Byron Diary - March 2020

Towards the end of last year Simon and I had booked a little getaway to Byron but we cancelled it due to all of the fires. So when we had a gap in our schedules we decided to rebook it and enjoy a few days in one of our favourite spots.

We stayed at the Byron at Byron and loved the peaceful surrounds just out of town. We had quiet mornings having breakfast overlooking the rainforest and afternoon dips in the gorgeous pool. The weather was so humid whilst we there so the pool definitely got a work out!

We enjoyed a few lazy days checking out our old favourite places and discovering new finds.

It was lovely to be back in Byron......

The Spell girls have shared a Byron guide which is full of amazing recommendations

 You can read it here and here

Other Byron Bay travel ideas here

Have you been to Byron Bay recently? I'd love to hear your favourite spot!

A visit to Crystal Castle - Mullumbimby

We've squeezed in another quick trip to Byron before the reality of the school year starts. 

While we were up here we decided to pop into Crystal Castle in the Byron hinterlands.

It had been a few years since we had visited so it was lovely to wander around the grounds and see what was new and marvel at how much everything had grown.

There is something peaceful and magical about the place. Even the boys noticed it and were quite interested in reading the little signs about the crystals and following instructions on walking the labryinth.  If you are ever in the area it is well worth a visit.

Here are some of our photos from the day - 

One of the highlights was the wishing tree. It was so sweet to see the boys thinking of things to write to hang on the tree. There were quite a few "peace and love" and "world peace" on there. 

One can only hope!

Last time we were in the bamboo forest I was 6 months pregnant with Noah. 

It was funny to be back in the same spot with him running around. We had to grab a photo.

Have you ever been to Crystal Castle? Did you have a favourite part?

Honey and Fizz Guide to Byron Bay - where to stay, eat + shop

We're just back from our latest trip to Byron Bay and I've had lots of questions on where I stay, eat, shop when we are on holiday so I thought I would pop all of my answers into a post.

The Honey and Fizz Guide to Byron Bay ;)

Byron is one of our favourite spots and we try to get there at least twice a year.  It is really a fabulous holiday destination for everyone. There is something to cater for everyone's tastes.

Although I have to admit when we go it is all about the beach, the surfing and the organic donuts! 

This is broken up with bouts of shopping for me when I've had my fill of salt, sea and sand for the day.

We do spend most of our time in Byron during the holiday but usually take time to explore the surrounding towns and attractions. Bangalow, Lennox Head and Mullumbimby are close by and sometimes we even do day trips to the Gold Coast to go to one of the theme parks and visit relatives.

The Beaches

Our favourite beach in Byron is The Pass. This is perfect for the kids as it has a wide stretch of sand, rockpools for paddling and waves for surfing as well. The beach never feels crowded although the waves can get a little busy with surfers in the summer. Everyone that comes to Byron wants to surf!

There is also a little cafe near the carpark serving coffee, breakfasts, lunch and snacks.

The Pass

Depending on the tides, there is also a little lake for the kids to splash around in.

During high tide when there's no beach, we either dive right in for a swim or venture around the corner towards Clarkes Beach for a bit more sand to play on.

Clarkes Beach

Wategos Beach

 Gentle waves, bbq facilities and lots of grass and beach to stretch out on. 

Parking can be a bit tricky here though as it is always quite busy.

Tallows Beach

A little bit more secluded and a longer walk onto the beach. The surf here can get a little rough.

Main Beach

The main beach right in the centre of town, patrolled by life savers. This is the most popular beach as it is easily accessible to everyone and the surf is usually perfect for swimming and snorkelling etc.

Shopping

There is nothing better than shopping on holidays. New shops to explore and you usually have the time to browse at a leisurely pace. Here are a few of my favourites from Byron and the nearby Bangalow.

Ahoy Trader

LTCO

Spell and The Gypsy Collective

 Hope & May

Pompidou

Mary Ryan Books, Music & Coffee

Enzo and Toto

Unplugged

Island Luxe they have a store in Byron + Bangalow

There are also the usual chain stores like Sportsgirl, Witchery, Cotton On, Tigerlily + lots of surf shops.

You can also grab the paper and magazines from the Byron Bay Newsagency and the chemist next door has lots of useful things like makeup, sunscreen, sand bucket for the kids etc

Also the Surfboard Warehouse is worth checking out for reasonably priced surfboards + SUPs

If you want to venture to Bangalow for a bit of a browse it's about 15 minutes away and is a very cute town with quite a few shops + cafes.

Also the Byron Markets is a must. They are held every Sunday and they rotate between Lennox Head, Bangalow, Byron + Mullumbimby. They sell everything from fashion, homewares, organic fruit and vegetables, jewellery and lots more. There are buskers, performers and a great vibe.

We always go to get the delicious organic donuts with the chocolate inside. Yum!

Bangalow Shops

Island Luxe - as above

Our Corner Store

Brauerbirds

Food/Drink

Here are a few of our favourite places-

Most mornings we will pop into Goodies juice bar to get either a juice, smoothie or Acai bowl

Top Shop

We go here for coffee, yoghurts or a burger + chips.

Byron Bay Organic Doughnut from the markets

Asia Joes

Miss Margarita

A little bit out of town is Folk Kiosk + General Store

We grab sandwiches from the Byron Bay Corner store and maybe something sweet for later

Some nights we will get a pizza from Earth n' Sea. We like their wholemeal bases.

For tapas + a cocktail try the Balcony Bar + Restaurant. 

Ask for a table on the balcony overlooking the town.

St Elmo Dining Room & Bar

Fish Heads for fish n chips. 

We usually get take away and eat on the grass overlooking Main Beach.

Targa

The Beach Hotel (or the top pub to the locals) is perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner + drink in the beer garden. It's family friendly and has a great atmosphere.

Next door the Italian at the Pacific has delicious food and cocktails

Bella Rosa has the best gelato and lots of flavours. I loved the Snickers flavour and Simon's favourite was the Boysenberry Cheesecake.

If you have a kitchen in your accommodation there is a Woolworths and Aldi in town to buy groceries. 

Some nights it's just easier to throw some meat on the bbq and make a salad. 

In Bangalow we loved Utopia Cafe for lunch

We also heard great things about the Italian Diner we will definitely check it out next time.

Also Harvest at Newrybar is on our list too

Things to do

The Lighthouse walk or just drive up and admire the view

Drive up to Crystal Castle in the hinterland. The grounds are really beautiful.

Just relax on one of the many gorgeous beaches or try surfing

Check out the shops

(a few things I bought on my last trip)

Accommodation

We have rented the same house for years, overlooking The Pass and it is perfect for us and all our needs.  We like having a house for the extra space and the kitchen.

Before this we stayed in a cabin here . 

It's such a great spot in the centre of town and right on the beach.

Although we outgrew this space once the boys got bigger. 

Friends have also stayed at this Holiday Park at Clarkes beach and found it great. 

Some more accommodation options are The Atlantic

The Beach Hotel Resort

Beach Suites Byron Bay

 Byron Bay Beach Bure'

All of these places are right in town, short walking distance to the beach, shops and restaurants.

For something fabulous but a bit further out of town, you can't beat The Byron at Byron.

I have visited friends here but still haven't stayed here myself. It's on my list though!

Another place on my list to try is Rae at Wategos.

It has a very boutique boho, glamour feel and is right on the beach. It's a little further away from the shops and restaurants though. 

These places are just the ones I've seen and know and have heard good things about.  

Of course there are thousands more available. I'd love to hear some of your recommendations.

So that is a glimpse into our Byron Bay, one of our favourite places to holiday.

I'd love to hear about some of your favourite spots so I can check them out next time I'm in town x

Photo credits - most my own

some via @helenjaman on IG, others taken from the store/restaurant website