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.’
After a quick dip in the ocean to reset our bodies, we visited my boyfriend’s auntie and uncle’s place where we could chill for a few hours in the cool air-conditioning. I also got to catch up on some journal writing which I hadn’t had time for over the Christmas period. It was the most idyllic setup as I sat overlooking the golf course and Mollymook beach.
That evening we were welcomed to stay the night and kindly invited to join a BBQ with yet more yummy offerings of seafood, steak and salads. I was in charge of serving the G&Ts which gave me a good head-start for our night out in the local town of Ulladulla.
Joining our mate who is founder and producer of Mammals, we were off to see a Babe Rainbow gig at The Marlin. Another night on the VBs and some good tunes was a recipe for a fun filled evening of dancing around and having a good laugh. I thought Molly was just a quiet family seaside town, little did I know there is a buzzing young community scene in and around quaint Magical Mollymook!
We met with some family friends who also own a handsome ‘Malibu’ boat and got going on the water by 8:30am. It was a beautiful summer day with a light breeze to cool the air. With the tunes pumping and sun glistening on the water, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my morning.
It was a great opportunity to test run my boyfriend’s new stunning little boat which he got for a bargain on Gumtree recently. We made a stop at a little beach where we could pull the boat up and jump off a cliff before having a swim in the gorgeous clear water. I even got to try my hand at waterskiing for the first time which is a lot harder than it looks! My boyfriend then showed me how its done as he showed off his stylish moves on the wakeboard.
Following our morning on the water, we hit the beach and cracked open the only Aussie drink necessary for Boxing Day, Victoria Bitter beers! It was a dreamy afternoon laying on the beach with friends sipping our VBs, feeling like we had truly seized the day with our morning of fun on the river and the entire afternoon and evening still ahead of us to enjoy…’Carpe Diem!’
Christmas Day reached scorching hot temperatures as we were welcomed with open arms to my boyfriend’s auntie’s beautiful farm in Berry. Overlooking the luscious green fields with cattle and kangaroos grazing side by side, we were treated to a delicious spread of food very much different to the traditional English Christmas roast dinner. To accompany the roast ham there were platters of lovely salads as well as plenty of seafood including a whole baked salmon with pesto herb crust and buckets and buckets of prawns – yum!
Being an acai bowl addict, I strolled down the road to Surry Hills where Bare Naked Bowls has opened another cafe. Serving every kind of acai bowl with toppings galore and health drink blend you can imagine, this place is my idea of heaven. Arriving in the late afternoon on a Saturday, I managed to grab a little table overlooking the bustling neighbourhood corner of Surry Hills.
After much consideration over the delectable choice of blends and toppings on offer I chose the Hippie Bowl, a blend of organic acai berry, banana, blueberry, organic hemp protein and macadamia milk with a topping of handmade nut granola, banana, goji berry, strawberries, blueberries, organic hemp seeds and natural peanut butter drizzle. I asked to swap the hemp seeds for coconut chips to complete what I believed to be the perfect combo; creamy sweet acai paired with crunchy granola, chewy gojis and morish peanut butter.
Coming in at $16 per bowl, it was worth the price given the generous portion size and immaculate Instagramable presentation alongside friendly service. I can’t wait to return to try another one of the inticing bowl combos at their other stores in both Manly and Bronte; here’s to those hot summer days munching on a cooling bowl of delicious acai by the beach.
We chose to settle ourselves amongst the greenery of Centennial Parklands nestled in the shade away from the 33 degree heat – always be weary of that powerful Aussie sun! Once all of our friends arrived it was time to lay out the spread of delicious food we had prepared. The original plan was to BBQ, however following a trip to the grocery store we opted for a ready cooked rotisserie chicken which we could serve straight up alongside the mezze of goodies. Everyone was so generous and contributed to the feast which included deli meats, cheeses, pickles, chutneys, dips, crackers, fresh bread, salads and fruits to finish.
Now I find myself back in sunny Sydney and ready for more adventures and challenges as I embark upon a new job in PR and continue the fun and games of city life. I’ve even got my city escape back in the idylic Southern Highlands where my Aussie man is based…honestly couldn’t have written the story better myself, here’s to the next chapter!
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!
Dani Aneka 