demand over supply,” he said “Our council is so strict with further development that there's only so much available What $30 million buys in Byron Bay – ocean views from every room at Watermark the priciest property to sell in the suburb last year Wealthy buyers are willing to pay more for homes that take advantage of the natural beauty of their surroundings meaning the topography of the area and the way homes are built and oriented was crucial for supporting a high-end market – think beachfront blocks or hillside homes that capture coastal vistas privacy and peace and quiet are really important and something buyers in the high end will expect,” he said For buyers looking to take advantage of surging price growth in the next coastal hotspot Tracking the number of enquiries per property listing can provide a gauge for demand in an area revealing the suburbs where homes are most highly sought “It tends to indicate that there's a lot of buyer interest on the number of homes that are available for sale which generally is the case for up and coming suburbs that have caught the eye of lots of people,” he said Based on the number of enquiries per listing, Bucasia north of Mackay is regional Australia's most in-demand beachside suburb, and with a median value of $510,000, one of the most affordable too. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold We’ve crunched the numbers to compile a list of the most in-demand coastal suburbs outside the capitals across the states. While some are already well known, others are still flying under the radar, potentially allowing buyers to get into the market before prices really take off. Track your property's value and unlock insights and data tailored for property owners. Most are within a few hours’ drive of a capital city and while some are small or medium sized towns others are suburbs within coastal urban areas Many are surprisingly affordable – more than half have median house values of less than $1 million Penguin Queensland and New South Wales had more in-demand beachside suburbs than the other states – a result of proximity to state capitals of Sydney and Brisbane as well as climates that support a beach-oriented lifestyle year round The data uses PropTrack's automated valuation model (AVM) to determine a suburb's median property value buyers looking for the next Byron Bay may not need to stray too far from Byron itself with several nearby suburbs recording high levels of demand which Mr Dunn said reflected a spillover effect Perhaps the best place to find the next Byron Bay is just down the road – Suffolk Park offers a similar lifestyle at a more affordable price point “The younger generation that can't afford Byron Tweed Heads topped the list for enquiries per listing with the strong demand reflected in the 19% uplift in values through 2024 is one of the most in-demand beachside suburbs in NSW Newcastle and Wollongong gives access to a broad buyer pool empowered by hybrid work arrangements The majority of the most in-demand beachside suburbs of regional Queensland were found in the major centres of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Prices surged dramatically since the pandemic in many of these areas as buyers flocked towards lifestyle destinations outside the capitals but with some of the highest enquiries per listing in the country it’s conceivable strong price growth could continue in years to come Slade Point in Mackay's north has a median house price of $510,000 and while properties by the beach can sell for about $1.2 million to $1.5 million that's still relatively affordable for an oceanfront home “You can see the kind of dynamic in the Sunshine Coast that we saw in Byron,” Mr Ryan said but 10 or 15 years ago it was a bit more relaxed and more of a retiree vibe than it is now.” the data also suggested several much more affordable suburbs further north could be primed for growth Eimeo near Mackay has a median house price of just $610,000 All had house prices well below $1 million – Slade Point being the most affordable with a median value of $510,000 The most in-demand coastal suburbs in regional Victoria had fewer enquiries per listing than the other east coast states with the increased number of properties on the market across Victoria diluting demand With more homes to choose from and prices still below previous peaks, it’s a buyer’s market in Victoria’s coastal hotspots Affordable beachside suburbs on Phillip Island such as Surf Beach are among the most in-demand coastal suburbs in Victoria The data showed suburbs of Phillip Island, such as Ventnor, Surf Beach and Cowes were just as sought-after as the Mornington Peninsula’s most in-demand suburbs All the most in-demand beachside suburbs in regional Western Australia were found within or near Bunbury and Busselton The wider region is known for the natural beauty of its pristine beaches and national parks Busselton's natural beauty and laid back lifestyle attracts holiday makers investors and even FIFO workers looking for an affordable coastal home Despite strong price growth recently, houses are still affordable. Only one of WA’s top 10 most in-demand beachside suburbs had a median house price higher than $1 million – Dunsborough about 20 minutes from Busselton and on the doorstep of the Margaret River wine region Buyers looking for South Australia’s answer to Byron Bay could look at Normanville on the Fleurieu Peninsula which has a similar country-meets-coast feel Goolwa Beach would appeal more to surfers, while Encounter Bay offers unobstructed ocean views Many homes on Encounter Bay's prestigious Franklin Parade have sweeping ocean views Wallaroo and Moonta Bay on the Yorke Peninsula are more affordable alternatives While Tasmania may not have a climate conducive to year-round swimming the state’s most sought-after beachside towns are certainly more affordable than their mainland counterparts This three-bedroom mid-century home with ocean views in Penguin on Tasmania's north coast recently sold for $780,000 – less than the cost of a typical Sydney apartment It’s possible to find a house in a beachside suburb such as Penguin, Ulverstone or Somerset on the north coast suburbs for less than $500,000 although homes with views cost a little more The Northern Rivers might be known for its beaches, rivers and waterfalls but the region is also home to an incredible range of colourful and vibrant farmers markets and other community markets that highlight the very best of local farmers These markets also play a huge part in fostering community and provide a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike who are keen to catch up over good food and live music (there are always amazing buskers to be found) The weekly farmers markets in and around Byron have a focus on supporting small-scale Stallholders at the markets are handpicked for their quality of produce At these beautiful Byron Bay farmers markets you can meet directly with the people who grow your food It’s a good feeling knowing that the money you spend at the market is going back to support local farmers Many of the markets listed below share a crossover in the stallholders that appear each week Some of our favourites include (but this is by no means an exhaustive list – everything is excellent): the Church Farm General Store condiments and soaps the delicious sourdough breads from Crabbes Creek Woodfired bread Rainforest Foods for all things macadamias The Nomadic Kitchen for the best omelettes in town We recommend you check the website for each market to find out exactly what stallholders will be appearing This is where and when you will find each of the markets happening New Brighton Farmers Markets happens every Tuesday Driving distance: 20-minute drive from Byron Bay This lively Tuesday morning market is so much more than an open-air shopping experience it’s also a social and community gathering grab a pastry and a coffee in a reusable cup and take a seat to enjoy the musical stylings of local artists Grab some leafy greens at Lismore Farmers Market Driving distance: 45-minute drive from Byron Bay Get along to this community favourite for some of the best organic produce in the region mushrooms and all many of artisan-made delights will more than fill your basket Find fresh peaches at Murwillumbah Farmers Market Driving distance: 18-minute drive from Byron Bay Widely regarded as Byron Shire’s best farmers market this humming event set under a leafy canopy is loved by locals and visitors alike The kids will beg for the rainbow fruit straps and adults will delight in the many morsels to eat now or take home to cook later It’s a favourite among the chefs of the region Start the morning right shopping for fruits and veg It doesn’t get much more Byron than the vibe at this morning market which is far more than simply a place to stock up on your fruit and veg Come along to absorb the ambience and bring your rug to take a seat and grab something to eat while you watch the world go by at a very leisurely pace Browse through this popular hinterland market Stock up on fresh produce at Lismore Farmers Market Rise and shine early to take the pretty drive west from Byron to explore this lively produce market Even if you can’t fill your suitcase with fresh produce you can still stock up on pantry provisions to take home with you as a memento of your stay These buzzing monthly community markets in and around the Byron Bay region showcase the talents of a range of different local artists and creatives plus amazing food stalls and fun stuff for the kids such as pony rides and face-painting These markets are a great way for the community to come together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere Stroll along the stalls for unique finds and locally crafted goods Driving distance: 15-minute drive from Byron Bay Beautiful Bruns is blessed with both beach and river and it’s along the latter that this monthly market takes place cooling shoppers with a gentle breeze from the water Here you’ll find a curation of locally crafted and imported goods to tempt you The popular beachside market is nestled next to the laid-back Kingscliff Beach This breezy beachside market in the popular Tweed Shire town of Kingscliff is a lovely morning out Head here to peruse stalls peddling everything from jewellery and art to local delicacies Mullumbimby Community Markets features arts and crafts made by local artists With live music, face-painting, massages and a collection of unique stalls, this is more of a mini festival than a market Spend the morning taking it all in from a spot on the grass Lounge on the picnic grounds at Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Markets With everything from pottery to upcycled fashion, plants and art, you’ll find something to tempt you at this easy-going market It’s also set right next to an excellent playground This is a super-popular local market held at the Bangalow Showgrounds on the fourth Sunday of each month Some of the stallholders have been there since the market started back in 1982 You will find local artisan goods and fresh produce and food stalls and a fun atmosphere Spend a Sunday shopping with your kids at Byron Bay Community Market When: 1st Sunday of the month (and 3rd Sunday in December and January) Byron’s original market has been setting up stalls since 1987 and it’s just as popular as ever with a collection of Byron-leaning arts There’s also plenty of delicious ready-to-eat food Grab a bite to eat once you’ve perused the stalls When:  Every 2nd Sunday of the month Find something you love at Byron Bay Community Markets When: Four markets are held annually in early January A beachside market that happens four times a year on the Byron Bay foreshore east of the Surf Club in early January as well as a variety of services from local health and wellbeing practitioners The artisan stalls are set in a lush and laid-back setting An evening market that takes place every Saturday from October to April where local artists, designers, healers, producers and musicians showcase their talents as well as handmade, high-quality designs in a very family-friendly, relaxed environment. Georgia Hopkins is an Australian travel writer and travel advisor, and the founder of travel platform It's Beautiful Here. Georgia is obsessed with finding out what the locals are doing wherever she goes and has been sharing this insider knowledge and other unique, beautiful and interesting travel recommendations, accommodation and experiences on her feed since launching It's Beautiful Here in 2012. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Holidaying with the family is one of life’s great joys. Here's how you can spend time away from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect in Byron Ba... Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. © Australian Traveller Media 2025. All rights reserved. Play Duration: 2 minutes 9 seconds2m 9sPresented by The popular tourist town of Byron Bay, in northern NSW has also been hit hard in recent days with heavy rain and strong winds bringing down trees and causing some damage. Residents of northern NSW are on alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred crosses the coast.(ABC News: Bruce Mackenzie) This story was featured in Issue 15 of Forbes Autralia. Tap here to secure your copy The therapist advises me to move slowly as I finish my 90-minute traditional Chinese medicine session in the lush rainforest “We’ve done a lot of work today,” she says her words an instruction to let the process settle. There must be a word for this perfect intersection of relaxation and energy – because that’s exactly where I am. Between this session and the 90-minute lymphatic massage I had earlier that day I can feel the toxins draining from my body leaving me feeling clearer in the mind and completely present. “You’ll feel different in the next few hours so take your time,” the therapist says before leaving I slip back into my robe and slippers and make my way back through the rainforest to the magnesium pool where a cup of warm ginger tea awaits me. It’s my third visit to Gaia Retreat and Spa the renowned wellness resort co-founded by Olivia Newton-John in 2005 Gaia has become my sanctuary for whenever I feel I need a bit of time out – a break from the relentless pace of work and a need to disconnect from technology I opted for classic spa rituals – massages facials and yoga – I wanted something more this time so I decided to go for the latest treatments I’ve been hearing more and more about. I wouldn’t describe myself as particularly “woo-woo” – but Gaia has an undeniable magical feel about the place Some attribute its energy to the ancient songlines (Aboriginal walking routes) running beneath the sanctuary which are believed to ground and nurture the soul Others point to the lush Bundjalung Country is rests on the volcanic soil of the Wollumbin shield crater – which last erupted 23 million years ago – imbuing the land with a unique vitality Whatever the source – visitors often describe the deep sense of peace and connectedness you don’t find in many places. Set on 10.5 hectares of rolling Byron hinterland Gaia is perched atop the highest peak of the hills behind Byron Bay a region often described as the healing capital of Australia Originally known as “Cavanbah” by the local Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation Byron Bay has long lured everyone from hippies to executives seeking to live in harmony with Mother Earth. Gaia was named after the Greek goddess of the Earth and its very design reflects harmony with nature. organic wood and soft cream and tangerine fabrics is like a cocoon of comfort the space spills out to the expansive Tevana Deck – an idyllic spot to watch the sunrise or curl up with a book after dinner The accommodation ranges from the forest-framed Layana Rooms to the Kamala Terrace with its private infinity pool. Local elders suggest that part of the property was known as “women’s land” or women’s healing grounds – a claim hard to dismiss after spending several hours sitting looking out at over the valley sunsets Even Western scientists might concede to Gaia’s magic noting the magnetic frequencies attributed to the global magnetic structure of the planet. Gaia has always been about “wellness your way” But as wellness trends have evolved since Gaia’s inception so too have the treatments on offer. “Corporate burnout has led to employers and society shifting to adopt a holistic wellbeing mindset focusing on embracing balance in life and at work,” says general manager Emily Griffin “Some high-performing professionals may need a technology detox to “switch off” from their day-to-day and reconnect with self While others may be searching for deeper meaning in their life’s purpose The rising longevity trend – people seeking ways to live longer and more balanced lives has led to new offers caters specifically to women navigating life’s transitions from career shifts to menopause The program is designed to address gaps in traditional healthcare by offering tailored treatments based on symptoms and personalised wellness plans. “The rise of flat-age living is becoming prevalent in Australia allowing us to connect with guests through values and themes This is supported by the longevity trend we are seeing where Australians are focusing on living longer through the optimisation of their lifestyle to live better Another standout trend is the fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies and traditional Chinese medicine are no longer seen as alternative but complementary – backed by tradition and modern science My own experience with Chinese medicine at Gaia left me marvelling at its profound physical and emotional impact. According to the Global Wellness Institute the global wellness industry was valued at $6.32 trillion in 2023 outpacing sectors like sports and pharmaceuticals This growth reflects an aging population and an increased focus on mental health driving demand for everything from mindfulness practices to high-tech treatments. wellness innovation goes beyond traditional spa treatments and hypnotic therapy – a blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology the therapist incorporated reflexology and arm massages while the bright light worked its magic on my skin I did feel – dare I say it – ten years younger. What sets Gaia apart is its ability to compel guests to truly disconnect You’re missing the point if you arrive expecting to scroll through your phone by the pool I found it difficult to sit in the sauna without my mind drifting back to work the energy of Gaia had seeped into my body and mind Morning yoga on a hill overlooking the valley became my favourite ritual it reminded me why this intentional pause was worth it. holidays for me meant indulgence – overloading the senses with rich food and yoga instructors provide a roadmap for renewal arming guests with tactics to sustain balance long after they’ve left. people are seeking what Gaia delivers: a moment to slow down the greatest luxury is learning to stop. I accept Forbes Australia's Terms and Privacy Policy Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription Get the magazine delivered with a Premium membership, find it at all good newsagents, or purchase previous issues online The Bush Fire Danger Period for Byron Shire finishes 17 February 2025 The Bush Fire Risk Management Plan covers the Ballina It includes information about bush fire risk and threat to local areas and specifies works to be done to manage bush fire risk in these areas To access the Far North Coast Bush Fire Risk Management Plan please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website For further enquires, contact NSW Rural Fire Service, on 02 6671 5500 Is there a better morning ritual than a steaming cup of coffee paired with an ocean dip The coffee-drinking community in the Northern Rivers (as with the entire community itself) is strong vibrant and nurturing – expect great coffee served with welcoming smiles or a bit further afield in Brunswick Heads we have rounded up our favourite spots to visit you’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent coffee past 2pm – the best spots open and close early Slip behind the main bustle and you’ll find a quietly kept local secret at Espressohead This community-focused cafe has been extracting very good brews for years to keep locals well-caffeinated Served to complement their house blend is an array of breakfast and lunch menu items from the surprisingly delightful smashed peas with poached eggs to a zingy and savoury Vietnamese pancake you’ll be inclined to keep this one all to yourself A colourful mural dons the wall outside Bayleaf Cafe This always-busy spot is drenched with sunshine in the morning and may require a short wait for a table. Sip on Bayleaf’s own coffee blend crafted by Blackboard or for those who don’t partake in the bean opt for a matcha latte or a roll-call of delicious teas There are breakfast and lunch options to go alongside and the people-watching has a very Byron vibe Pair your coffee with nourishing breakfast plates A side-step from the town centre, charming Folk is a beautifully Byron spot where locals gather for caffeine-fuelled catch-ups Perch under a leafy canopy in the lush garden and soak up the sunshine as you pair your cuppa with something from the wholesome-leaning menu Inside it’s all wood tones and welcoming energy from 7.30am to 2.30pm every day this cute hideout in the northern locale of New Brighton slings cocktails and chef-y plates but by day it’s gently overrun with beachcombers and toddlers spilling babycinos On Tuesdays when the New Brighton market is in full swing across the road it’s a popular spot to refuel post-shop The coffee is very good indeed and the array of baked goods and deli-style snacks are equally delicious Enjoy your coffee under an umbrella outside On the southern end of town, The Byron Bay General Store, a cool cafe set in a historic building, beckons with its casual vibes and good coffee. Grab a picnic table under an umbrella and watch the world go by as you take your time over a delicious breakfast of chilli scrambled tofu or sticky date waffles. You can even stay onsite at the beautifully styled The Villa General Up the hill from town, The Top Shop Spilling onto the grass while you wait for your coffee and bacon and egg roll at this slick operation is almost a bucket list experience The grinds are good and the menu is all comforting classics of burgers but watching the constant throng of locals and tourists roll in and out is perhaps the highlight here Order a coffee and the Campbell scramble and croissant If you’re venturing into the sweet hinterland town of Bangalow, you’ll need to fortify your perusing with a good coffee. Direct yourself off the main street to Woods where the beans are from local roastery Moonshine and the food is ethical and local white weatherboard cottage and frequented by stylish locals take in the Bangalow ambience as you tuck into cafe classics If you’re after a morning brew to wake you up pre- or post-beach stroll, your top pick should be The Kiosk at Clarkes Beach This oceanside cottage is part high-end restaurant The Kiosk is helpfully located at the start of the walk along the headland to Wategoes Beach and up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse so if you’re walking for enjoyment rather than fitness hit the trail with your takeaway and join the Lycra-clad throng Sparrow is a hole-in-the-wall cafe serving excellent coffee to-go A local favourite, Sparrow offers delicious Allpress coffee on the go With a cute hole-in-the-wall outpost on the main street of Bangalow and a bigger corner space in the heart of Byron town Sparrow is known for its super-friendly and fast service They have different types of milk and dairy substitutes on offer as well as a few croissants and pastries for the road Experience the warmth and charm of Baker & Daughters Baker & Daughters is a happy place to be Owners Beck and Matt are gorgeous people and always deliver coffee and their good honest food with a smile Proudly serving Ona coffee – their ethos is simple – connecting great people with great coffee This is another local favourite (the queue outside all day says it all) Not only great coffee and consistently excellent service but delicious bread and baked goods as well This quaint cafe in Byron Bay serves Allpress coffee Daily Counter has been a mainstay in Brunswick Heads for many years now Sarah and her team serve up Allpress coffee with super friendly smiles Try Roadhouse’s “Magic Mushroom” spiced hot chocolate Another local favourite, Roadhouse (or “the Roadie”) in the morning is known for its excellent Allpress Espresso coffee and other warm tonics and drinks that are perfect to kickstart your morning Try their “Magic Mushroom” spiced hot chocolate – it’s amazing Indulge in the rich aromas and flavours of Byron Moonshine Coffee Roasters Byron Moonshine Coffee is a lovely family business out in the Byron hinterland in the charming village of Federal The premium specialty coffee roaster is renowned for its fair trade and organic coffee supplying beans to many of the cafes throughout the region High Life provides great coffee and chill vibes Follow the music to High Life Byron Bay for a reliable brew of Allpress Espresso Faithful regulars also come for the selection of warm tonics and delicious organic and seasonal food on the menu Bun Coffee has been roasting coffee in Byron Bay since 2005 or rainforest alliance beans and its takeaway cups and lids are also fully compostable and biodegradable Lovely people and great coffee – find them in the Byron Bay industrial estate In February 2023, B Smoothie Bar moved into a stunning new space in Habitat Still serving its exclusive Bare Blends smoothies they now offer coffee by Marvell Street Coffee (a local roaster that started roasting back in 2009 in a small shop on Marvell Street in the heart of Byron Bay) Open until 3 pm (a rare late afternoon find) Settle inside the homey cafe for a warm brew Find Tones at Sōko tucked away in the Byron Bay industrial estate This little slice of industrial paradise has outdoor and indoor seating and in addition to excellent coffee you can also grab a quick breakfast or even a bunch of beautiful Braer flowers (a florist that shares the same space) Originally written by Georgia Hopkins with updates by Lara Picone Explore more of Byron Bay, from the region’s incredible restaurants to unforgettable things to do. Working for many of Australia’s top publications Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Holidaying with the family is one of life’s great joys Here's how you can spend time away from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect in Byron Ba.. Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work If you’re visiting Yamba for a lazy beach holiday, it’s worth spending one of its endless sunny days taking a road trip from Yamba to Byron Bay. Traversing the North Coast of NSW will see you dropping into some of the most quintessentially Aussie towns with turquoise blue waters chowing down on classic hamburgers for your post-swim lunch and winding through rainforests high up in the hinterland Here’s our guide to the best places to stop on the drive from Yamba to Byron Bay Only a little off-route? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. The ferry from Yamba to Iluka might take 30 minutes (and runs regularly every day of the week), but the drive isn’t too bad – less than an hour will land you in a town where time feels like it stopped in 1975. There’s one row of boutiques and cafes, but if you’re there after 11.30am you absolutely must visit Sedgers Reef Hotel’s bistro the outdoor seating is breezy and pet friendly and the interiors are so Australiana it hurts There’s also a particularly memorable experience to be had at Chez Basho Boatshed Cafe located on Charles Street right off the water as super authentic Japanese-inspired fare keeps locals smiling The team introduced a selection of cocktails to the menu in October 2024 so lunch is officially more festive than ever Nature lovers can get amongst their preferred poison as the Iluka Bluff Lookout and Iluka Rainforest Walking Track dish up exceptional vistas of the NSW coastline Following the path to Frazers Reef will also uncover a spectacular hidden beach Don’t miss any of it during your Yamba to Byron Bay journey Stray serves up coffee and indulgent breakfast plates Your next detour along a Yamba to Byron Bay expedition is Evans Head. Busier than Iluka but not as popular as nearby Lennox Head (more on that gem soon) and Yamba, Evans Head has a great surf break (hire a board at Evans Head Surf Shack during summer) and a laid-back feel If it’s lunch, punch 14 Oak Street into your Maps and prepare to salivate. Chippa is Evans Heads’ go-to fish-and-chippery and the fruits of its labour are downright delicious Think all the classics like a Fisherman’s Basket plus burgers and salads tossed with finesse Grab your board and head to the beach at Lennox Head Made famous when the Hemsworth brothers nabbed gigantic properties to lay the groundwork for ‘Hemsworth Hills’ just outside of town Lennox Head is a huge hit with surfers who cruise the coast looking for perfect breaks As a result of its frothy street cred, the town has plenty to offer tourists including stylish eateries like Shelter and Williams Street, nestled alongside feed-me stalwarts like Fishy Fishy which nails takeaway fish and chips Fine dining also makes waves around here with Baraka, home to Middle Eastern masterpieces, and Quattro Beachfront Italian mastering flavour-packed dishes and special-occasion ambience Meanwhile, the party force is strong over at Chido Cantina where Mexican-laced mayhem often attracts thick crowds Head up to Pat Morton Lookout during your Yamba to Byron Bay getaway to really soak up the region and pick up a handmade gelato from Lennox Gelato and Coffee Co before getting back on the road From Lennox Head you’ll want to wind into the Byron Bay Hinterland as opposed to following the coast. Additionally, Suffolk Park, right near Crystalbrook Byron, one of the best Byron Bay accommodation picks flowing with the same dense rainforest and hippie energy Grab a coffee and a pastry from The General Store while you peruse the locally sourced produce Take in the breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland of Byron Bay at Gaia Retreat & Spa If you have time (and extra cash) along your Yamba to Byron Bay adventure, book into the nearby Gaia Retreat & Spa tranquil surroundings and extensive self-care offerings will help you shed a year’s worth of stress Before you continue to your final destination descent, drop into the Newrybar Merchants for some retail therapy The quaint collective of killer boutiques is a haven for one-of-a-kind homewares Peruse the boutique shops along the main street of Bangalow Savvy travellers in search of a Byron experience along the Yamba to Byron Bay track without the fuss restaurants and the region’s signature luxe-boho shops Island Luxe and Rowie speak fluent fashion, while Our Corner Store will see you picking up everything from local produce to handmade mugs and plates You Beauty has turned regular pub classics into refined meals The restaurant scene overachieves too with You Beauty, slicking up your regular corner pub via ultra-refined dishes and sensational drinks, and Ciao, Mate! owned by renowned Melbourne chef Nick Stanton and lighting up a restored historical building BYO stretchy pants for the latter pick especially as seasonal pastas woodfired pizzas and traditional desserts fulfil universal Italian feasting dreams Eyes firmly fixed on the prize of caffeine? Zip straight to Butcher Baker where cafe life is expertly crafted Your Yamba to Byron Bay road trip has drawn to a close — but the fun’s only just beginning. If you’re arriving in the evening, head down to The Rails Hotel for a nightcap as there’s often a band playing in the outdoor bar If there’s still time for a swim, Wategos Beach (and the glamorous Raes on Wategos dining room destined for post-swim indulgence) is less busy on a late afternoon Park further up the hill and walk down as there are usually easier parallel parks along the side of the road than those in the car park Raes on Wategos is best for waterfront dining Keen to sample the newest kids on the block? Hotel Marvell has slam-dunk five-star perfection since its opening at the end of 2023, serving as one of the most luxe accommodation offerings in Byron Bay Additionally, it’s home to the Byron Bay Oyster Bay & Seafood Restaurant which opened in October 2024 and oozes big summer energy — the perfect reward for a road trip well-conquered This article was originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH as well as copywriting for international brands If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book From spectacular sites with million-dollar water views to places to pull up your motorhome the best Yamba camping and Yamba caravan park picks always.. Whether you’re planning a full-on eating itinerary or just stopping through town the best Yamba restaurants provide delicious and diverse delights... if you were looking for a laid-back beach holiday in New South Wales With the shorebird breeding season well underway beach goers are asked to stay off the sand dunes and leave nesting birds alone National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Byron Bird Buddies are working together to protect endangered (and critically endangered) shorebird species who have taken up residence along the Byron coastline “We were all so thrilled to see a pair of critically endangered Beach stone-curlews nesting in the dunes on Clarkes Beach as there are only 13 breeding pairs in NSW,” Chloe Dowsett “Their nests are just a small area of scraped sand and we have fenced the area off and put signage up warning people to stay away “It’s so important these birds are not disturbed because they only lay one egg and the chick is cared for by both parents for seven to 12 months “We are hoping people will do the right thing and play their part in helping these special birds expand their family,” Ms Dowsett said On other beaches Spotted Pardalotes and Rainbow Bee-eaters have been sighted nesting in the dunes with the Byron Bird Buddies rescuing a group of baby Bee-eaters as the area surrounding their nest was being damaged by people trampling and climbing on the exposed dune “All of these precious birds are easily disturbed by walkers joggers and especially dogs so we are asking people to be aware and take extra care when they are on the beach,” Ms Dowsett said For media enquiries call the Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320 However, most Australians will tell you that we tend to overlook the beauty that lives right in our backyard. Many of us will have been to Byron Bay before I went first for Schoolies and then for multiple beach breaks with friends ever since rising above Byron is an entirely different world The Byron Bay hinterland is a location all of its own. It recalls the jungles of Fiji and the rolling lush hills of north-western America but has the down-to-earth Aussie hospitality we're famous for A celebrity haven, there's a reason the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Matt Damon and Olivia Newton-John have owned homes here Encompassing a cluster of suburbs west of Byron such as Bangalow and Eureka the hinterland is as short as a 10-minute drive from Byron town centre and a 25-minute drive to Ballina airport — but up here a ridiculously relaxed post-holiday human who recently visited this destination take you through exactly how to have the perfect break in Byron Bay's hinterland. Let me ask you this: What do you do when you love your wife? it would involve a bouquet of supermarket flowers his way to honour his wife Rachel was to build a decadent 50-acre designer property to celebrate her 50th birthday. the pair had been wanting to find the perfect Hinterland location to celebrate this major milestone in her life but had trouble finding the right property Given they had the means to build a place themselves this couple set out to make something truly fabulous that others could enjoy for years to come: a customisable holiday retreat that doubles as the perfect venue for any event So, Three Meadows was born The beautiful Meadows Cottage where I stayed I hopped off the plane at Ballina airport and sauntered up to this gorgeous property in Bangalow which would be the home base for my stay. I had the privilege of staying in the Cottage but first I want to emphasise how easy and quick it is to get here. Qantas and Jet Star run multiple flights up each day from as little as $109 While many Sydneysiders will be used to the eight-hour slog up the highway to Byron Bay jumping on a flight could not be simpler (or more affordable If you're looking for a hassle-free holiday Walking into the Cottage at Three Meadows feels like a home away from home The beautifully landscaped gardens lead up towards a two-story white cottage with a large wrap-around veranda. the elegant decor breathes life into the space with beautiful textural elements such as worn wooden beams and a handcrafted door made by the owner who is the artisan behind Think Outside hand-crafted sculptures. It's fully equipped with all the things you might need: coffee maker and you can even book a 'pantry stock' before you arrive to ensure the essentials are there for your stay gluten-free bread (I advised that I am coeliac before my stay). Hand-crafted metal doors open the bathroom tub out to the elements The true magic of Three Meadows' Cottage is how it brings the outside in The spacious bathroom features bespoke metal barn doors — also crafted by Aaron — that open to the vista outside This means that you can sit in the tub and stare up at the stars. you can shuffle out onto the paved patio area I filled it with hot water after a run through the green leafy hillside and felt all the stress soak out of me as the birds sang and what putting on your 'Out Of Office' should be about I soaked in the outdoor tub after a run and it was so peaceful While Three Meadows isn't off-grid (thank god it does encourage you to put your phone down and connect with nature. Just outside the home is a beautiful garden that has been manicured by horticulturalists featuring native plants like the waratah and bottlebrushes bees buzz and nature feels very much a part of your life (without it being too up in your grill if you're bug-averse As a place to stay to get away from the 'rat-race' of city life You never need to leave the comfort and privacy of Three Meadows This proximity means this location is perfect whether you're planning a family holiday or getting a few friends together for a larger event And the good news is that if you want your tranquil stay to be filled with a few high points of adventure, it absolutely can be. Three Meadows offer brilliant partner experiences, organised through their in-house concierge They can line up scenic helicopter flights, hot air balloons, whale watching, private kayaking and surf lessons, in-house spa and massage treatments, private yoga and guided meditation, and even psychic mediums you can book a private chef and in-house dining as well as bush tucker and cultural tours. In keeping with how Three Meadows was conceived there is a lot of versatility in what it can offer to groups of different sizes but larger groups might prefer the main dwelling with its pool and sprawling rooms that seem to almost blend into the hillside I can't really talk about my stay at Three Meadows without touching on what it's really all about: bringing your loved ones together in one place. Designed by architect Christine Vadasz, Three Meadows is also home to a lush grassy area where marquees can be set up, and they also have a wonderful outdoor patio structure called The Pavilion that has already been home to many events (including the Byron Caper Festival) The Pavilion is constructed with reclaimed materials from the original orchard that sat on the property and is perfect for long lunches and candlelight dinners With commercial grade kitchens and a large open-plan layout decorated with Aaron's intricate reclaimed materials this is the perfect indoor space to host any event large or small Under cover (ideal for Byron's 'four-seasons-in-a-day' weather), it can fit more than 90 guests and suits anything from birthday parties and family gatherings to corporate workshops and weddings. While I liked living with the privacy that celebrities in the hinterland enjoy, I actually don't need to hide from the paparazzi (one point for the little guy), and was able to do a heap of activities while I was in Byron. Located in the heart of the Bangalow Hinterland, Three Meadows is a hop, skip and a jump from all the best local attractions. I'd recommend making sure you add the following to your itinerary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara Searle (@sara.searle.v) Byron is all about slowing down and chilling out and doing some guided breath work is a great way to shed your city skin and get on local time. I did a breath work session with Sara, who made me feel so at peace as I explored new techniques, using ancient pranayama flows to bring space to the mind and stillness to the body. She also came to Three Meadows, which meant I didn't even need to drive home after. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Facialist | Spa | Massage - Byron Spa Menu (@byron.spa.menu) Another Three Meadows attendee, the lovely Jodi Anderson from Byron Spa Menu came to offer one of the most relaxing massages I have ever experienced She brings such intention to her work and I felt so cared for and peaceful during the session Jodi has worked for more than 14 years in holistic spa treatments and works with some of the finest health retreats on offer It's not all breathing and massage in Byron, there is so much nature to explore. I took a horse ride on the beach and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've had while travelling in Australia. was a sweet angel and I felt very safe as we traversed the trails She even dipped her toes into the sea at Belongil Beach A great way to see some of Byron — but without being too physically exerting — this should be high on your list for a hinterland stay Picked up a little something in Venroy with my friend It wouldn't be Byron Bay without heading into town for a bit of shopping There are a lot of amazing boutiques in the area I'd recommend starting at the precinct near Browning and Jonson St The picturesque spread at Three Blue Ducks so why not sample some of the local produce that has been designed for farm-to-table dining If you're keen to sample the local fare, it's hard to go past Three Blue Ducks restaurant at Byron's The Farm the restaurant settles into the countryside with its corrugated iron and wood structure They have a focus on bringing real food to the table We dined here and I would highly recommend the barramundi while looking out over the tranquil countryside vista This is the view from the main beach at Byron But it's definitely worth going past Wategos too Byron Bay is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets and you can actually watch the sunset over the water from Wategos Beach I'd recommend getting a picnic together and heading down for a swim and to watch the sun go down It's a sure-fire way to fill your cup before you head home. We are excited to offer Mamamia readers 25 per cent discount promo code to stay at Three Meadows in the Byron Bay hinterland. Simply use the code RETREAT25 to access The author stayed as a guest of Three Meadows TAKE SURVEY ➤ Developed by Reine Dubois, founder of The Health Lodge which sits next door the goal was to create a facility that offers genuine health benefits from a naturopathic perspective the wellness trend has moved beyond relaxation to science-backed evidence-based offerings that mark a real change to health and wellbeing The Byron Bathhouse offers bathing without chlorine (so it’s better for your skin) and personalised treatment plans and protocols designed to individually specific health concerns and help guests meet their health goals Chlorine-free bathing is just the start of the health offering Dubois stated the bathhouse was built “with our community in mind.” “We wanted to create a space where wellness is prioritised without compromise We have eliminated harmful chemicals and introduced state-of-the-art water therapy methods to offer an experience that enhances both comfort and health Our goal is to support the community’s long-term health goals by offering a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional wellness practices” The recently opened Byron Bathhouse is the perfect addition to a relaxing holiday in the region Head in for a 90-minute bathhouse experience ($88) or book a massage (from $170) – preferably both Continue your health journey with a take-home detox package with vegan If you’re really looking for a health reset The Byron Bathhouse works with The Health Lodge to offer ‘All Inclusive’ Wellness Stay with organic meals access to the bathhouse and optional health-focused add-ons like IV therapy Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia Relax in style at Byron Bay’s abundant array of accommodations where beach bungalows and boutique hideaways capture the laid-back luxury of this co.. on the edge of a national park in Byron Bay architectural provenance and a sense of community Elevated on a hill behind two back-to-back cul-de-sacs, this 1980s home kisses the edge of Arakwal National Park – a conservation area and gloriously verdant rainforest on the far north-east coast of Australia’s New South Wales, a path leads to the biscuity stretch of sand that spans from Tallow Beach to Broken Head In the coveted coastal enclave of Byron Bay older beach estates of this size and location are rare the neighbourhood feels worlds away from its gentrifying hustle and bustle The house only takes up a quarter of the plot the rest being a wild web of native oversized palms donkey tail succulents and a ten-storey-high pine tree There is no noise pollution – just a choir of resident rainbow lorikeets kookaburras and tawny frogmouths forming the soundtrack to daily life for the young family that calls this ‘treehouse’ home they added solar panels and upgraded to lithium-ion batteries which affects our lifestyle in a really positive way,’ they say you don’t do the laundry; if the weather is beautiful you don’t use the dryer and can enjoy the day so you live according to the rhythms of the day and night We’re not hippies or sacrificing our lifestyle by living off-grid but living this way just creates a more conscious awareness of nature.’ tangerine-toned vintage B&B Italia ‘Camaleonda’ sofa by Mario Bellini the interiors swim with pieces by Australian creatives Indigenous painter Colin Jones and Japanese-Australian artist Hiromi Tango The owners adopted a similar design and lifestyle philosophy for The Sunseeker their nostalgically renovated motel in town ‘Our approach with both properties has been to maintain the old bones and respect the existing structures There’s a lot of history there which adds value to new experiences.’ can be attributed to a few local draftspeople and has been designed in a style typical of the time: stilts for cool airflow underneath; louvred windows for natural cross ventilation; timber construction well-suited to the humid ‘There are no modern houses in the street and properties are rarely sold remaining within families who understand the rarity of this unchanged ‘Old Byron’,’ say the homeowners who have chosen not to have any physical division with their neighbour ‘Everybody cares deeply about their homes; nobody has knocked down or rebuilt in decades.’ the house opens into a kitchen/dining space overlooking a sprawling and an atrium staircase leads to the children’s domain underneath A network of decks and walkways envelop the house Cobblestone paths snake through the garden Perfumed with the smell of frangipani and flowering jasmine the setting is ripe for the bees in the owners’ hives ‘The house and its location represent everything about community in this town.’ escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.