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The founder of parenting website and shopping portal Babyccino Kids, Courtney Adamo, relocated to Byron Bay, Australia four months ago from London. After traveling around the world for the past 18 months looking for a new place to call home, Adamo, her husband Michael, and their four kids (another is on the way in six weeks) settled on the idyllic bohemian town of Bangalow on the Gold Coast in the South Pacific. “We adore this gorgeous little town of Bangalow,” says Adamo. “With cute shops, great cafes, and a friendly community of residents, we knew we wanted to base ourselves here if ever we returned.”
It was love at first sight with with the area. “We fell in love with Byron Bay’s hinterland—a verdant countryside of rolling hills, secret swimming holes, and charming towns—on an earlier visit in 2010,” says Adamo. “While Byron’s beaches and surf scene are its biggest draws, and the fact that there are so many beautiful surrounding towns with their own events, markets, shops, and restaurants.” With a population of just 9,000—or 30,000 if you count all of Byron Shire—Byron Bay has much to offer whether it’s the beach you’re after, fresh food, or super-hip Aussie-owned boutiques.
Here are some of Adamo’s favorite places to eat, sip, shop, surf, and relax.
Stay
Elements of Byron The amenities at this resort—and the location right on the beach in Belongil—is ideal. We’ve had friends stay here who were very happy with the service.
The Granuaille Residence We discovered this place on the Kid & Coe site last year when we started planning our trip, and we immediately booked it. The house is cozy, kid-friendly, and stylish. It’s also perfectly located within a short walk of town. As fate would have it, we ended up becoming good friends with the owners, who returned from an extended trip to California in time to meet up while we were still in town. Poppy is a film director, and Andy is a musician who will soon be releasing a rock album for kids.
The Atlantic A charming boutique hotel in the centre of Byron with stylish, individually decorated guest houses. Unfortunately, kids are not allowed here—so it’s one for an adults-only holiday.
Eat
The Farm Byron Bay Located just outside of Byron Bay, this working farm/restaurant/café/shop/play-space is a wonderful, family friendly spot to hang out, meet friends, and enjoy a delicious meal. We love their donuts, breads, and sandwiches from their take-away counter, and the food from the Three Blue Ducks restaurant is outstanding.
The Top Shop A Byron Bay institution, and rightfully so! The coffee and food is easy to like, and its location makes it the perfect place to stop before or after a surf.
Harvest Café in Newrybar One of the best restaurants in the area, Harvest is a great place for a special lunch or dinner. On weekend mornings they open up their gorgeous bakery and sell delicious treats from a big farmhouse table. The perfect way to kick off the weekend!
The Roadhouse in Byron Apparently, this is the hipster hangout, but they have always welcomed our boisterous gang of beach rats with open arms. Great food and amazing coffee are on offer in a lovely patio space. Dinner is great, too, but kids aren’t allowed in the evenings.
Woods Café in Bangalow Just a five minute walk from our house, this is our favorite local café. The staff is super friendly and the plant-based food is divine. There’s also a pretty courtyard where kids can run around while you wait for your food or enjoy a second coffee.
Do
Surf at The Pass The Pass is the perfect place for surfers of all abilities. The point break and gentle waves are ideal for every surfer in our family, and it’s a gorgeous place to watch the sunset.
Beach day at Wategos Beach Wategos Beach is just another of Byron’s gorgeous beaches—with good surf, lots of sand, and public BBQs for evening dinners with friends. Walk up to the lighthouse for stunning views up and down the coast (and dolphin spotting, too, if you’re lucky!).
Shop
Newrybar Merchants This gorgeous shop is a collective of creative local artisans and shops and offers a variety of beautiful homewares, gifts, clothes, and accessories.
Our Corner Store in Bangalow They have a beautiful selection of homewares and fashion, and they even have a small corner with a well-curated selection of children’s products. Great for gifts!