WEEKEND WANDERINGS

WEEKENDwanderingsWRITTEN BY: DONNA RISHTON From Coolangatta to Pottsville – A coastal Shopping guide

The cooler months are here and there’s no better time to revamp the wardrobe or refit the bed with fresh linen, winter-toned throws, and snuggly duvets.

So, if you’re feeling like a wander and have some retail therapy on your mind, we’ve made it easy with a boutique ‘shopping crawl’ along the coastline from the Coolangatta border winding down through Tweed Heads and along the gorgeous Tweed Coast.

SALT LIVING

A glorious boutique store by the sea that’s home to a delightful curation of classic lifestyle pieces from ethically conscious brands. From Salt Living’s own luxurious French linen range to soft furnishings and refined, sustainable fashion, each piece is environmentally mindful in design and production. Founded by Jacinta Bishop whose desire is to help her customers bring a timeless, seaside aesthetic into their homes; so that every day can feel like a coastal escape. Inspiring and beautiful, one not to miss.

The Strand, 72-80 Marine Parade Shop 49a, Coolangatta saltliving.com.au

OLIVE + VERN

As a Strand staple, Olive + Vern have accrued a loyal following of local customers and holiday makers over the years due to their friendly staff and effortlessly chic essentials at affordable prices. Whether it’s casual afternoon drinks or a fancy date night, every event is covered, with new styles arriving in-store weekly as well as a great selection of stylish accessories, bags, and jewellery to complete any outfit. Family owned and operated and open 7 days, for any time you need a little therapy of the retail kind.

The Strand, 72-80 Marine Parade Shop 36, Coolangatta oliveandvern.com.au

Olive & Vern

SEA WISH

Pop across the road and you will find a Coolangatta icon. Known for its eclectic range of upmarket resort fashion, tasteful souvenirs, bespoke gifts and stylish homewares, Sea Wish is a true celebration of coastal style. Have a mosey and you’ll discover an array of wares, from colourful pairs of Saltwater Sandals to the fabulous range of hats by the Australian owned, Kooringal brand. Stunning cookbooks, humorous greeting cards, or a selection of Jones and Co. planters; there isn’t one person or occasion that can’t be catered for.

52 Griffith St, Coolangatta

DAUGHTERS OF INDIA

Tucked into the industrial end of Tweed, this little gem is well worth the detour. Walk through the double doors and be transported to a place bursting with pretty hues, Indian prints, and the most divine floaty cottons; each unique piece handmade and crafted by talented artists through a traditional form of Indian hand block print making. Inspired by warm earthy hues, Indian prints, a love of vintage fashion, and of course travel, Daughters of India has become a leader in slow fashion; seamlessly marrying timeless beauty with sustainability and ticking both the ethical and affordable boxes. Invoking a bohemian lifestyle, this is where your inner goddess goes to shop.

11/12 Greenway Dr, Tweed Heads | daughtersofindia.net

SORELLA

Located in the charming coastal village of Kingscliff, Sorella is the perfect oasis, just across from the local Woolworths. Offering an eclectic range of unique and effortless pieces to complete any wardrobe (including exclusive jewellery, sunglasses, handbags, and shoes). Amongst the boutique fashion you will also find a range of luxurious gifts and homewares - from sand-free beach towels, plump cushions, and stunning throws to locally made candles and creamy body butters. Forget the groceries and pop in and say hi, Camilla and her friendly staff have everything you need.

Paradise Living Co

OXLEY & MOSS

A little hub of joy in the centre of Kingscliff, Oxley & Moss is always a popular hive buzzing with locals and holiday makers alike. A ridiculously happy and helpful bunch, owners Mel and Alex have built a fabulous team who likely know what you’re looking for well before you do! Brimming with colour, inside you will discover a meticulous curation of quirky, personal, and truly thoughtful gifts, fun family games, wonderfully irreverent greeting cards, easy fashion, the sweetest (plastic-free) baby range and so much more; ensuring each customer can embrace their own individual style and helping every gift-seeker rediscover the joy of giving.

2/98 Marine Pde, Kingscliff | oxleyandmoss.com

PARADISE LIVING CO.

No one ever wants to leave their holiday villa, and owners Willow and Jason believe everybody deserves to feel as relaxed in their own homes as they do on holidays. Paradise Living Co. is a family-run store specialising in authentic furniture and homewares featuring the largest range of handcrafted imported products direct from the tropics. Using only natural, raw, and sustainable materials, each item is designed to bring the style and feeling of paradise into your home. Supporting families, artisans, and ethical manufacturers in the tropics every product is unique and full of interesting stories to tell. Furniture and designs that echo your stays in paradise, you’ll go inside for style inspiration and end up furnishing your whole home!

82 Marine Pd, Kingscliff 23 Prospero St, Sth Murwilllumbah paradiselivingco.com.au

MERAKI BLU

Meraki: pronounced “may-rah-kee” is a Greek word used to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love, and perfectly embodies the style and ethos of local owner Cheryle. Twin stores situated in both Kingscliff and Salt Village, Meraki Blu is home to a beautiful range of homewares and soft furnishings, coastal fashion, footwear, and jewellery by labels such as Stitch & Hide, Hamill & Co., La Strada, Mollini and Paper Heart to name a few. From ethically sourced linens and 100% cottons to Spanish leathers, items are relaxed but stylish, perfectly curated for seaside living. What makes these stores truly special however, is the customer service - welcoming, down to earth, and happy to help you style your outfit to your home.

1 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, Salt Village Shop 2, 38 Marine Pde, Kingscliff merakiblu.com.au

Nikkou Store

NIKKOU STORE

A slice of Heaven in the heart of Casuarina, the goal of owner Tiffany was to create a beautiful space and personable experience for women of all shapes and sizes and to offer them an array of Australian, female-led brands; and she has achieved all this and more. Home to some of Australia’s most luxurious and soughtafter fashion labels, walking in store is a divine experience indeed; and whether it’s a wedding, a day on the ocean, or simply lounging at home, the perfect ensemble for every occasion is guaranteed. Nikkou’s team of friendly and experienced fashion assistants will help you feel relaxed and styled en pointe. So, if you’re up for feeling special, there’s no better place to play dressups.

5/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina | nikkoustore.com

CORNER COLLECTIVE

This cutie on the corner was a welcome and much needed addition to the Cabarita Beach scene when it popped up and has brimmed with local custom ever since. A collective of clever owners joining forces to showcase an abundant array of wares - from easy coastal fashion, including dreamy winter cardis and vintage denims, to unique jewellery and artworks by talented local designers and artists. Don’t be fooled by its size, whether it’s ceramics or sunscreen, candles, planters, glassware, or baskets you seek, you’ll find a treasure trove of all things gift-worthy and may just walk away with a few items you didn’t know you needed either!

16B Tweed Coast Rd, Cabarita Beach thecornercollective.com.au

TULUM HOME

Bookending the Caba’ Beach strip is the wonderous Tulum, named in homage to the town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico, and evoking an atmosphere of blissful holidays by the sea. The store sits unassumingly along the main street, bathed in light from the full-length glass windows, with an energy that feels good to walk inside. Limewashed rendered white walls and raw polished concrete flooring, were intentional additions because co-owners and good friends Sara & Sammii, wanted the store to be an experience that touched on all the senses. Home to a mindful collection of the most sought-after brands including unique, quality pieces of furniture, homewares, fashion, jewellery, and art, seamlessly blend to create a relaxed, effortless, Island Luxe vibe. Tulum Home isn’t just a store, it’s a feeling. Sigh, can we live here?!

Shop 11/2-6 Pandanus Pde, Cabarita Beach tulumhome.com.au

DUNE DESIGN AND HOMEWARES

If a shop could be personified Dune Design would be a local through and through. The little white weatherboard shopfront a town icon in itself; Dune’s owner Lisa has brought all the best fashion, jewellery, shoe, and accessory brands to the locals of Pottsville and its visitors for 16+ years, and simultaneously cultivated a loyal following within the community and beyond. Lisa and her friendly team leave no one without a perfect outfit or gift to give, although the locals may prefer to keep ‘sale days’ to themselves!

Shop 1/4 Coronation Ave, Pottsville dunedesignandhomewares.com.au

must-have!

The Northern Rivers boasts so many wonderful artisan brands, designers and stores creating and sourcing unique seasonal delights. From sustainably sourced homewares and ethically made slow-fashion, to locally handcrafted drinks and lusciously natural cosmetics, here’s our round-up of this season’s coolest finds.

KYRA MIDI DRESS ~ GOLDEN PALM

Float through your day feeling like magic draped in beautifully block printed cotton, all done by hand & with love from India all the way to your wardrobe. Material ~ 100% Cotton. RRP $149 daughtersofindia.net

PETIT AMOUR BY RAMEAU D’OR ROSE

Pale pink with delicate notes of strawberry, rose petals & white flowers $25 per bottle. Available at Sunrise Cellars Byron Bay

MANGO LIP HONEY

A luscious hydrating vegan gloss for juicy lips. Glaze - crystal clear. Lips go wild for mango! Ultra-nourishing hydration that stays on. RRP: $35 ereperez.com

PETAL RATTAN MIRROR

Our flower petal inspired framed mirror adds that soft and natural focal point to your bedroom, nursery or entry. RRP $149 paradiselivingco.com.au

BYRON BLEND

is our signature smooth, well balanced blend. With biscuity body and terrific choc & nut aroma and taste. 200g $14 1kg $50 zentvelds.com.au

OVAL PARTI SAPPHIRE + BAGUETTE DIAMOND RING - 1.3CT

This timeless design features an exceptional 1.3ct ovalcut Australian Parti Sapphire that has been sourced from Rubyvale Queensland and cut locally by our artisan gemcutter. RRP $4600 juxjewellery.com

NATIVE PLUM GIN SPRITZ, WITH STRAWBERRY &

MINT We’ve bottled the flavours of the rainforest to make a super refreshing & fruity spritz. Made from 100% natural ingredients, including our famous Davidson Plum Slow Gin. RRP $29 - 4 pack capebyrondistillery.com

WILD TOMATO RICHE CRÈME

A lusciously rejuvenating day/ night cream . A hydrating multi-use crème with a buttery texture that melts into skin. So velvety as a rich moisturiser. RRP: $54 ereperez.com

LIGHT GREY TERRAZZO STONE

BATH 1500x900x550mm. Concrete Terrazzo Stone Baths are the perfect thing to come home to after a long day. Each one is set in a mould with reinforcement then polished and comes pre-sealed. RRP $$2,999 paradiselivingco.com.au

NOT JUST A BEACH GALLERY!

From humble beginnings and its first group exhibition aptly titled Love Where We Live, Mist Gallery has grown to be a favourite gallery for locals and tourists alike. What started as a small gallery in Cabarita Beach with a handful of local artists, Mist Gallery has quickly expanded to exhibit 50 outstanding local and interstate artists who contribute to regular curated exhibitions. Visitors are blown away by the high quality of art in the gallery, with many of the artists being recognised as winners or finalists in major art prizes. It certainly is not just a tourist gallery! When you visit in June, DARE TO DREAM will be on show. An exceptional group exhibition with both local and interstate artists. The show, curated by owner and artist Helen Otway, boasts over 60 new works on display. The catalogue is online at mist-gallery.com.au/dare-to-dream Opening July 8th is a much-anticipated duo exhibition with STEVE TYERMAN: ‘Breathing Space’ and LAINE WALKER: ‘Somewhere, Sometime in the Summertime’. Living in the hinterland, surrounded by nature, both artists use the surroundings to inspire their creativity. Their new works will be on show for 6 weeks. To be invited to the opening night, or to preview their catalogue, make sure you subscribe to the gallery’s newsletters. Alongside the exhibitions you can also book into art workshops. These are designed for beginners in mind, so you don’t need to have prior experience and the teaching artists provide the materials. You will need to register in advance.

You can visit Mist Gallery at 1b/51 Tweed Coast Rd, Cabarita Beach mist-gallery.com.au

Steve Tyerman: Where Many Paths and Reveries Meet (for his upcoming show)

SOUL-CHARGING ADVENTURES

At Zephyr Horses take a ride and explore the beauty of Byron Bay on small, personalised horse tours. Walk, trot or canter through the waves while looking over to the silhouette of the famous white lighthouse high on Cape Byron, bright against a vibrant blue sky.

Fancy a ride along Belongil Beach through the wild of Tyagarah Forest? Zephyr Horses’ mounting yards have a stable of sturdy steeds just outside of Byron Bay. There are horses large and small suitable for any experience level. Experienced guides will lead you along secret sandy paths through the paperbark forest, and up and over the dunes to the beach. For more experienced riders there is the exhilarating opportunity to canter along the firm sand, and for beginners you can take in the views whilst riding gently through fetlock deep water. The team at Zephyr take brilliant photos during the ride, freely available at the conclusion of the tour. You can be the first to watch the sun come up (while on horseback) on Australia’s most easterly beach on the sunrise tour, or you can do it all at sunset too, enjoying stunning views to the hinterland. Zephyr Horses also run slow-paced riding tours of The Farm in Ewingsdale, where you can experience the organic farm operation as you meet other farm animals along the way (hello piggies!). If you’ve got little ones who aren’t yet up to a trail ride, grab a 10-minute pony ride on Saturday mornings (keep an eye on Instagram for dates). You can complete the day with a brilliant locally sourced nourishing meal at Three Blue Ducks or grab a pastry or gelato ice cream from Bread Social or Bay Gelato. You can also join the team for a Saturday ride to the newly renovated North Byron Hotel. You’ll work up an appetite riding your faithful steed through local bushland, then hitch your mount to the rail outside. Enjoy a hearty pub feed from the modern pub menu and a beverage from the huge selection on tap, while resting on the oversized cushions strewn around the lush lawn. Then it’s back onto your mount ready for the ride back to Zephyr’s home base. For kids, Mini Zephyr’s pony club runs on Saturday mornings and is perfect for your little Unicorns (ages 4-6) and Brumbies (ages 7-10). A relaxed way for kids to learn about horse behaviour and movement, taking up, feeding, grooming, riding and more. For grown-ups a Monthly Riding Club four session membership is a great way to increase your skills and confidence as a rider. Or if you are feeling more adventurous join one of their Muster Camps. An overnight ride in the hinterland with tent accommodation, horses, food, and everything else included, this is a chance to stargaze around a campfire while swapping stories of your days ride together. And for all levels of experience, bring out your inner warrior and experience a horseback archery clinic, and learn to ride without reins and shoot targets with a bow and arrow whilst on horseback! It’s an exhilarating way to learn new horse skills, and a great boast to friends and family.

Discover more at zephyrhorses.com