48hrs in Byron
Wardrobe diary, a compilation of recs from my various trips over the years (including the most recent one last week) + how to nail carry-on packing
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48hrs might not seem like a long time for a getaway but sometimes short trips can restore your soul in ways you weren’t expecting. A change of scenery, a different climate or merely just going to the airport and flying for an hour or two can make you feel like you’ve been gone much longer than 2 days. And better yet, you can live the hassle-free carry-on luggage life with ease (will share my packing tips for this below).
I recently went to Byron Bay for a work trip for 2 days and it’s one of about 4-5 quick trips over the last few years that I’ve done to the place Chris Hemsworth calls home. It’s a place I’ve been visiting basically my whole life. I grew up going to Byron Bay as a kid during summer. We would stay in New Brighton, ride bikes around the empty streets, devour fresh fruit in the morning, swim at the local beach, have fish and chips in Brunswick Heads and learn Spice Girl or Britney Spears dance routines in the evening. It’s about a 20 minute drive from the centre of Byron - and back then, the town was quieter and untouched. I also went to Schoolies in Byron - much different to my idyllic summers as a kid lol. I love how much Byron has expanded and evolved and it’s still such a wonderful place to holiday.
If you’re not heading to Europe this year but can squeeze in a week or long weekend in Byron for some sunshine, I highly recommend doing so. Here are some things I’ve enjoyed doing, eating, shopping and exploring during my trips over the last few years.
Stay
On my most recent trip, we stayed at Swell Hotel. It’s a beautifully refurbished former motel, turned hotel. It really has it all. The location was 10/10 and they’ve done a stellar job on the interiors (70s inspired) and look and feel of the place. They have a pool, as well as infrared saunas, cold plunge/ice bath and LED treatments for your skin.
Previously, I’ve stayed at Elements. It’s a huge property - pending where your room is, it can be quite a walk there so you can opt to be transported via a buggy. It’s very resort-like, tropical, tranquil and it’s about a 10 minute drive to Byron Main Beach, so it feels like you’re in your own little oasis.
I’ve also stayed at The Sunseeker - which is another former motel that’s been given a revamp. It’s full of wishlist mid-century furniture and has a very cool vibe. It’s about a 5 minute drive to Byron Main Beach or a 30 minute walk. It has great merch if you’re into that stuff like I am.
I was lucky enough to stay at Soma earlier this year and it was an out of this world opportunity. If you’ve watched the show Nine Perfect Strangers, you’d recognise the location. Nicole Kidman wasn’t spiking my drinks with hallucinogens but Soma is very wellness focused. They have infrared saunas, cold plunges, the most beautiful grounds to explore, a pool, an unforgettable dome to do yoga, meditation or breathwork in. The residence itself was just beautiful and I could have stayed there for a month. This incredible retreat can be rented - recommended for big groups, or a work conference etc. Check out their website here for more details and community activations they host.
Places I haven’t stayed but look amazing:
Hotel Marvell (right in the heart of Byron), Sun Ranch (a literal ranch - the space!! - looks unreal!) , 28 Degrees (like a super stylish home away from home), The Atlantic (fresh, bright, beachy), Raes on Wategoes (total luxury, right on Wategoes Beach)
Eat
I have to start with Bar Heather - shout out to In My Kitchen (Julia <3) for taking us here!! Subscribe to her excellent Substack if you love food and cute things. This restaurant experience was unbelievable. The service, the menu, the wine, the vibe - unmatched. You’ve got to order the Prawn Toast if you go. We loved it so much we ordered it twice. But anything you order will be incredible.
Situated just behind Byron Main Beach, Kahakai was a delicious place to have breakfast. I actually had my first ever congee there and it was superb.
Another cafe rec: Bayleaf. We had a lovely morning coffee in the sunshine here. Barefoot Brew Room is another great coffee place.
Baked goods head to Masa or Bread Social,
For lunch or dinner: delicious Asian food - Light Years, definition of farm-to-table at The Farm, modern Australian with a Mediterranean twist at Raes, seasonal, artisanal, local food at Harvest Newrybar, an Italian diner with excellent vibes - Ciao Mate. Bonito - at Hotel Marvell is also a great one to check out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They also have a rooftop cocktail bar. Bang Bang - for thai fusion, Smoking Camel - for middle eastern food (same owners as Light Years), grab a quick, fresh bowl from Finn Poke. Go to Top Shop for a burger or smoothie post ocean dip.
Shop
If you’re like me and you drool over Deiji Studios cotton and linen goodies via your phone screen, seeing their stuff in person at their Byron Concept Store is such a treat. Same goes for Nagnata! Such beautifully made active/leisurewear that you’ll treasure for years to come.
We stumbled across Rowie on an afternoon walk. Lovely pieces and they stock Flattered accessories (one of my favourite brands).
I always love visiting St. Agni stores - alongside the beautiful clothes, they always make such great furniture choices. Speaking of furniture - Tigmi Trading is a must visit.
Our Corner Store - is a modern take on the traditional corner store but it has a mix of homewares, clothing and other lovely bits and bobs, East Coast General - great selection of international and local brands across fashion, home and beauty, Bangalow Pharmacy - because who doesn’t love a fancy pharmacy, Lottie Hall, Island Luxe and For Artists Only (stocks brands like Alemais, Aemery, Lee Mathews, Isabel Marants etc) are worth the visit.
Vintage/second hand
Miss Brown Vintage, Global Ripple, Oscar & Keane Eco Vintage Furniture, Trash Vintage Byron Bay. I even had luck at the local Vinnies and bought a top - scroll for my wardrobe diary for the trip.
Things to do
As mentioned above, breathwork at Soma if they have times available, if you want a deep holiday (pilates) burn - there’s nothing quite like Peaches Pilates, Comma for a heavenly massage, take in the views and do the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk. There’s a bunch of seasonal markets to check out - check here for info and dates. Raes spa - they have a variety of treatments, including Rationale, Elements has a great spa too, check out The Book Room Collective bookstore - I bought two books there. And of course, the beach!
Carry-on packing tips:
I’ve seen the 3-3-3 method on social media before, but this video from a creator I adore, Sisilia Piring, totally sold me on this packing hack.
Basically you back 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes and the outfit combos this delivers is insane. Sisilia managed 40 something outfit options - to me, the math isn’t mathing but somehow it’s real. I plan to do my best to adopt this method for my upcoming 5 week overseas trip and I will not be repeating the mistakes from last year - like how I schlepped a super formal dress that was very heavy across Europe and America for one event I thought I’d be attending but never ended up happening. The way I resented that item!!!
Tips:
Wear your heaviest pieces on the plane; jackets, layers, bulky denim, shoes etc.
Only bring 2 pairs of shoes - a pair of sneakers (that can also be worn if you plan on going for walks etc), and a dressier option i.e sandal, ballet flat etc.
Think about the events/moments the trip has in store for you and only bring specific items you will wear for these - nothing more! Think about what can be worn during multiple occasions throughout your time away.
If you’re really pushed for space - a baggy tshirt can double for active wear and pyjamas (unless you’re going to get really sweaty…actually maybe this is a gross suggestion lol).
Hoard travel size beauty products to take up less space in your beauty bag
Packing cubes help to keep things organised and neat.
Accessories that don’t take up lots of space are key to jazzing up the same outfits.
Rewearing outfits is cool.
What I wore:
Travel + first night dinner outfit:
Second day outfit:
2nd night outfit for dinner and drinks:
3rd day outfit: breakfast and travel outfit home
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xxx
Love this!! Just got back from Byron and it's making me want to go again.
How are the Madewell jeans? I've been curious about their jeans!
Awww the best!!!! Still dreaming of that prawn toast!!