Byron Bay. Just an hour south, but a whole new vibe. When the GC feels a little too familiar and you need a new coastal playground to frolic in, Byron always delivers – with cocktails, croissants and crystal shops. Whether you’re chasing handcrafted margaritas, beachside brekkies or that elusive ‘wellness era,’ here’s why we keep making the pilgrimage.

1. Because the Beach Hotel is basically a rite of passage

Name a more iconic duo than a Byron sunset and a cold one at the Beachy. You can’t. This pub is legendary for a reason – live tunes, ocean views, and a beer garden that feels like one long Sunday session. And now there’s The Shack, their new seaside bar slinging lobster tacos, lychee martinis and seriously cruisy vibes. It’s the Byron glow-up we didn’t know we needed.
Where: 1 Bay Street, Byron Bay

2. Because nothing hits like a cold one at the source

Stone & Wood is Byron’s OG brewery and an absolute must for craft beer lovers. Sip a fresh Pacific Ale straight from the tank, kick back in the leafy beer garden, and snack on epic eats from 100 Mile Table. Tour optional, good times guaranteed.
Where: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay

3. Because the restaurants are the stuff of foodie dreams

Byron’s food game is elite. Some GC faves have even set up shop there – plus a few you’ll want to gatekeep.

•  Beach Byron Bay – Dine with uninterrupted ocean views. Coastal luxe at its finest. Clarkes Beach, 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay
•  Three Blue Ducks at The Farm – Paddock-to-plate done very right, in the prettiest farm setting. 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale
•  Pixie Italian – 70s Italian chic with Byron flair. Gnocchi night is a must. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Light Years – Modern Asian faves, terrazzo bars, and cocktails that pack a punch. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Miss Margarita – Fresh, fun Mexican steps from the sand. Margaritas with actual muscle. 2 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Bang Bang – Asian fusion and serious buzz. Try the Emerald Garden cocktail – dangerously sippable. 4/1 Byron St, Byron Bay

4. Because brunch here is a personality trait

Breakfast is sacred, and Byron treats it accordingly.

•  Top Shop – Vintage milk bar vibes with brekkie burgers worth the drive. 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay
•  The General Store – Historic charm and mostly plant-based eats that actually slap. 26 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay
•  Roca – Dulce de leche pancakes that’ll ruin you for all other pancakes. 14 Lawson Street, Byron Bay
•  Éclair at The Bay – Pastries that’ll haunt your dreams (in the best way possible). 3a/1 Byron St, Byron Bay
•  Baloney’s Deli – Sopranos-style sandwiches + $2 espresso bar. Fuggedaboutit. 10-12 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

5. Because the bars are hot, salty, and full of sangria

Byron knows how to pour a drink, and the vibes are immaculate.

• Byron Bay Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant – Oysters shucked to order, luxe raw bar bites and coastal elegance. 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay  
• The Mez Club – Mediterranean magic in the form of clay-hued interiors and dreamy cocktails. Bottomless brunches and interiors that will 100% end up on your Instagram. 85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
• Balcony Bar & Oyster Co – Cocktails, oysters and people-watching from the wraparound balcony. It’s giving vintage movie star energy (with a side of seafood). Corner of Jonson & Lawson Streets, Byron Bay
•  Bar Heather – With 700+ bottles and serious food cred, this wine bar is equal parts swanky and sippable. 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
•  Smoking Camel – Middle Eastern eats, zesty cocktails, and a vibe that says, “Yes, I do own a spice rack.” 17 Lawson St, Byron Bay

6. Because shopping here = finding your boho alter ego

Byron’s boutiques hit different – floaty, boho, and expensive in a way that feels justified.

•  Spell – Floaty dresses and Byron-born boho realness. 15 Browning St, Byron Bay
•  Mister Zimi – Retro prints for your inner disco queen. 5/85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay
•  Zulu & Zephyr – Swimwear and leisurewear made for sun-drenched lounging. 10/11 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay
•  St. Agni – Minimalist heaven. Think earthy tones and rich-girl sandals. 4 Acacia St, Byron Bay
•  Temple of the Sun – Jewellery with soul. Timeless, ethically made, and totally covetable. 3 Ti-Tree Pl, Byron Bay
•  Habitat – A design-lover’s dream precinct. Come for the boutiques, stay for the vibe. 1 Porter St, Byron Bay

7. Because you can ride a horse on the beach (yes, really)

Zephyr Horses makes every horse girl’s dreams come true with forest-to-beach rides. It’s giving The Saddle Club but aesthetic.
Where: 145 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

8. Because the lighthouse walk is elite cardio

The Cape Byron loop is 3.7km of breathtaking views, ocean breezes, and smug satisfaction. Bonus: you’re basically guaranteed to spot dolphins, whales or a shirtless surfer named Bodhi.
Where: 199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay

9. Because soaking in a bathhouse counts as exercise

Navia Bathhouse is your ticket to mineral soaks, icy plunges, and steaming away the sins of last night’s mezcal. This sleek little sanctuary serves Scandinavian calm with an Aussie accent – think steamy saunas, icy plunges, and magnesium pools that feel like a full-body exhale.
Where: 7 Marvell St, Byron Bay

10. Because staying the night is dangerously tempting

You came for the day. You stayed for the magnesium pool. Byron’s got no shortage of dreamy digs to rest your head.

• Hotel Marvell – Designer rooms, plush suites and a rooftop bar and pool. 4 Marvell St, Byron Bay
•  Basq House – Boutique and boujee with art deco flair. 4 Fletcher Ln, Byron Bay
•  Raes Guesthouses – Byron’s newest luxe stay brings vintage charm, dreamy suites and two lap pools just steps from Wategos. Guests also score access to Raes Dining Room, Cellar Bar and spa – beachside bliss, sorted. 1 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
•  Elements of Byron – Beachfront luxe with a spa and a kid-free pool. You deserve it. Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

11. Because you’ll absolutely bump into a Hemsworth

No proof, just vibes. When Hollywood’s golden gods (hi, Hemsworths) choose Byron as their backyard, you know it’s got something special. From actors to artists, celebs have clocked the chill factor – and honestly, same.

12. Because there’s no place like Byron

Spiritual. Stylish. Slightly chaotic. But always, always worth the trip.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons

There’s a new reason to cross the border, and it’s sandwiched between good taste and good vibes. Bread Winner Sandwiches, a fresh face on the local foodie scene, is slinging internationally inspired subs with a side of surf in Kingscliff.

The breadchild of chef Kyle Mapp, from Byron Bay nosh spots La Casita and Figtree, and long-time business and economics teacher Reuben Kremer, this coastal sandwich shop was born out of a craving, not just for flavour, but for a lifestyle shift. After stepping back from full-time work, the pair met for a casual coffee… and walked away signing a lease for the sub shop the very next day.

The location was a no-brainer – right across from the ocean, with sea views, grassy dunes and plenty of picnic real estate. Both owners are surfers, so the idea of paddling out before or after a lunch shift didn’t hurt the decision-making process.

Fast forward three months and a lot of elbow grease, largely thanks to their hard-working mate Jason Daubs who helped bring the space to life, Bread Winner swung open its doors to a sea of locals ready to bite in.

The shop itself blends mid-century charm with modern design, offering a relaxed space where everyone feels welcome. No frills, no fuss, just damn good food served with heart.

While there’s space for 20 to dine in, the takeaway vibe is just as strong, with sandwiches built for beach blankets and salty fingers.

The menu? Simple, satisfying sandwiches with flavours that take your tastebuds on a trip around the world.

The Meatball Sub is already a fave with the locals, loaded with slow-braised meatballs, vodka sauce, scamorza and fresh basil.

The Salumi Focaccia is a deli classic dialled all the way up with sopressa, mortadella, stracciatella, rocket with nduja and pecorino cream.

Feel like a trip to Southeast Asia? Tuck into a Banh Mi with crispy pork and all the accompaniments.

Bread Winner isn’t just resting on its freshly baked laurels, either. They’re rolling out a new weekly special starting with the Cajun squid Po’ Boy and teasing future creations like crispy fish sandos and rotating international twists that’ll keep sandwich lovers coming back.

There’s salads too with the Roots, Seeds Leaves salad bringing together roasted root veg, toasted seeds with a crème fraîche dressing and macadamia cream in a wholesome bowl of deliciousness.

Finishing on a sweet note doesn’t get more nostalgic than devouring a slice or two (no judgment here) of the Milo Basque Cheesecake.

A liquor license means you can wash down your sub with a local beer on tap, notably Spangled Drongo, brewed by a close friend of the team, or grab a cold drink and head straight for the dunes.

With plenty of sell-out days already under their belt and a wave of community support behind them, Bread Winner Sandwiches has quickly proven itself to be more than a pit stop. This is one place that’s truly earned its name.

Where: 1/36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Wednesday–Sunday 10am–3pm

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Sundays are reserved for one of three purposes; chilling with the fam and getting prepped for the week ahead, sneaking in a little Sunday sesh to delay Monday as long as humanly possible, and our fave, a spot of road trippin!

We’re lucky on the GC as we’re inundated with scenic drive options, and only need to travel an hour or two to find lots of beautiful, unique sights and activities.

We’ve broken it down to five destinations and provided a small snapshot of what you can find at each.

Toot toot!

Mt Tamborine

Gallery Walk
A trip up the mountain isn’t complete without a stroll along Gallery Walk. It’s a melting pot of eclectic finds, with over 70 shops in the one block. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge, food outlets, cafes…and even a cuckoo clock shop. If you’re looking for something unique or need to buy that friend who has everything a gift, chances are you’ll find something here.
Where: Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls
Enjoy a beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. Wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. The 1.1km walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. Top it off with a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe. Lovely!
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Road, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim. A Prohibition-style space with an established vineyard, lush rolling meadows and of course, a generous gin and cocktail bar, there’s a lot to love. Settle in for a bev or a feed, or BYO picnic rug and chill amongst the vineyards. You can partake in complimentary lawn games if you so desire, and they’re pro pop here so Fido can come too!
Where: 89-123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

The Glow Worm Caves
Take a guided half-hour walk through lush rainforest to a purpose-built cave, filled with thousands of shimmery glow worms! Everyone can get up close and personal with a glow worm here without damaging delicate wild habitats #CueApplause. And the best part? It’s conveniently located in the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, you can enjoy a tipple pre or post tour…or pre and post tour!
Where: Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine

Canungra

Mountview Alpaca Farm
Located in O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, you can meet alpacas and drink wine and srsly, life made. Choose between 15 and 60 minute alpaca experiences where you can walk and feed these cute creatures, or go all out with an alpaca picnic, alpaca devonshire tea, or a wine, cheese and alpaca package (#us). Set in a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Cudgen

Farm & Co.
No doubt Instagram has informed you there is a field of sunflowers just a short 25 minute drive away where you can frolic, take selfies, pick said sunflowers and generally pretend you don’t have a care in the world. There’s also a coffee shop where you can sink into an oversized lounge chair while gazing at the sunflowers and contemplating a new career in farming, live music of a weekend, a tasty array of brunch eats and fresh veggies you can take home too.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen 

The Chindy
Check out restful riverside town Chinderah, stopping in for a refreshment and snack at The Chindy. Also known as Chinderah Tavern, The Chindy boasts a big old deck overlooking the widest river in the world (not a fact) and supplies all the cold beer, wine and tasty eats you could wish for on a Sunday afternoon. There’s live music, sunsets if you time it right, and just general non-city good times. Right next door is Cubby Bakehouse so you can get yourself some dessert for the drive home.
Where: 156 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah

Byron Region

The Farm Byron Bay
A must visit for everyone (especially anyone with a little person in tow), The Farm is a destination in itself. See how the farm operates and say hi to the animals, and meet the infamous mascots Braveheart the Scottish Highland cow and Bobby the rooster. Collect macadamia nuts from the macadamia trees, have a meal at Three Blue Ducks restaurant, or grab a little something from The Bread Social to eat outside on a picnic rug. There’s a playground for the anklebiters and plenty of beautiful open space to explore.
Where: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale

The Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby
Instagood alert! Sit in an ancient amethyst cave, pose with rare and amazing giant crystals, and wander five hectares of subtropical, crystal-filled Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. You can even touch the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama and join in Crystal Sound Healings at 12pm and 3pm! Grab a bite with a stunning hinterland view at Lotus Café and let the kids run amok in the playground.
Where: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum

Hotel Brunswick
The heart of beautiful Brunswick Heads, swing in for a drink or a feed at this classic Aussie pub. Somewhat of an institution and a fave far and wide, relax under the beautiful Poinciana trees in the beer garden and soak up the ambience. Always busy on Sundays, if you can push the friendship and stay on till the early evening, you’ll generally be rewarded with live music and an even more awesome vibe. Pub grub at its best.
Where: Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

Newrybar Merchants
A collective of creative local artisans and curators of fine goods who are passionate about what they do, this is our jam! Honouring the space and the essence of the Byron Bay Hinterland, Newrybar Merchants enables customers to experience rustic charm effortlessly blended with sophistication within a beautiful and unique retail space. Shop everything from faaarshion, to homewares, to wellness products and everything in between, it’s a must.
Where: 16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar

The Tweed

Northern Rivers Rail Trail
This scenic trail connects you to breathtaking landscapes, charming local towns, and top-notch spots to eat, stay, and explore. Whether you’re cruising on two wheels, taking a leisurely stroll, or going for a run, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is an adventure at your own pace. With bike hire, shuttles, and cosy accommodation options along the way, planning your trip is a breeze. For an extra dose of fun, Better By Bike makes exploring even easier—perfect for beginners, casual riders, and anyone keen to swap four wheels for two. It’s also a great way to switch off, soak in the stunning surroundings, and even turn a team-building day into a mental health boost. Grab a picnic or a coffee at The Platform Cafe before you head off.
Where: Various access points from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek

Wollumbin National Park
This World Heritage-listed national treasure is well worth a look. Previously known as Mt Warning National Park, lose yourself in some of the largest and oldest tracts of sub-tropical rainforest on Earth. Wollumbin, which rises from the park to a height of 1,157 metres above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano and yep, that’s a drawcard right there. Note the Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track and the Aboriginal Place remains closed.
Where: About 12km south-west of Murwillumbah off Kyogle Road, Mount Warning

Tweed River House
This one is special! From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist. They’ve even been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide so if the aesthetics aren’t enough to get you there, the nosh will be!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah

Baked at Ancora
Another one that’s close by when you’re a bit strapped for time is Baked at Ancora. Believers that sweet treats and waterside picnics go hand in hand, we concur and we can’t get enough of this Parisian style café bakery. From their signature croissants and traditional classics like pain-au-chocolat, to the more unique and inventive flavour combos, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in actual Paris. Well worth the waistline damage.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads 

Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
There’s always something new to discover at the Tweed Regional Gallery, housed in a large, modern, architecturally award-winning building with views to Wollumbin/Mount Warning. While you’re there, a meal at in-house eats haunt Apex is an absolute non-negotiable. With a stunning outlook and design to reflect the vista, indulge in a unique combo of rustic French patisserie goodies and modern cafe plates with a very ‘now’ pan-Asian twist. Add a cocktail and instant happy place.
Where: 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Husk Farm Distillery
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds is certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Bianca Trathen.