Byron and Beyond: New Years Road Trip
When you think of the typical Aussie surfers paradise with an eclectic mix of locals from all corners of the world seeking sun, sea, arts, culture, music, food and a buzzing social scene all in one place, Byron is the number one destination. So with some time on our hands over the holidays and somewhere I had on my bucket list to visit, we decided to take a road trip up the north coast to spend New Years in the bohemian town of Byron and explore some hidden gems on our way back.
Packing up the Defender and our little boat complete with a nifty camping setup, we hit the road a day before NYE and covered some good distance on our first leg up the coast from Sydney. Making it all the way to Sawtell by dusk, we were about to get some groceries and park up for the night, when my boyfriend spotted an old friend who lives in town. He invited us to stay the night, so we brought in some cheeses, meats, dips, bread and wine to graze on as the boys had a catch up and reminisced on old times.
The next day was NYE so we got going in the early morning with the view of buying last minute tickets to Falls Festival. We didn’t reach Byron until gone 1pm, so instead we decided to make the most of our final day in 2018 and spend the evening in town soaking up the atmosphere. Following cocktails at the Beach Hotel, we found a perfect spot on the headland just out of central Byron to park up and camp for the night.
A quick freshen up and a few vinos sat on top the Defender and we were ready for our NYE in Byron Bay. We stumbled across a fab spot for dinner at Miss Margarita overlooking the beachfront as we sipped prosecco and devoured our Mexican feast of chipotle chicken nachos and fish burritos. The town was alive and so much going on, from jams on the beach to night markets where I bought a Snowflake of Obsidian gemstone anklet meant to balance the body, mind and spirit – just what I need for a fresh start in the new year! Following the countdown on Byron Beach, we danced the night away at a local pub The Great Northerner and ended celebrations with a stunning moonlit walk up the beach to where we were camping.
New Years day and our delicate heads were fixed with a dip in the lagoon and morning of mooching the boutique shops of Byron. Before leaving, we also visited The Farm with its popular cafe and restaurant on site run by the founders of hatted restaurant Three Blue Ducks in Sydney. Here we enjoyed a much needed coffee and spot of brunch overlooking the sunflower fields before another long leg on the road. It was a busy time of year with the holidays in full swing, so I would be keen to visit another time to experience the true free-spirited local vibes of hippie Byron Bay.
Ending up back in Sawtell where we had initially scoped out a good spot to camp by the river, we launched the boat late afternoon and got fishing as the sun went down at golden hour. With a quiet river to ourselves, tunes playing in the background and a glass of vino in hand, it was the most blissful way to welcome in the first day of 2019. Our setup for the night was just perfect too, with a makeshift kitchen laid out on the grass and boat back on dry land set up with the bed ready to fall into after dinner. I made the most of what we had as shops had closed early on the bank holiday, even having to use tin foil for makeshift plates! I put together some bruschetta with cucumber, tomato and lemon for starters before steaming some broccoli and corn to accompany our little white fish from the days catch – modest yet so tasty.
After a morning dip, we ventured into the quaint old town of Bellingen to have a coffee in the trendy cafe/shop Hyde and later lunch at No 5 Church Street. I would highly recommend this hidden spot on a quiet side street for food in Bellingen with its quirky interiors and menu to suit all tastes. I opted for a delicious pumpkin feta salad and my boyfriend raved about the chicken burger and ‘best chips’ he’d ever had! Bellies full we visited the Promised Lands just out of town for an afternoon swim and more fishing. This is a truly stunning area of natural beauty with a fresh water stream running through the heart of the woodlands and large plunge pools for taking a dip.
Our final night of cooking beneath the stars, we polished off our wine supply whilst discussing our hopes and plans for the year ahead. It was certainly a journey of prosperity and growth for me here in Oz and now I find myself diving head first into a second year here! I could never have dreamed what this adventure had in store for me and the happiness it would bring along with it, so I intend to go forward with an open mind and ready to embrace the opportunities 2019 has to offer…’Dare to go beyond your wildest dreams and your true potential will follow.’
With lavish table decorations and a swanky whiskey bar just next door, the night oozed glitz and glamour of the 1920s. My mum was delighted with the array of dresses we had lined up for her and looked stunning in her chosen floor length, fish tail, beaded white gown complete with pearls and a head piece.
For my outfit I chose to channel my inner Peaky Blinder with a suit, braces, glasses and flat cap all dressed up with pretty jewels and pearls; think Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City 2 when she is best man at the gay wedding.
Every single guest made such an effort with their costume and we were grateful for how many friends and family came along. It was a night to remember seeing so many faces from the past and close friends who all came to put on the party of the season for my fabulous mum.
The dance floor was popular all night and we continued into the early hours at the bar next door. We couldn’t have asked for a more fitting location to put on our Great ‘Cazby’ (my mum’s name is Caroline) evening in celebration of such a special year for my mum. It wasn’t to be missed and certainly was worth flying from the other side of the world for!
Returning to the area following my time away there was some new places I wanted to visit alongside the old favourites. As a trending place on Instagram, Petersham Nurseries was somewhere I had to see for myself. It didn’t disappoint with it’s quaint exterior and beautiful courtyard of flowers, so we stopped by for a coffee in the deli. They had offerings of delicious baked goods, lovely salad choices and the menu for their restaurant looked fantastic too, perfect for pre-theatre.
Having had our caffeine kick, it was time to shop and explore the streets of my old stomping ground. Towards Seven Dials we went to Dr.Martens, Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, Mango and the best vintage store in town, Rockit.
We decided to enjoy a late lunch at Balthazar, a modern French Bistro with exquisite interiors making you feel like you’ve stepped into a restaurant in Paris. Having visited before for brunch, I was excited to try their lunch menu and wasn’t disappointed. I went for the Moules Frites which was paired perfectly with the bottle of white wine we shared for the table. They even brought out a platter of macaroons with candles for my Mum’s Birthday, how sweet!
Following our idyllic afternoon strolling around Covent Garden, we headed to the Tower of London to see the poppies being lit in commemoration of WWI. It was hauntingly beautiful watching the ex-soldiers light 10,000 torches in remembrance of those who lost their lives all that time ago in The Great War.
To complete our day in town, I took my Mum and Auntie to Sky Garden which is at the top of the walkie talkie building in the city. With 360 degree views of the city lit up by night and a glass of wine in hand, it was the perfect setting to finish the day as a visitor back in my home city of London.
Always being one for a cheese board and regular customer of our local wine bar, I had to provide a platter of delicious offerings including lots of fruits, pickles, cured meats and chutneys to accompany the carefully selected array of cheese. Also known for my love of creating and consuming beautiful salads, I made a salad inspired by a recent visit to Cote Brasserie which included apple, currents, walnuts, goats cheese and a honey mustard dressing. A board of fresh french stick with oil, balsamic and basil leaves was the perfect accompaniment to complete the nibbles table.
When originally planning the gathering, I had envisioned using my bar skills and putting together some fancy cocktails. However I was far more concerned with getting the food prepped so opted for pink sparkling and endless bottles of prosecco to quench my guest’s thirst. My mum even kindly lent us her stunning antique prosecco coupes which were the perfect prop for photos too.
Another important component to creating the perfect setting was the music. I linked my spotify to the speakers and put on my go to chilled house music mix from Majestic Casual. Some cute fairy lights and candles made for a cosy setting around the coffee table – the girls said it looked like Christmas in there!
I wore my new knitted jumper which I’d spotted in a little boutique in Farnham along with my favourite ruffle suede mules from Zomp Shoez in Sydney. When the girls arrived at 4pm I couldn’t wait to pop the bubbly, relax and catch up on life with my friends. It couldn’t have been a more perfect setup in which to enjoy each other’s company and soak up the time with my girls.
Of course we had planned on moving the night onto the local club in town and having started in the late afternoon, by the evening we were more than ready to let our hair down on the dance floor. This is where the night got a little more boozy as we ordered in the tequila shots and jaeger bombs! Let’s just say there were definitely some memories made and stories to be told…
Walking through the front door I’m greeted with an overwhelming scent of home and my beautiful room is still just as I left it. I always took such pride in decorating my room with stylish interiors and memorabilia including precious photos from over the years. I’ve continued to make the effort to print those special photos despite everything being digital now so I can look back on cherished memories. It was also a joy to be reunited with my wardrobe of gorgeous clothes and shoes which I have a new appreciation for since I’ve been living out of my suitcase for 10 months!
Now having been back in England for a week, it doesn’t feel like a day has passed since I left. Coming back has reminded me of my humble roots and the fabulous family and friends I have who are always there and support me no matter what – that’s what makes home a home.
Having got this brilliant news that I will be back in the office for another month, I new exactly how to treat myself in celebration: shoes! The local shoe store Zomp here in Paddington on Oxford Street is a shoeaholic’s dream, stocked with covetable brands including Senso, Django & Juliette and Beau Coops. The sale is always fantastic and I was lusting after another pair of mules which I could wear in the office. I had my eye on a pair of studded Senso heels, however they didn’t have my size and they were too high for work. So I spotted these black velvet mules by Django & Juliette; perfectly stylish and chic, yet still comfortable and practical for the office. Reduced from $160 to $65 I couldn’t resist!
These gorgeous shoes made a perfect addition to my current mule obsession. A few months back when it was my birthday, I purchased these almond ruffle mules by 2 Baia Vista from the Zomp store too. The suede ruffle detail on these are super cute and the quality of the shoes are worth the price tag. Finally I gained a pair of Prada heels from my auntie who brought them second hand for only $70! She got the cobbler to add the ankle strap which makes these high heels easier to walk in and far more comfortable.
So with my updated collection of stunning shoes, I can’t wait to pair these with outfits for the office. I’m a true shoeaholic so I can’t think of a better way I could’ve treated myself. Now here’s to the next step of my Australian adventure most definitely made in style in my fabulous new kicks!
Dani Aneka 