Byron Bay has become a popular vacation spot for Australians and visitors alike. Even famous celebrities like the Hemsworth brothers have moved in. Byron Bay has a great, chill vibe, but when it gets a little too crowded and too boutique, take a day trip to any of the surrounding quaint towns in the Greater Byron Area!
Mullumbimby
Only a half hour North of Byron Bay you find the cutest town in the rolling hills. My personal favorite, Mullumbimby feels what Byron Bay must have been like 20 old year ago. There are more second hand and locally made shops, more vegans restaurants and a more laid back feel.
When it comes to places to eat, there are tons of locally sourced and reasonably priced options. Yaman had vegan and gluten free options and was unique Yemen cuisine (we even saw them at the Bluesfest). Rainbow Kitchen is fully vegan and open for every meal morning and night. The outdoor space is super tranquil with a yoga studio in the back. The Kitchen puts on local events such as movie nights and seminars on how to be zero waste. Across the street you find puremelt chocolate which is again vegan, organic and even sugar free.
The Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop is a must visit for families as it has Australian sourced coco and candy from all over the world.
Mullumbimby has a weekly farmers market, several book shops (new and used) and even a co-op. You need to add this to your list of places to visit and you will not be disappointed.
Kingscliff
The only real claim to fame for this country town is the sunflower farm at Farm & Co. A 45 minute drive North along the west coast is this farm to table, 7 day a week restaurant and farm. With only a few veggie and vegan options, I still loved how fresh everything was. We sat outside and enjoyed the view of the sky with the birds flying around and chickens walking around being free range.
The ultimate Insta-worthy shots are across the fields and into the sunflower patch. If you did not get anything to eat there is a $5 entry charge onto the farm. There is ample parking on the side of the road if the parking lot fills up.
Crystal Castle
Another short 30 minute drive, this time Westward, is an old hidden crystal garden. Hippies used to travel from around the country to visit and would only be allowed access with the help of a local. It certainly is a tranquil place on the top of the hill! Now open to the public for a fee, this Shambala Garden was a little over rated but still worth a visit.
Now home to some of the largest crystals in the world, you can definitely feel the restful atmosphere.
Everyday there are multiple events such as meditation, music of plants and guided tours around the gardens. We enjoyed a nice meditation to start our visit then ventured to the reflexology walk.
Do note there is no castle and the gardens are not massive. We were probably there and saw everything in less than 2 hours.
The gift shop was extensive and you get a coupon if you sign up for their email list. The one thing I invested in was an aurora reading.
There is a cafe and free umbrellas throughout the gardens (which did come in handy with a passing shower). For $32 AUD it was a little overpriced but I did leave feeling calm.
Ewingsdale
Only a 15 minute drive out of town is a farm that is a full 360 degree experience. From the Three Blue Ducks Restaurant, to The Bread Social (Bakery) and Produce Store you will not leave hungry. The Farm Byron Bay offers self guided and guided tours on foot or horse back. There is plenty of room for kids to run around in a grassy area by the tables. There is even a pop up ice cream stand and flower shop. Another farm to table style establishment, The Farm also has educational workshops on different topics. It can be hard to miss as it is right off of a round about but it is definitely worth a stop either into or out of Byron Bay.
Nimbin
Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the famous Nimbin, but we will be back! Nimbin is known as a pot smoking, tie dye wearing, drum circle kind of community. Every year they have an event called “Mardi Grass” to rally for the legalization of cannabis. 2019 will mark the 26th year.
The greater Byron Shire area is not just beautiful, it offers a wide range of activities and other things to do, see & eat than just lounging on the beach after shopping at upscale boutiques in Byron Bay. I highly recommend getting a rental car so you can experience it yourself.
Tip: Discover more in the Byron Shire with this guide book from a local resident.
Have you been to Byron Bay and the greater Byron Shire? What was your favorite place?