A wellness-lover’s guide to Byron Bay

Just what the doctor ordered

There’s more to this northern NSW town than Hemsworths. Here, a local reveals the best spots to chill, surf, eat (and more) in one of the world’s hottest health destinations.

Where to move in Byron Bay

Hiking: Broken Head Nature Reserve

Trekking to Cape Byron Lighthouse has to be one of the most iconic walks in the country, which means it gets choked with tourists. Leave the crowds to it and set off along the Three Sisters Walking Track, a short drive south of Byron. Watch for white-bellied sea eagles as you wander past wildflowers on this 1.6-kilometre (return) trail from Broken Head to Kings Beach, in the Arakwal People co-managed Broken Head Nature Reserve.

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Find the best breaks. Image: iStock

Surfing: Cosy Corner Beach

The Byron shire is blessed with several point and beach breaks, the most famous of which is The Pass, a favourite of longboarders. As tempting as it is to ride such a well-known wave, you’ll have a better chance of scoring a great session somewhere less known. Our pick is Cosy Corner. At the northern end of Tallow Beach, this dreamy spot is protected from northerly winds. If you need lessons, book one in with Let’s Go Surfing. 

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De-stressing: Comma

Bringing Europe’s spa culture to Byron Bay is Comma, where you’ll find a contemporary bath house, minus the nudity. Say goodbye to stress as you spend hours moving between the cold plunge, magnesium hot tub, waterfall-like pail showers and the hot rock sauna. You may not be soft-sand jogging on Byron’s beaches, but you will be testing your body and mind here, ending your visit with a scrub in the heated-stone hammam. 

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Reconnect with your body, mind and soul in one of Byron Bay's tranquil wellness hotspots. Image: Pexels

Where to eat in Byron Bay

ELEMENTS OF BYRON, Belongil Beach

This award-winning beachfront resort has long been at the top of must-stay lists, but you don’t have to bed down to sample its fare. Elements of Byron’s Azure Bar and Grill now has a forest-to-table dining experience. The new native menu, crafted by executive chef, Ebony Baker, showcases ingredients like pepperberry, bush tomato and Warrigal greens. Non-guests can reserve a table, while those staying can book a foraging tour. 

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FOLK, Byron Bay

In spite of its gentrification over the years, the town’s alternative roots still run deep (although is it really alternative to be plant-based these days?). One of the best spots to go for a no-meat meal is Folk, which prides itself on home-grown goodness that has your health, and the health of the planet, top of mind. Come here for the burrito with biodynamic brown rice, buckwheat hotcakes or an adaptogenic cacao on nut milk (read: fancy hot choc).

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Lo Scoglio, Byron Bay. Image: Supplied

Where to stay in Byron Bay

Sun Ranch, Coopers Shoot

The decor alone will see you chill out the second you step through the doors of Sun Ranch. With luxe hippie vibes, this hinterland retreat encourages you to reconnect with nature, which is a cinch thanks to its location on more than 22 hectares of regenerated farmland. But a stay is about more than spending time with the resident horses; swim in the stone pool, practise yoga in the gardens or bliss out in the floating sauna. If you’re seeking something a bit more spiritual, sign up for sound healing.

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Lo Scoglio, Coopers Shoot

If you still have dreams of creating your own Under the Tuscan Sun experience, but you’re yet to convince your family to uproot their lives, a stay at Lo Scoglio in the Byron Bay Hinterland is your (temporary) answer. This luxury farmhouse will transport you to the hills of Sicily, but you won’t be spending your days picking olives. Instead, you’ll have therapists and personal trainers at your fingertips so you can partake in everything from acupuncture to breathwork.

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Originally published as A wellness-lover’s guide to Byron Bay