The coastal town of Byron Bay is a summer destination hotspot on New South Wales North Coast, giving prominence to incredible beaches, national parks, delicious farm to table eateries and an intrinsically Australian, laid-back lifestyle. As an accomplished yoga teacher, surfer, philanthropist and director of swimwear label Miskin, Eve Miskin provides a local guide to Byron Bay's hip and nonchalant atmosphere.
What defines the lifestyle of locals in Byron Bay?
The sheer beauty of the area and the casual lifestyle. A relaxed, laid-back surfing community with pristine coastline and fantastic climate.
What are Byron Bay’s best hotels, boutique hotels or resorts?
Rae’s on Wategos - an exclusive boutique retreat in a luxurious beachfront setting.
The Byron at Byron Resort And Spa - this five-star resort is set within a 45 acre rainforest offering spa treatments, rainforest walks and yoga classes.
Victoria’s Byron Bay - five-star hotel located.
Watermark at Wategos - a luxury suite with absolute frontage onto Wategos Beach.
The Bower Byron Bay - stay at one of the stylish Byron Beach abodes villa.
Left: Raes on Wategos, Right: Folk
What are your favourite cafés for coffee, breakfast and lunch?
Roadhouse - 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay.
Belongil Bistro - 33 Childe St, Byron Bay.
Bayleaf Café - 2 Marvell St, Byron Bay.
Two popular cafe's favourited by Sydney-siders and visitors are also Folk Byron Bay and Combi Byron Bay.
What are some of the best dinner dining spots in Byron?
Roadhouse - 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay.
The Italian - Bay St, Byron Bay.
Harvest - 18-20 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar.
The Restaurant at The Byron - 77097 Broken Head Rd, Suffolk Park.
Rae's on Wategos - 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay.
Top Shop - 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay.
Left: Top Shop, Right: Tallows Beach
With your expertise in fitness and yoga, what are the best ways to stay active in Byron? Share with us your favourite and family friendly experiences to try.
I’ve had a lifelong interest in health and vitality with yoga and surfing playing a vital role in my life and everyday routine for over 20 years. Embracing yoga and surfing in Byron Bay is essential. Two insider tips are to take up surf lessons and definitely kayak with the dolphins.
Another must do is walking to the Cape Byron Lighthouse - sitting on Australia’s most easterly point, the Lighthouse is one of Byron Bay’s most iconic images. Ride a bike around the local pathways or join a group ride for mountain side biking or trails. Visit the large swimming reserve, Killen Falls in Tintenbar. Hand glide over Tallows Beach. Having a picnic or barbecue at Wategos Beach. Great music festivals include Falls Festival and Splendour in The Grass.
Share your insider tips and interesting insights that a new visitor to Byron Bay wouldn’t normally know about?
Minyon Falls is a favourite destination of mine. Minyon Falls lookout offers stunning views of the waterfall, rainforest and coast, with opportunities for picnics and barbecues. It's an hour drive from Byron Bay and we drive beyond the falls and walk for another half an hour to find a magical spot, where we swim and have a picnic.
Left: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Right: Wategos Beach
For those interested in a luxury retreat – what are your favourite spa’s, nail salons, hairdressers or massage locations?
Thai Sabai - 115 Jonson St, Byron Bay.
Sulis - 1/15-19 Fletcher St, Byron Bay.
My favourite hairdresser in town.
Gaia Retreat & Spa - 933 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet.
One of Australia’s most awarded boutique, lifestyle and pamper retreats.
Tell us about Byron’s beautiful beaches.
Wategos Beach is my favourite, the waves are gentle. There are plenty of dolphins, and you have an incredible backdrop of mountains. I surf here most of the time and sometimes watch the sun set while surfing.
Left: Minyon Falls, Right: Wategos Beach
What are some fun and popular nightlife locations from clubs and bars?
The Beach Hotel - the only pub on the beachfront overlooking Byron Bay’s Main Beach.
The Balcony Bar & Restaurant - corner of Lawson and Johnson St, Byron Bay.
What is the best time or season to travel to Byron Bay?
Whilst December through to February are very popular, my favourite time is March and April.
What is your ideal day in Byron Bay?
Surfing from dawn until dusk!
Images via: @photography_byron_bay, TripAdvisor, Creature Yoga, Trover, Byron Beach Abodes, Elements of Byron