The sun is shining! So what better time to make a break for the coast? lastminute lovely Shauna shares with us her recent beach break to uber relaxing Byron Bay.
When the opportunity arose to make a trip to Byron Bay, Mr. LML laughed at the quizzical look on my face. I’ve lived in Sydney all my life but besides driving through the popular beach town, I realised that I had never really been to Byron Bay. Shock horror!
So, with my sister’s wedding in the Byron Hinterland looming closer, I packed my bag – and bikinis – in anticipation. I had six days of total relaxation to look forward to and I was going to make the most of it.
The beautiful beach
Upon landing at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, we are welcomed by the warm sunshine. I can feel the relaxation vibes setting in already.
Home away from home
We arrive in Byron Bay just before lunch time and are dropped out the front of our modern accommodation.
Apartments Inn is located (very conveniently) in the heart of Byron Bay. The apartments themselves are spacious and decorated beautifully with timber furnishings, and the bathrooms are fitted with rain head showers – that’s enough to win me over!
The spacious apartment
Our room
After dumping our bags, freshening up, and ditching our Sydney clothes in favour of something more appropriate for the warmer weather (woop!), we make for the cafe across the road. Tucked in next to some bohemian stores, as well as Mimco (how exciting!), is Dip. It’s a great little cafe with beautiful fresh produce and a friendly vibe.
We grab a delicious coffee and a light lunch and while away the afternoon with a bit of exploration of the nearby shops. I’m amazed by the amount of health food stores and yoga centres! Byron really lives up to its wholesome and peaceful reputation… Even the cars stop for you when you try to cross the road (Sydney, you could stand to take a few pointers here).
Fundamentals health food store and cafe
Later in the day, more guests begin to arrive in anticipation of my sister’s nuptials. With family coming all the way from Perth and Melbourne, this is reason enough to crack open a bottle of bubbly and kick back and relax.
Beach side restaurant, Fish Heads provides the perfect venue for a delicious seafood feast, but as the day begins to fade, so do we. It’s an early night for all of us.
Rise and shine!
Well rested and happy to see the sunshine, my Mum, sister and I walk/run/puff up the (what felt like) hundreds of stairs along the coastal walk to kick off the day. We stop every now and then to marvel at the stunning scenery. From the lighthouse we can see all the way along the coast, and are even greeted by a couple of wallabies on the hillside.
Walking to the lighthouse and back each morning becomes routine and I begin to wonder how I will ever be able to return to life in urban Sydney!
Cape Byron lighthouse
Tallow Beach, looking back from the lighthouse
Here comes the bride
Before I know it, it’s the morning of the wedding. Excitement is in the air as the bride and bridesmaids (myself included) are primped and pampered. Bottles of champagne are opened and photos snapped as we get ready for the big event.
Gurragawee, where the wedding was held
The Reception Marquee
The sun gods are smiling and we have a perfect Spring day. Everything runs smoothly and both the ceremony and reception are a hit.
The bridal party
The happy couple
The morning after
I was more than happy to forgo the lighthouse run tradition in favour of a well-deserved sleep-in but Mr. LML is determined and he drags me out of my blissful slumber.
I’m glad he did because it is an incredible day (I don’t think it ever rains in Byron Bay!). We take off our shoes and walk to the end of the beach and back, watching the little nippers racing along the sand.
Mr LML enjoying the sun
By now we are starving, and more people have arisen, so we head to our favourite cafe. Yep, you guessed it – we park ourselves at Dip.
Caffeine and a tasty breakfast go down a treat.
My delicious corn fritters with avocado and crispy bacon
Mr LML’s eggs florentine
With the newlyweds off on the honeymoon and guests making their way home, Mr LML and I spend the rest of our trip spent lazing at the beach. I can’t help but lie there and wonder why I have never been to Byron Bay before.
Still in our relaxed state, we decide that we’re going to make trips to this fantastic coastal town and working on our tans a regular event.
