So often this young family of mine has travelled overseas in search of relaxation, culture and change. Not appreciating and realising the uniqueness of our own shores. “Of beauty rich and rare” sings our nations anthem, and isn’t it so. I love this country, Australia, but of late I have been so quick to overlook a holiday at home. A staycation.
So for Ryan and Chloe’s recent birthdays that’s what we did. We staycation. We drove a three hours (maybe even less) from our home on the Sunshine Coast to the much recognised town of Byron Bay in New South Wales. I had travelled to Byron Bay numerous times before, but not in the last 6 years and never with children. Back then it was all about night clubs like Cheeky Monkeys and dancing on the tables. What I learnt from our recent trip it that Byron Bay offers perfection for literally every age, every and every person.
Our Accommodation
Since becoming a Mother I am completely converted to Air BnB as the most convenient and cost effective way to house my travelling tribe. We spent a delightful three nights staying at Camellia Cottage in the centre of the town. This place is all about location, location, location and offers so much charm too. With two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen with large living and dining, a laundry, lots of outdoor entertaining space, a fully fenced yard and it even came with toys too! What more could a Mama ask for! We honestly couldn’t have wished for a more well equipped, family accommodation. The price for what you get was fantastic, and we were thrilled to be staying in such a delightful home. Justine was a treat to liaise with during the booking and stay. I would recommend Camellia Cottage very highly and hope that we can return one day for another stay. Click here for the Air BnB link and here for their Instagram page.
Here are some images from the Camellia Cottage Air Bnb listing.
We had three nights in Byron Bay and seemed to pack a lot in on paper, but felt relaxed at the same time. Here’s a look at what we got up to:
Friday
We left the Sunshine Coast in early morning, stopping in at Movie World on the way, then arrived at our accommodation in Byron Bay at about 5pm. Note: in Summer, New South Wales has a time difference to Queensland. After checking out the beautiful space we had booked, it was time for pizza from Slice Pizzeria Byron Bay, and live music on the beach.
Saturday
I woke up naturally early and I got the chance to go for a run. I started from our Air BnB that was located in the centre of town, then ran to the light house and back. If you can make it this is a stunning way to exercise and get the adrenaline pumping, taking me about 40 minutes including a stop at the top to enjoy the view.
After I returned we packed a bag and headed to Wategos Beach. We were there 9.30am on Australia Day and were the one of only few groups on the beach. Superb! I just love this bay with its white sane and stunning outlook. We played, swan, built sand castles, counted shells and ate a picnic lunch.
Feeling a salty and a little but crispy we headed back to Camellia Cottage for the little to have an afternoon nap. Ryan stayed in so I decided to do a spot of shopping where I discovered some new favourites like Auguste The Label, Hope & May and Tigani Lux.
After nap we dined at OSushi for dinner, if you love Japanese it is a must! The tempura haloumi was a huge hit. Then it was ice cream at the twilight markets in Train Park, (operating 4-9pm over an extended summer season from October to Easter.) As well as the yummy treats you will find boutique stalls of local artisans selling jewellery, leather goods, clothing and accessories which focus on authenticity, originality and sustainability.
Sunday
We woke up bright and early on Sunday and drove straight to the Byron Bay Light House, where we took the walk to the most Easterly Point of Australia. The outlook is breathtaking and the lighthouse a world renowned landmark.
Next it was a bite to eat at Beach Byron Bay. You can either dine in or enjoy the take away option on their bench seats, we decided on the later. Then we had a dip in the ocean right out the back of the restaurant.
During lunch nap I sent Ryan off for a massage at Rub in the Bay, which he then highly recommended.
That afternoon another play in our beautiful garden, we headed to The Farm where we enjoyed dinner at Three Blue Ducks. This restaurant is phenomenal, the perfect match of superb service and delicious food. Ryan and I eat a vegetable and fish based diet, but still found plenty of options. The staff were fantastic at handling our two busy bees, which is always a breathe of fresh air for parents. The restaurant sources as much of the food as they can from The Farm, and everything is just amazing. Outside of the restaurant there is so much to do on this huge property like horseback riding, farming programs for children, a bakery, picnic hampers, huge play ground, ice cream hut and animals to check out…. oh and the completely Instagrammable sun flower field!
Monday
Ryan’s birthday and the day we headed home. After a yummy home cooked breakfast in our Cottage, with hit the road heading for the Sunshine Coast, stopping in at Wet n Wild on the way. I highly recommend buying the three parks annual pass if you are going to travel through this area often.
Now for some holiday spam!
For more adventures with my little loves had to Instagram.
Enjoy!
