Sydney/ Byron Bay

SYDNEY

HOTEL:

*The Ovolo hotel: (formerly the W & the “Blue” hotel) it occupies most of the south part of the Finger Wharf or Woolloomooloo Wharf,  while apartments mainly make up the rest of the structure (supposedly actor Russell Crowe lives here). It is part of the 5 Star Alliance group, has the feel & styel of a boutique hotel with the 5 star hotel service. This hotel is in a great location because there are some great restaurants along the wharf, all outdoor seating and you can also walk to the botanical gardens from here.  The decor is modern, the service is family friendly (our kids received welcome baskets with a stuffed koala and drawing pencils) and it has all the amenities including a gym, wifi, a pool, etc..

*Other hotels recommended: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney (great harbour views), Primus (Art deco with rooftop pool and bar), the Intercontinental (rooftop pool), the Radisson Blu Plaza(the hotel has its own brand of gin) and the Darling Hotel (great spa and casino).

SIGHTS: (we only had 2 days in Sydney but there is so much more to do!)

*Royal Botanical Gardens- This area is massive and beautiful for a run or walk.  They have cafes, fig trees, flower gardens, ducks and many other things to keep you entertained.

*Bondi Beach– Drive to Bondi beach and explore this beautiful oasis.  Have breakfast at Bills or lunch at Icebergs, which is overlooking the water and watch people swimming in a pool that is surrounded by the ocean while you dine al fresco.  From there drive to Watsons Bay and walk around this quaint seaside town.  Take the ferry from Watsons Bay to Circular Quay which is about 20 minutes.

*Circular Quay-Once in Circular Quay, explore The Rocks–a historic precinct with cobblestone streets, a great market, Museum of Contemporary Art, cafes and pubs.  On the weekends, the open market has over 200 stalls and is a wonderful place to find souvenirs from Australia.  You can also rent a bike and explore this area that way.  You can access the bridge walk from here.

*Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk– If you are afraid of heights and don’t want to pay the money to walk up the bridge, there is a pedestrian walkway that is free and takes you over the bridge with the same view.

BYRON BAY

We rented a house in Byron Bay for a surf trip with friends and stayed in this house for 4 nights.  Following the house rental, we stayed at Byron at Byron for 2 nights.

HOTEL:

*Byron at Byron Resort & Spa- This hotel is awesome!  It is only 5 kms. from town and with free shuttle service, you can head in and out as you wish.  There is direct beach access, infinity pool, spa, a rainforest restaurant and its set on 45 acres of tropical rainforest with 2kms of jungle boardwalks.  Free yoga sessions and babysitting.

*Bungalow105 & Studio105- http://abnb.me/EVmg/tvMqxl8OcE      If you are looking for something smaller and more privacy, two of my Aussie friends, Deb & George, created this little hideaway for vacationers in Byron, its a 10-15 min. walk to the beach or a 5 min. bike ride.

SIGHTS:

*Cape Byron Lighthouse– Is an active lighthouse that is the last of the great 19th-century Victorian era lighthouses.  It claims the most eastern point in Australia and there are tours available between 10 and 3.  Take the stairs up and over the pass into Wategoes before climbing the lighthouse and come back through the rainforest. Best time to walk is dusk or dawn!

*Byron Markets  –  On the 1^st Sunday of each month, the market covers it all: crystals, dream catchers, clairvoyants massage, local fashion and produce, this experience will give you a taste of Byron’s creativity at it’s best. (On Butler Street)

*Byron Farmers Market – (Every Thursday 7-11am)Byron and the surrounding areas is one of the only places that you can literally feed your family for a week from local growers. Offering the freshest of produce from the region, it’s well worth stocking up the fridge while you are staying in town. The markets are always vibrant and buzzing, take your time to enjoy the entertainment and indulge in a brown paper bag breakfast. (On Butler Street)

*Mullumbimby Farmers Market– (Every Friday 7-11am) If you’re keen for a drive, the Mullumbimby market is my favourite produce market. Bursting with an eclectic mix of people, flavours and sounds. It’s so fabulous to visit and soak up the sounds and flavours. (At the Mullumbimy Showgrounds)

*Stone and Wood–It’s well worth a visit to Stone and Wood brewery tasting room to experience one of Byron greatest success stories. Drop in and have a tasting paddle or take a tour. It’s located in the industrial estate at 4 Boronia Place Byron Bay…about 20 mins by bike if your feeling energetic. Check www.stonandwood.com.au for opening hours and to book tours. Don’t forget to try some delicious Kombucha while you are there. The best Kombucha in Byron in my opinion.

*Bread Social–Best bread in town and a must in the kitchen whilst you are here. Pick up your loaf from the most amazing bread artisans available at The Farm, Sparrow and Combi.

*The Farm-On the out skirts of town, The Farm is a ‘working farm’ and a fabulous opportunity to teach children and adults alike about the food life cycle, and benefits of growing and eating great quality produce. It’s easy to spend the afternoon dining at the 3 Blue Ducks or enjoys a coffee and croissant on the lawn while the kids play in the playground. Lots of green space to keep the little people active while you browse the produce store and fabulous florist. (11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale)

*Bangalow–A 20min scenic drive out of Byron through the hinterland, Bangalow offers an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Byron town. Great stores and cafés, Bangalow is a great non beach day excursion.

*Newrybar-The combination of Harvest and Newrybar merchants make this a perfect destination for a trip out of Byron. Take your time on the scenic 20 min drive pick up a take away coffee, browse through the Newrybar Merchants before settling in for a long lunch at Harvest.

*Brunswick Heads-Always a ‘go to’ for when the family needs a change of scenery. A swim or paddle board in Brunswick River topped off by lunch at the Brunswick Heads pub is a great out of town combination for everyone.

*BEACHES:

-THE PASS

Byron’s famous surf break, can get crowded but the gentle long wave is perfect to get you and the small ones up on a board. If you want to stay dry, climb the stairs to fisherman’s lookout, for a panoramic view of the bay and watch the surf roll in. An amazing sight at sunset and sunrise.

-MAIN BEACH

Opposite the surf club and right in the center of town, Main Beach is patrolled all year round. Perfect if you want to keep safe with the little ones.

-CLARKES BEACH

A good all round option for surfers and swimmers of all persuasions. At the end of Massinger Street the beach here changes all year round sometimes offering rock pools, warm saltwater lagoons, gentle surf and lots of beach access.

-WATEGOS

Long boarding paradise! This quiet bay with limited parking and no shops or cafes, offers a perfect location to relax and unwind away from the distraction of town.  A steep path leads up and over from The Pass or it’s a beautiful walk all the way from Bungalow105 and Studio105. Allow about 45 min and walk along the beach from Clarkes Beach. The walk may be a bit much for little ones but perfect for active kids and adults.

-TALLOWS

A long stretch of beach from the light house to broken head and easily accessible from Bungalow105 and Studio105 at many points. The surf can be a bit wild but you can almost guarantee your own private bit of beach paradise to laze away the day.

-WHITES BEACH

You’ll need the car and a pair of steady legs for this one but this little secret beach is worth exploring. Its secluded and surrounded by soaring rick faces. Well worth the 15-20min drive.

FOOD:

*Rae’s– This place is a must visit for lunch or dinner watching the sunset overlooking Wategos Beach.

*Fishheads-This relaxed beachfront restaurant is wonderful for a long boozy oyster and sauvignon blanc lunch.

*We Are Combi–A Melbourne import perfectly suited to Byron offering organic, vegan and other all day breakfasts and meals. Coffee is spot on and you can also pick up a loaf of sour dough from The Bread Social.

*The Roadhouse–Your taste buds will thank you for this one. Easy walking distance to Bungalow105 and Studio105, Roadhouse offer a truly local, laid back eating experience. Don’t be in a hurry, find a spot outside on the benches and indulge in a local favourite. Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday with a great cocktail menu this café never disappoints. Always book for dinner as it’s busy!

*Mez Club–Offering lunch and dinner and right in the centre of town location, a great spot for afternoon cocktails. Grecian inspired interiors and great music  provide the perfect backdrop for delicious shared plates and a margarita menu to die for! 

*St Elmos–A long standing Byron Eatery. Spanish style tapas (shared plates) and a great wine list- a favorite for venue. Understated and salubrious, make sure you book because its popular!

*Folk Cafe–Slightly out of town breakfast and lunch at this very Byron venue will see you indulge in an organic and ethical menu. Set on the egde of Caravan Park, Folk has a very eclectic Byron feel well worth the short drive.

*100 Mile Table–Set in the industrial estate, a very local venue and is often sort out by visiting foodies. 100 Mile Table has some of the best tasting food in Byron! Curry is amazing!

BEST FAMILY EATS

*Bangalow Bowlo–Trust me its worth the drive for a family dinner! A delicious menu, heaps of space for the kids of all ages to run around inside and out, an absolute must if you want to sit back, enjoy a beer and keep the kids active and occupied.

*Byron Golf Course–The golf course is a very short drive from Bungalow105 and Studio105, Kids eat free on a Saturday night and the menu is a affordable and diverse, offering options for  fussy eaters of all ages. The setting is beautiful at Dusk with plenty of fenced in green space for the kids to run around.

*Treehouse in Belongil- A great family restaurant opposite the beach serving delicious wood fired pizza’s!

*Earth and Sea Pizza–A Byron institution, perfect for a quick and easy family dinner right in the center of town. Take away is available. Not a life changing dining experience but an easy, quality location that caters well for the kids.