The Book Review Northern Rivers 2022

Each year The Book REVIEW carefully selects a group of the best local eateries, bars, boutiques, galleries, salons, spas and experiences to bring you this exclusive annual publication.

The Northern Rivers region is full of old favorites and hidden treasures. We have put together a unique collection of opportunities for an extraordinarily rich and diverse cultural experience in a wonderfully laid back and idyllic setting.

The Book is designed to guide you to the best places, which are loved by locals and visitors alike. Let us share with you our favourite places across the region by making The Book REVIEW your companion during your stay.

You can also check out our Instagram and website to keep up-todate with events and information.

Enjoy!

Karkalla Byron Bay

is inspired by Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman.

native Australian

beautiful

are

–

from 7:30pm.

off the sand of famous

and centrally elevated above bustling

restaurant has the ultimate Byron Bay vibe with impressive

and an extensive beer and wine list. Loft is the perfect place to

from its beautiful seaside terrace overlooking the beach and town. Walk-ins welcome or book a table online, with

to

modern

for group bookings

4pm–late.

15 and more.

Saltwater Social Club

OSushi

same

years,

family,

become a

icon in Byron Bay.

by

placed an emphasis on giving a comprehensively

great

great service

attention,

a great atmosphere.

free-range, organic, and local

the Northern Rivers region

quality.

a modern seasonal menu, prepared with

create a Japanese-fusion menu full of innovation

warm friendly service.

plant-based

from

and

farmers and growers.

nachos

more.

so you can discover the

beautiful

with handcrafted

an

The Beach Hotel

Whether you are keen for a laid back afternoon watching the sun set with a beer or sipping on a margarita whilst listening to live music, the Beachy has you covered. They offer a seasonal menu that supports local producers, from Ballina King Prawns to Local Salumi Plate, not forgetting your pub favourites. Downstairs is a speciality bottle shop stocking local and international favourites, (open ʻtil midnight) and next door they have resort style accommodation. One of the only venues overlooking Byron’s Main Beach. Visit the website for upcoming events – featuring local artists along with headline acts. See website for latest opening hours.

Bay St, Byron Bay

6685 6402 beachhotel.com.au

beachhotelbyronbay

to the Garden. Amongst the trees on the outskirts of town, you’ll find Folk.

to the famous Folk Nourish Bowl and Folk Burrito. The breezy and eclectic design, specialty coffees

Roasters and nourishing, organic food have earned

Dukes

unmatched local and international reputation.

have featured in Vogue and been named in the top 20 destinations to visit in Australia by the Good Food Guide.

have established themselves as firm leaders in the modern café scene

in for a visit with the locals and leave your worries

plant based movement.

your shoes) at the door.

North

from the centre of town, the North Byron Hotel is a thriving mecca of amazing food, chilled vibes and great music. Enjoy your day in the sunny garden or enjoy an intimate dining experience, with wood fired pizzas, locally sourced seafood and produce thereʼs something here for everyone. 32 tap beer options, a range of cocktails and spirits, and a smashing wine list curated by their in-house sommeliers.

North Byron Liquor Merchants sits next door with over 500 wines and spirits, 200 craft beers there is something for every occasion. With an awesome atmosphere alongside quality food and drinks, North Byron Hotel is the place to be for locals and tourists alike.

hours.

Barrio Eatery and Bar

brings people together

reflecting Byron Bay’s ethos.

the experience of food with an emphasis on local,

the heart of the restaurant and all dishes

the

smoked, cured, and pickled in-house and the menu is constantly evolving.

through this style of cooking. All produce

is a place to meet, connect, share and eat – your home away from home.

take

80-acre farm

lunch

macadamia

offer an à la carte

dinner.

head

also pre-order a

seasonal, locally sourced produce

authentic take on Mexican cuisine, this ʻlittle houseʼ is a warm, relaxed dining experience. They have a wonderful network of local, mindful producers and are fortunate to work with the incredible produce the region provides. Dishes are simple yet complex in flavour. Fully licensed, shaking up cocktails and sourcing a diverse range of agave spirits, natural wines and beer. The restaurant has a great vibe, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable on the food they serve. The food is a flavour sensation and the cocktails

shelf!

to Mon

Mullumbimby

Harvest Newrybar

within the historic village of Newrybar, a short ride from Byron Bay, you’ll find

– a thriving food and hospitality precinct with community at its heart. The restaurant at

owned

one of the most exciting dining experiences in the Northern

the diversity of the local region, supporting the farmers,

and artisans behind everything it serves. Dishes are simple and honest, changing with the seasons.

the gardens,

a long lunch, afternoon aperitivo, or dinner

of vibrant food, paired with the very best

and drinks.

Woods Bangalow offers exceptional coffee and friendly service within an alfresco dining setting in the beautiful Arts Precinct, and private dining experiences a few doors down in the lush new space, The Cacthaus. Meals are created with health and wellbeing in mind, not to mention a taste bomb of seasonal, delicate, clean and fun flavours. Chef Sam and the team use as much locally grown produce available to support their growers and local businesses. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Woods’ regional approach to fresh and wholesome food is a direct reflection on how their diners like to eat.

7 days 7:30am–2:30pm (Sat from 7am in Summer).

St,

trip

the

innocent joy,

size

reason

one reason

store was a special occasion.

the hottest gifts for

Cobblers at Byron

as

Temple of the Sun

of

jewellery, inspired by founder and

travels with partner and co-

precious gemstones

Step in to Temple of

work in the gold studio

headwear

brings the time-honoured art of millinery into the

in 2011, fallenBROKENstreet draws inspiration from the creative

that underscores the heart of Byron Bay; individuals who are carefree,

aren’t afraid to

with a love of all things travel and art,

created

inimitable

instantly recognisable aesthetic that has garnered a cult-like

in just a few short years.

9am–2:30pm.

Felt Indie

a unique range of hand-felted woollen rugs and a selection of

traditional techniques and natural

materials,

loves to work with raw

from a couple of

known by name.

only or online.

to the

Cactus

Son

Drum

Mullumbimby.

Hemp Culture

Déjà Vu

Khanun by Mimi

Khanun by Mimi is an sustainable clothing label. They gather retro one-of-a-kind fabric and turn them into high quality garments. All their designs are handmade to fit all shapes and sizes. They have a no waste policy, all unused, smaller pieces of fabric are donated to local schools for arts and craft, or to local artisans, who will find another use for the fabrics. Not one bit goes to waste.

Based in Lennox Head, available online

The Old Pacific Newrybar

The Old Pacific is a wonderful heritage building in the village of Newrybar, with a collective of five stores under one roof, all with a unique offerings.

LANEWAY DESIGN. With a love and appreciation for timber, local furniture maker and restorer Luke gives new life to reclaimed timbers.

OUR LITTLE FLOWER FARM. Hannah and her team, stock only the freshest seasonal blooms sourced from local growers and small scale farms. They have a unique mix of local artisan crafted vessels, furniture, pots and planters, gardening tools, compost, fire pits, supplies and equipment for sustainable floral design.

MEG BY DESIGN/MDK COLLECTIVE. A women’s clothing range without seasons, time or age. Every piece of the range is hand made ethically sustainably. Each garment is simple, elegant and intended as a canvas for the wearer to imprint her own style.

Banksia Boutique

a unique insight into the world

in

the

art

landscape

in a manner which seeks to connect

and beautiful at the same time.

work can be viewed

or in his

Marcus Balmain Gallery

Byron

Tintype Parlour

Northern Rivers Community Gallery & Ignite Studios

Debbie Taylor-Worley, 2022. Image Credit: Emma Pinsent

Ignite Studios Weaving Workshop with Tania Marlowe. Image Credit: Toby Finlayson Gallery Exhibition – Colleen DaRosa, 2021. Image Credit: Emma Pinsent

Lennox Arts Collective (LAC)

Lennox Arts Collective is a truly local experience. With artworks available from artists living in the Northern Rivers, you will find fine art paintings, landscape photography, ceramics, jewellery, delicate hand carved wood pieces and gift cards.

guest exhibitions ensure there is always something new to see.

gallery began more than a decade ago, when a group of Lennox Head artists decided to open their own gallery. As a collective they share the expenses and the day-to-day running of the gallery. Art workshops are run on weekdays and weekends.

Mark Atkins Photography

and highlights the beauty and wonder of the world we live in. Based in the Northern Rivers, Mark is fortunate to be surrounded by some of Australia’s best beaches and stunning hinterland

no shortage of inspiration.

place, time

been

because they resonate with him and he want’s to share that with others.

for your walls, from a range of beautiful Australian landscape, seascape and wildlife

in a range of print and framing options, hand made in

Byron Bay is non toxic, vegan, luxury nail spa in the heart of Byron Bay

to health and wellness. Professional, experienced staff offering manicures, pedicures, reflexology and foot massage.

space is so beautiful and the atmosphere is set to allow you to fully unwind and relax. Go and treat yourself, to the most relaxing and revitalising experience you’ll have at a nail salon!

Mon to Sat 9am–5pm.

Thai Sabai

on the main

of

provides traditional Thai

on from

Medi Spa

Byron Medi Spa know the secret to looking relaxed and refreshed… indulge in the ultimate medical-grade HydraFacial and Healite II LED light therapy for renewed and plumped skin. They specialise in natural looking injectables including, the 8-point-lift and advanced laser facial rejuvenation, in a beautiful clinic in the heart of the bay.

provide specialised injectables, skin and laser treatments under the care of fully qualified practitioners and dermal therapists. Delivering personalised evidence based treatments incorporating the latest injectable and laser technology.

Mon to Fri 9am–5pm.

appointment only.

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre

Beauty Bar is your one-stop-shop for all things hair and beauty. Offering cuts, styles and colour, specialising in blonde and balayage, as well as lashes, brows, makeup and nails that are non toxic, quick drying and long lasting. They also cater for group bookings, weddings and hens parties. Their highly skilled team provides a pampering experience using premium products and the latest technology, all in a welcoming, relaxing and professional environment.

Mon to Fri 10am–6pm. Sat 9am–5pm. Sun by appointment.

Sugar Mama

vegan, natural hair removal method! Kate is a complete sugar addict and a total perfectionist.

now perfected the art of sugaring

brings it to Byron Bay.

a natural,

effective and natural hair removal

Lasts longer, eliminates ingrown

ingrown hairs unlike other hair removal methods

causes less irritation

leaves you with silky smooth

to Sat

only

and her combination of skincare and HIFU treatments have formed the basis of my aging well journey. Such a simple and effective, non-invasive treatment with no downtime and amazing results." Shelley Craft

out feeling refreshed

a cold

facilities to enjoy including hydrotherapy hot

rejuvenated after a visit to this beautiful bathhouse, situated in a tropical paradise.

steam room and iconic wood-heated sauna.

the ultimate indulgence.

are professional and intuitive and the staff are wholesome and welcoming. This haven

Sun

is a lovely place to unwind.

essential.

Ballina

Foundation Health Osteopathy

Breath & Ice with Benny

Benny is your local breathwork and cold exposure facilitator. He is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor and has expertise in a variety of breathwork practices that support mental, emotional and physical health and fitness. He has facilitated 1000’s of people through his transformational Breath & Ice workshops. They are for anyone – if you can breathe, you can attend. Benny has a monthly public workshop, and is available for private 1:1 sessions, private small groups, corporate groups and retreats.

your.mate.benny

Byron Kayaks

Zephyr

Horses is a unique coastal horse ranch in the picturesque town of Byron Bay.

offer small personalised

for all levels of rider. They also offer private lessons,

both on the beach and in the beautiful sub-tropical

divine range of horses are also available for

delivering

Zephyr team is dedicated

moments to last a lifetime.

Tours

things to do.

the

of the

credit Sam Clarke

Balloon Aloft Byron Bay

be the first

over the

hills of the

hinterland.

see the

over Australia’s

region.

these

the flight, should take

to 4.5

professional

once

go out of their way to make your day

Skydive Byron Bay

Equestrian

Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens

the

most

in the world.

world of giant

rainforest, immerse

week.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

to get up close

personal and learn more about our Australian

the

a

eat a

in the conservation, rehabilitation, and future of

Earth Kitesur fing

all the energy of the wind to skim you across the water is a very satisfying way to get closer to nature and a huge amount of fun. If you are fond of the water and don’t mind the wind then you should try Kitesur fing, Wind Winging or Foiling. Harnessed to a kite with a small board attached to your feet, Kitesurfing races you across the water powered by the wind and Hydrofoiling is like flying above the water.

Kitesur fing are the leading kite surf school on the Northern Rivers providing safe and eff icient lessons, Aaron and his team are passionate coaches and will have you up and riding in no time.

and Wind Winging lessons in Byron Bay, Lennox Head and Ballina

in the heart of a macadamia

surrounded by a subtropical rainforest, and managed by a team of really knowledgeable and passionate locals. A short drive from Byron Bay, Cape Byron Distillery offers a unique experience. Enjoy a refreshing Brookie’s

Tonic as you’re guided through their regenerated rainforest. See, smell, touch and taste the native botanicals that make Brookie’s Gin so unique. Learn about the art of distillation,

tasting Brookie’s range. Sip on a seasonally-crafted cocktail on the deck and enjoy the view.

tasting.

available.

Out of the Blue Adventures

aboard to explore secluded beaches and sheer cliffs along the breathtaking coastline between Ballina and Cape Byron. Enjoy encounters with whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Dolphin Cruise, Scenic River Cruise, Coastal Discovery

on offer.

Lighthouse from a whole new perspective as you navigate Australia’s most easterly point. Enjoy sunset on the tranquil Richmond River as you sip on a cool beverage and learn about the region and wildlife from a Marine Biologist. Their vessel is also available for

special events. Book online.

chance to develop

to suit

the