Byron Bay Area Information Guide

to Byron Bay Welcome

JUST BRILLIANT GUIDES

Image by Stuart Owen-Fox

Byron Bay to

Welcome

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Byron Bay

Byron Bay is one of Australia’s top destinations for local and overseas visitors looking to experience the eclectic mix of indulgences coastal and hinterland life have to offer.

Cultural intrigue, world-class beaches and shopping await you. Pass your days on the pristine beaches surfing, swimming, diving and kayaking or head to one of the shire’s villages to enjoy a range of food, festivals, events, retreats, art trails and exhibitions.

The lush and rolling green hills are reminiscent of the English or perhaps Tuscan countryside, and are punctuated with rainforest, waterfalls, farms, historic villages, community halls, cafes, artist studios and roadside stalls.

When it comes to wining and dining, Byron’s options are endless. There are restaurants, pubs and cafes where you can sample the local produce and there really isn’t anything you won’t find here.

Byron Shire is known for its passionate communities with a higher population of creative practitioners than any other area in regional Australia. It’s a melting pot of cultures and philosophies where the old school meets new age, and the rich and inspiring environment has attracted scores of artists, performers and culture buffs.

Byron is the quintessential Australian holiday destination loved by A-listers, families and the nomadic young, and fast developing for the international market wanting a true Aussie holiday experience.

Image by Sharyn Cairns

Roadside stalls brim with avocados, macadamias, paw

paws, melons, peaches, blueberries, bananas and farm fresh vegetables. The area is also renowned for dairy products, beef and pork, an array of exotic indigenous delicacies, tropical fruits, herbs, nuts and bush tucker.

Byron’s award winning coffee is acclaimed as some of the world’s finest.

For more information on Byron Bay, please visit www.visitbyronbay.com.

ByronBay BYRON BAY

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Things

See and Do A visit to Byron Bay is incomplete without an adventure to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse where you can watch the local bottlenose dolphin population play in their ‘bedroom’ at Wategos.

• Swim, surf, snorkel, dive, kayak and fish to your heart’s content. Byron just wouldn’t be quite the same without its glorious beaches and pristine waters. It’s what makes this popular destination such a memorable holiday experience.

• Explore the natural landscape of the region. Byron Shire hosts no less than twelve National Parks and a Marine Park. Alternatively, embark on a wildlife tour to acquaint yourself with the local fauna or keep an eye out for migrating whales.

• Embark on a gastronomical adventure of your own accord or book a food tour. The area, known for its premium local produce, is just bursting with sumptuous eateries dishing up everything from vegan to seafood to rustic fare.

to hang gliding to skydiving and helicopter flights. For activities on land, you can horse ride, mountain bike ride or take a trapeze lesson.

• Byron Shire is renowned for its alternative therapies, practitioners and retreats. Unwind with yoga, pilates, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, reiki and day spa treatments. If you’re seeking a special nurturing experience, then you can’t go past Gaia Retreat and Spa. • Shop until you drop at the myriad of galleries, craft shops and art festivals bulging with prolific output from local artisans. The fashion stores in Byron are no slouches either with the township showcasing some truly unique apparel.

Byron Bay

Image by Hamilton Lund

• For adventure seekers, the region boasts a myriad of exciting holiday activities in the sky from ballooning

• Take a leisurely drive around the region and visit some of the quaint townships which all offer their own exclusive attractions.

Image by Grenville Turner

Adventure

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The beauty of Bryon is that it offers such a diverse range of activities for those visiting the region. Relax on a beach, take a tranquil walk, enjoy a delicious meal or embark on a road trip to explore the region further. Then again, for those who want to get the adrenalin pumping, Byron has plenty of adventure activities that promise some giddy fun.

• It’s Byron like you’ve never seen it before: from the sky. Try a tandem skydive over the stunning Byron Shire. Call Skydive Byron Bay on 1300 800 840 for more information.

• If you’re not quite up to jumping out of a plane then tandem hang gliding could be an exciting alternative.

Call Pro-Flyte on 0427 257 699 for more information.

• For a more relaxing bird’s-eye view of the region, hot air ballooning might be more your style. What could be better than seeing the sun rise in a hot air balloon in the eastern most point of Australia? For more details on tours, call Bryon Bay Ballooning on 1300 889 660.

• If you’re seeking some holiday thrills for the kids, book them in for a trapeze lesson or other fun circus arts. Call Circus Arts on 6685 6566 to find out what activities they have on offer.

• If you’ve never surfed before then maybe it’s time to give it a whirl. Call Byron Bay Surf School on 1800 707 274 or Let’s Go Surfing on 9365 1800 for more information on surf lessons.

• Acquaint yourself with the local marine life at Julian Rocks Marine Park, known amongst the top 5 dive sites in Australia. Call Sundive Byron Bay on 1800 008 755 for tour details.

• Shifting down a gear, explore the pristine waters of Bryon to witness playful dolphins, frolicking whales and tranquil turtles. Call GoSea Kayak on 1800 732 529 for kayaking tours.

• Embark on a hiking tour into the region’s stunning hinterland and climb the iconic Mount Warning. Call Mount Warning Sunrise Safaris on 0422 828 828 for more details on hiking options.

• Explore the region from the unique vantage point of mountain biking. Call Mountain Bike Tours on 0429 122 584 for details on its eco-certified tours.

• Enjoy the sensation of gliding along the beach with the wind in your hair on horse back. For more information, call SeaHorses Riding Center on 0404 198 220. Pony rides also available.

Cape Byron

Marine Park

Image by Mike Leonard

Cape Byron Marine Park extends from Brunswick Heads in the north to Lennox Head in the south and includes the tidal waters of the Brunswick River, Belongil and Tallow creeks, and coastal waters out to three nautical miles offshore.

One of six marine parks in New South Wales, Cape Byron Marine Park has many beautiful assets.

B 0411 720 799 or 0437 866 424 www.byronbaymobilemassage.com.au we-care@byronbaymobilemassage.com.au

MARINE LIFE Habitats within Cape Byron Marine Park include a range of sandy beaches, rocky shores, reefs, submerged pinnacles, small rocky islands, coral communities, riverine estuaries, coastal creeks and lakes, and a variety of sandy seabed habitats.

Its waters support a high diversity of tropical and temperate marine life including many species of dolphins, fish, seabirds, marine plants and invertebrates such as sponges, corals and anemones. Threatened species such as little terns, sea turtles, grey nurse sharks and whales also spend time within the marine park. Humpback whales travel through the marine park on their annual migration, making the area an important site for longterm monitoring of whale populations.

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INDIGENOUS HERITAGE

The seas within, and the lands adjacent to, Cape Byron Marine Park have long been recognised by the Bundjalung people as a special place for meeting and gathering and for sharing resources and culture. The area has supported Aboriginal people for at least 22,000 years and includes many spiritual and culturally important sites such as middens, burial sites, ceremonial bora rings and various open camping sites. Sites within the marine park that have been identified as particularly culturally significant to Indigenous people include Julian Rocks, Cocked Hat Rocks, Cape Byron and beaches around Broken Head.

Visit the

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Townships BANGALOW The name of this township derives from an Aboriginal word ‘Bangalla’ said to mean ‘a low hill’ or ‘a kind of palm tree’. Bangalow was known as Bangaloe until 1907, when the modern spelling came into use. Bangalow has an historic streetscape where you can enjoy casually browsing through a range of eclectic and unique stores.

Along with boutique shopping, you can also try one of the award winning cafes here. Let your taste buds be stimulated with the sensation of delicious food made with love, care and locally grown produce.

BRUNSWICK HEADS Situated at the mouth of the sparkling Brunswick River, and right on the beach, this small, unspoilt coastal village is an ideal day trip from Bryon Bay. Brunswick Heads is renowned for an abundance of life’s simple pleasures - surfing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, whale watching, birdwatching, exploring interesting shops, and enjoying coffee and fresh local food at hip alfresco eateries.

Brunswick also plays host to a range of exciting events such as the Mullum2Bruns Paddle, attracting over 1,000 competitors each year, a Kites and Bikes Festival, Old and Gold Festival, and a range of markets and carnival festivities over the Christmas and New Year period.

OCEAN SHORES Ocean Shores is close enough to everything, yet far enough away from it all. Located ten minutes north of Byron Bay, and only half an hour from Gold Coast Airport, Ocean Shores is the perfect location to enjoy all that the Northern Rivers has to offer, while relaxing in a quiet coastal community. Stunning coastline and mountain views from the lookout, a world-class golf course and cracking surf beaches, even pet friendly beaches, are exactly why people love to visit Ocean Shores.

MULLUMBIMBY

Image by Sharyn Cairns

About twenty kilometres north of Byron Bay via the pacific highway lies Mullumbimby. Situated on the Brunswick River, Mullumbimby is known as the “Biggest Little Town in Australia”. And for a small town it certainly has a lot to offer. On the road into Mullumbimby, you are greeted by the spectacular Mount Chincogan.

The town boasts a variety of cafes, colourful shops, interesting buildings, attractive parks, a swimming pool and a museum. A drive up into the hinterland around Mullumbimby reveals lush rainforest and spectacular views.

The Mullumbimby Market is renowned in the region.

Since its opening in April 2010, the market has become the gathering spot for the vibrant and colourful local community, re-inventing the age old tradition of a community market meeting place. The market is open every Friday from 7am-11am rain, hail or shine.

Free ample parking is located at the Mulllumbimby Showgrounds on Main Arm Road.

Local food

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Dining out Image by Mike Newling

Byron Shire is fortunate enough to have access to some of the freshest local and organic produce in Australia. The region is renowned for its exciting array of delicious cuisine.

You only have to visit one of the regional produce markets to experience the sheer diversity and quality of the locally grown and hand made products. Not to mention the wonderful range of tropical fruits. Don’t go home without trying black sapote otherwise known as chocolate pudding fruit.

• After a tasty casual dinner at reasonable prices? Il Buco Café & Pizzeria in Bay Lane is sure to sate your appetite.

With so much quality produce to choose from, the Byron Shire is brimming with fabulous markets and eateries which offer everything from a casual experience to something more up market. Here are some tried and true local suggestions:

• For a memorable fine dining experience you can’t go past the rustic charm of Harvest Café in Newrybar.

• For the quintessential farmers market with a hippy twist, visit the Mullumbimby Farmers Market.

• Take a leisurely drive to Brunswick Heads to try the memorable food at Fleet, Fat Belly Kaf or Footbridge.

• For amazingly fresh seafood, get down to the Bay Seafood Market.

• Nestled in the quaint township of Bangalow, Uptown at Town Café serves up food with plenty of flavour.

• If you like the idea of combining delicious food with a tropical rainforest backdrop, then the restaurant at Byron at Byron is the place to be.

• It doesn’t get more paddock to plate than this.

Kick back and relax at The Farm Byron Bay where the Three Blue Ducks Restaurant and Cafe delivers delicious fare minus the nasty chemicals. The bakery on site is also worth checking out.

• Just a few kilometres south of Byron, Roadhouse is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or lunch.

• Boasting a great selection of organic produce and health foods, Santos in Mullumbimby has your needs covered.

Byron Bay

• Imbibe the local beach culture and vistas at the Beach Café in Byron.

Image by Sharyn Cairns

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Calendar

Events MARCH

AUGUST

• Byron Bay Film Festival

• Byron Bay Writers Festival

• Bryon Bay Bluesfest

• Bangalow Music Festival

MAY

• Ocean Shores Arts Expo

• Byron Bay Tri & Multisport Festival

SEPTEMBER

• Bangalow Billycart Derby

• Sample Food Festival

• Mullum2bruns Paddle • Byron Bay To Ballina Charity Walk

JUNE • The Old & Gold Festival

JULY • Back to Brunswick Hot Rods

• Boomerang Festival

NOVEMBER • Mullum Music Festival

Byron Bay • Bangalow Country Show

Image by Richard Whitbread

• Splendour in the Grass

OCTOBER

For more information on events in the region, please visit www.visitbyronbay.com.

ByronBay

Essential

Services FIRE / POLICE / AMBULANCE

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Police Station 2 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

6685 9499

Byron District Hospital 10 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

6685 6200

Bay Medical Centre 6 Lawson Street, Byron Bay

6685 6206

North Coast Medical Centre 24 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

6685 8666

Byron Bay Dental 1 Ironbark Avenue, Byron Bay

6680 8138

Cape Byron Compounding Chemist 14 Middleton Street, Byron Bay

6685 6223

LiveLife Pharmacy 31 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

6685 6274

Byron Bay Taxis

6685 5008

Image by Sharyn Cairns

Major Banks & ATMs in Byron Bay ANZ - 57 Jonson Street CBA - 56 Jonson Street NAB - 33 Jonson Street St. George - Shop 4, The Plaza, Jonson Street Westpac - 73 Jonson Street

Markets

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While all the markets give visitors the opportunity to enjoy a day with the local community and provide great bargains on seasonal produce, plants and original arts and crafts, each market has a distinct personality which reflects the unique qualities of its village and region.

• Bangalow Farmers Market every Saturday morning 7am-11am

• Byron Bay Community Market 3rd Sunday of the month Dec to Jan

• Bangalow Market 4th Sunday of the month

• Channon Craft Market 2nd Sunday of the month

• Brunswick Heads Riverside Market 1st Saturday of the month

• Lennox Head Lakeside Market 2nd Sunday of the month

• Byron Farmers Market every Thursday 7am-11am

• Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday 7am-11am

• Byron Bay Artisan Market every Saturday Oct to Easter 4pm-9pm

• Lismore Car Boot Market 3rd Sunday of the month

• Mullumbimby Community Market 3rd Saturday of the month

B Byron Bay This guest services room publication is compiled and produced

by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–P John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.

Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688 Email: info@johnbatman.com.au Web: www.johnbatman.com.au

Managing Director Jarrod La Canna

Studio Editor Karla Dondio

Advertising Sales Tamara Wright

Operations Manager Eleanor White

Graphic Design Carolyn Tellus

Accounts & Administration Rebecca Zalavary

Design Assistance Teresa Prowse Leeanne Lisle

Distribution Michael McDonald Deborah Harris

Compiled with the assistance of Byron Shire Council, Cape Byron Marine Park and Sharon Sztar.

Images courtesy of Destination NSW, (front cover) Mike Newling, (cover trio of images, left & right) Stuart Owen-Fox and Sharyn Cairns.

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.