Five reasons I'll keep returning to Byron Bay, NSW
I first went on holiday to Byron Bay in New South Wales around 20 years ago as a backpacker.
There were no trendy cafes and definitely no designer shops.
But in the past few years I have visited again twice - and absolutely love it.
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Sarah loves Byron Bay and isn't afraid to admit it. Getty Images/iStockphoto
But am a bit miffed about how some Aussies turn their noses up at the thought.
I can't help but feel travel lovers here are just a bit spoiled when it comes to holiday spots close to home.
Maybe it's because, being a Brit, I grew up going to tacky Spanish resorts and eating sand-filled sandwiches on blustery English beaches.
But I am just back from my latest Byron trip, a glorious four days in a chic Airbnb with my husband and mum.
I mean you should probably avoid the summer holidays and schoolies but otherwise, here's why I think it's the perfect Aussie holiday spot.
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Byron food
I am a vegetarian so of course Byron is a fab place as there are so many options.
Truly one of my fave places to eat in the whole of Australia is a cafe in a church.
Manna Haven is a vegan cafe in a Byron Church Supplied
Yes. That's what I said.
You don't have to be religious to go to vegan spot Manna Haven at the Seventh-day-Adventist Church on Jonson Street.
You can get a generous dish of delicious veggie goodness such as curry and a side for around $20 and I can't wait to go back.
It's also not-for-profit and has a nice garden you can sit in.
We also discovered a tasty Mexican place on our latest trip, the casual but cool Chihuahua Taqueria
Vegans should also check out trendy spot No Bones.
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Famous Aussie restaurant Raes on Wategos served a 'mint slice' in an old Arnotts tin. Supplied
I also love to save up to go to Raes on Wategos, one of Australia's best restaurants.
It's pricey (the bill was just over $400 for three people for three courses) but the service and food is worth it for a special treat.
I am a dessert person and their version of the Mint Slice, served in a vintage Arnott's tin left me gobsmacked.
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Bangalow Bread Co in the neighbouring town is also worth a visit Supplied
Bangalow Bread Co in the neighbouring inland town is also worth a visit for the truly massive array of truly massive cakes and savory pastries.
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We also enjoyed a tasty lunch with a friend at the packed Doma Cafe in the tiny nearby village of Federal.
Byron people
Would a Sydney shop assistant trawl through dozens of pairs of vintage Levi 501 jeans to find one that fitted me perfectly?
I doubt it.
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Vintage Levis at Miss Brown vintage in Byron Bay Instagram
But the young girl at Byron vintage shop Miss Brown made heaps of effort to help me.
The Uber and taxi drivers were also super nice and helpful, and even the Airbnb cleaner who we bumped into as we left was chatty.
It's truly a noticeable change from Sydney and I miss it.
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Byron shops
I don't have much time to shop usually, so when I am holiday I love to check-out the local boutiques.
As well as vintage, if you're into designer clothes, browse shops like FORRM which has the latest drops from Bec & Bridge and Alemais.
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Comfy footwear specialist Twoobs also has a new shop in town, and my mum snapped up two pairs.
Bangalow, in northern NSW is a great place for upmarket shops. Getty
There's also the gorgeous HQ of Aussie boho brand Spell, famous for its upmarket hippie dresses,.
I also loved the colourful frocks at Mister Zimi.
For homewares to dream about, visit posh store, Island Luxe
The Dancing Pixie also had some lovely little arty bits made in Australia.
There's even a Vinnies and Red Cross shop to check for bargains, and The Book Room for holiday reading.
Bangalow also has bunch of upmarket boutiques.
Millar & More's pre-loved designer section is worth a rummage.
I also treated my mum to an outfit from shop, Wax Jambu.
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Byron beaches
Reality star and podcaster Abbie Chatfield went on a heated rant about Byron Bay being overrated, saying there are better beaches in Australia.
Watego's beach in Byron Bay Supplied
But I mean, it's not a competition, is it?
Byron's main beach is glorious, and who can resist calling into the iconic Beach Hotel for a refreshment.
And there's a reason the houses at Wategos Beach are some of the most expensive in the world.
Everybody from Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, Matt Damon, Angus Stone, Tim Cahill and the late Olivia Newton-John have been linked to the real estate there.
Posing at Watego's Beach in Byron Bay, NSW. Supplied
Byron cost
It's an easy Jetstar flight to Ballina Airport, the closest to Byron, from most Aussie cities.
We even managed to get flights using our Qantas Frequent Flier points, paying about $60 in tax each.
I love that you can really get the holiday feeling, without sitting on a plane for hours.
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Cape Byron retreat. in Byron has peacocks. Supplied
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We chose an Airbnb in the town and took an Uber to and from Ballina Airport, so we didn't bother hiring a car, which saved us hundreds of dollars.
If you are driving though, I have previously stayed at Cape Byron retreat.
It's a small luxury spot in the countryside - and even has resident peacocks.
The writer travelled at their own expense.
