About two hours south of Brisbane, or a quick flight from Sydney or Melbourne, Byron Bay is a place where the sun just seems to shine a bit brighter. While the main beach town has long been the initial draw, thanks to its great waves and laidback energy, the wider Byron Shire and its Hinterland are what keep people coming back—or convince them to never leave in the first place. Beyond the coast, the landscape unfolds into a lush patchwork of rainforest, farmland, subtropical gardens, and sleepy towns, where a motley mix of surfers, farmers, and creatives have shaped a blissful way of life. We tapped two insiders who know the rhythms of Byron and its surroundings for their favorite places across both coast and country.
Rowie Moore’s Byron Bay
Few people feel as synonymous with Byron Bay as designer Rowie Moore, whose beachy-yet-super-chic eponymous label, ROWIE, has become shorthand for Australian style. Both her easy going designs and her idyllic day-to-day mirror the Byron lifestyle: early morning swims and grabbing coffee before heading to the studio or the shop, family lunches that stretch into the afternoon, and hours spent outdoors between her garden and the beach. Born and raised between the Northern Rivers hinterland and Belongil, she has spent years soaking up the free-spirited creative energy that permeates through this salty, subtropical town in its singular allure.
Eat + Drink
High Life – My favourite café in town. It has that locals-only, hidden gem feel. The food is healthy, creative and delicious, and the people watching is always on point.
Top Shop – A Byron classic. Set up on the hill with views across town. I always order the mango macadamia smoothie.
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