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Refuel with these Top 10 Healthy Byron Bay Eating Spots – 2018

There are a lot of things we LOVE about Byron Bay.

The beautiful beaches, being able to go surfing all-year-round without your face hurting, discovering deserted waterfalls in the rainforest and much, much more.

We also LOVE the excess of healthy eating options. And it seems you do too! Our original 2014 guide to the Top 10 Healthy Byron Bay Eating Spots has been viewed a whopping 16,000+ times. So we decided to give it a 2018 refresh.

Whether you’re looking for organic food cafes, super foods, gluten-free, raw food, vegan dishes or a hatted restaurant – Byron Bay has it all! Perfect for refuelling your body before or after a Byron Bay Adventures Tour!

1. Three Blue Ducks at The Farm.

Kicking things off is Three Blue Ducks, located within the grounds of The Farm Byron Bay – an 80 acre working farm that is 100% spray and chemical free. This restaurant is a mecca of beautiful salads and bowls and other delicious things to consume, mostly using produce grown on The Farm. Dine out on hot smoked fish with poached egg, beetroot hummus, shaved fennel, pickled beetroot, sourdough and dukkha; ‘The Farm’ vegetable salad with mixed grains, nuts, seeds and lemon dressing; and Kinkawooka mussels with yellow curry, turmeric, lemongrass, Farm greens, Nimbin Valley rice, shallots and charred lime. We guarantee you’ll be all the better for consuming any of it! And if you book a Byron & Beyond Tour with us, we include a visit to The Farm as part of the day’s adventures.

www.threeblueducks.com/byron/home-byron

2. Folk on Ewingsdale Rd.

You’ll need to get out of town to find this hidden gem, but it’s one of the prettiest little eating spots; from the shaded outside garden, raw timber tables and the overhead palm trees. Organic, ethical and plant-based, stop by here and fuel up on a miso omelette with local finger limes, red elk, garden greens, house kimchi and house-made sriracha mayonnaise; ever changing nourish bowls; organic shell pasta with spring greens, avo, local yoghurt, silverbeet, mint pesto, toasted pine nuts, blistered cherry toms and smoked paprika oil. Of course you could simply grab a matcha latte, find a spot on the grass out the front and watch the world go by.

www.folkbyronbay.com

3. 100 Mile Table in the Byron Arts & Industry Estate.

Instagramers, social media influencers and bloggers adore this eating spot with its excess of healthy, but also really good, menu options, plus its large converted warehouse situated in the Byron industrial estate. You heard right, the industrial estate. But don’t let the location put you off (in fact it’s one of the reasons we love this joint). Their food offerings change lots based on seasonality, with current favourites including chicken and ginger congee, sour yellow curry of fish, Italian chicken and egg drop broth and the epic Bucha of Byron kombucha with native finger lime and kaffir lime leaf. And, if you’re feeling ravenous, many of their dishes come in “man size” for an extra $4 bucks. Sweet.

www.100miletable.com

4. Heart and Halo Good Food Bar on Middleton Street.

Possibly the best value vegetarian feast in Byron Bay! The food here is wholesome and down to earth with a distinctively Indian and Hari Krishna influence. The dishes will fill your belly and, as their name suggests, warm your heart. Unpretentious and delicious, the owners of this place truly believe in sharing the feelings of home that are created when you eat healing and healthy food made with love. Curries, vegetable dishes, soups and lentils are amongst the food perfect for the end of an adventure-filled day.

www.heartandhalo.com

5. The Beet Vegan Restaurant on Jonson Street.

This is vegan food heaven! Load up on loaded nachos, vegan meatballs, beet burgers, glasshouse zucchini flowers and their Mexican vegan pizza. And this vegan wonderland has a seriously stacked cheese burger too. So, be prepared to experience exceptional vegan food made from beautiful, fresh ingredients. Foodie heaven, alright!

www.thebeet.com.au

6. Elixiba Plant Based Restaurant on Jonson Street.

This is a favourite among locals and offers some of the best raw, vegetarian and organic food to be found anywhere. Earthy and vibrant, you’ll feast your eyes and then your taste buds with their bounty of smoothies, juices, salads, raw food and so much more. The food here will leave you feeling satisfied and bursting with health!

www.elixiba.com

7. Beach Byron Bay on Clarkes Beach.

This is one of those restaurants where the dishes are so attractive you almost don’t want to touch them. But then, you do! With Byron Bay’s only hatted chef and killer ocean views, this is a must-visit for coastal Mediterranean style food. For breakfast try their Beach ‘green bowl’ with cavolo nero kale, zucchini, quinoa, avo and a poached egg. For lunch and dinner our picks include local Byron Bay burrata mozzarella with Coopers Shoot tomatoes and garlic crumbs, Caserecce pasta with Spanner crab, chilli, garlic and parsley and Beach’s fillet of fish with fennel, peas and zucchini salad.

www.beachbyronbay.com.au

8. O Sushi on Jonson Street.

If you feel like the clean healthy flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine, then this is your place. Multi award-winners, their reputation for absolute freshness and gourmet sushi makes them worthy of a visit. Tip: For picnic perfection they can create amazing sushi platters to take away, just phone in your order 24 hours ahead.

www.osushi.com.au

9. Treehouse on Belongil on Childe Street.

Everything here is about feeling good. From the laid back atmosphere to the menu to the amazing live music. Drop in early for brekkie or from midday on for mezze platters, tapas, woodfired pizzas and the daily specials. During the day dine out on the front deck beneath large umbrellas, taking in the Byron beach atmosphere of it all. Or for a more buzzing vibe and great music head here for dinner and get into the local groove, you won’t be disappointed!

www.treehouseonbelongil.com

10. Byron Bay Farmers Market on Butler Street Reserve.

Every Thursday from 8-11 the top local producers of organic fruit, vegies and a host of products and delicacies are on display. Release the hunter gatherer within and fill your bags to the brim with produce, cheeses and locally grown coffee. It’s a colourful and fun morning with entertainment, locals catching up on the weekly news and a warm and welcoming feeling.

www.byronfarmersmarket.com.au

Five Unmissable Beaches of Byron Bay

Chances are if you’ve heard of Byron Bay, you’re probably somewhat familiar with it as one of the top destinations in Australia to visit. Situated on the North Coast of NSW, Byron Bay is full of fun things to do and see, from enjoying a hearty breakfast at one of many quirky little beach side cafes or jamming out to your favourite tunes at a music festival hosted in Byron.

Without a doubt though, its most popular attractions are the stunningly beautiful beaches surrounding this easy-going seaside town. Byron Bay is an idyllic beach paradise loved both by its locals and visitors alike, and sees thousands of tourists flock to its shores each year. So, whether you’re looking to catch a wave, or simply relax on the sand all day long, be sure not to miss out on these amazing beach spots when travelling to Byron:

1. Main Beach

Main Beach Photo Source: https://flic.kr/p/cfU8F

A trip to Byron Bay is not complete without a trip to the Main Beach. This spot is is quite literally impossible to miss, sitting directly in front of town and where’ll you see most of the action happening. Byron’s Main Beach is perfect for about any kind of beach-day itinerary, from a family barbeque up on its grassy picnic area, to a swim and snorkel through its cool blue waters. The Main Beach is also home to the Byron Bay Surf Club, which patrols the beach all year round. If there’s one beach to head to during your Byron Bay trip, make sure this is it.

2. Belongil Beach

Belongil Beach Photo Source: https://flic.kr/p/4d2ZpE

Not far from the Main Beach, Belongil Beach is another popular location that is easily accessible by a short walk or car ride. A more mellow scene, Belongil Beach is perfect for a stroll along the beach, alone or with some friendly company. Bring along your dog too, as Belongil is one of the more pet-friendly spots in Byron. If you’re looking for more adventure, pop on a pair of snorkels and explore the rich underwater heritage of the “Wollongbar Wreck”, which also produces some decent surf breaks. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more cheeky, head down to the most Northern end of Belongil Beach where clothing is completely optional.

3. Clarkes Beach

Clarkes Beach Photo Source: https://flic.kr/p/7WYHwm

Clarkes Beach is situated to the right of Main Beach, and is one of the more popular beaches on Byron Bay, for good reason. This wonderful beach is patrolled during the Summer and school holidays, and its conditions make it ideal for a range of fun-filled water activities, like windsurfing and snorkeling. For those after a surf, head towards the end of Clarkes Beach, for world-famous surfers destination, The Pass. From beginner to pro, the Pass provides great surf, all year round. Keeping it dry, Clarkes is also suitable for family activities like picnics and camping.

4. Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach Photo Source: https://flic.kr/p/ryFQfb

A more not-so hidden gem of Byron Bay is Wategos Beach, just further up from Clarkes Beach and the Pass. Wategos is a patrolled and sheltered beach, and nears the iconic Byron Bay lighthouse. This scenic area is also another popular surfing hotspot, suitable for most levels of surfers. Travel up to the end of the cape, and you’ll find yourself at Little Wategos, Australia’s most easterly beach. This tiny little spot can only be accessed by foot, but is worth the trip for its picturesque views and rock fishing activities.

5. Tallow Beach

Tallows Beach Photo Source: https://flic.kr/p/pzcedf

Further out on the south end of town, lies the most photographed beach on the east coast of Australia, Tallow Beach. Located within the Arakwal National Park, there’s also plenty of other outdoor fun to be had nearby. Just note, the waters at Tallow can be choppy and erratic, making activities such as swimming and surfing a little more on the dangerous side at times. As the beach is unpatrolled, just be sure to check conditions before heading in. Despite this, Tallow remains a popular place for activities such as birdwatching, whale watching, fishing or just soaking in the sun.

Byron Bay Hinterland Tours:

When you need a break from the sun, sea and sand, book one of our Byron Hinterland tours and visit cooling rainforests and fresh waterfall pools. Click here to discover more.

A Perfect Ten: Byron Adventures for the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Sunrise views from Cape Byron to Surfers Paradise with Byron Bay Adventure Tours

Just across the border, Byron Bay is the perfect short break for visitors to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. As you drive south across the QLD-NSW state border, the contrast between the Gold Coast’s urbanised glitz and glamour and Northern Rivers NSW’s low-rise landscape and laidback vibe is visually striking.

High-rise buildings and traffic lights give way to meandering country roads, fertile farms, ancient rainforests, verdant pastures, spectacularly beautiful coastline and perfectly formed towns and villages with a human scale. Seeing Mt Warning (Wollumbin) loom into silhouetted view signals that you are in a place where nature really dominates the landscape, its jagged peak catching clouds and standing sentinel over a cornucopia of biodiversity shaped over millennia.

Taking place from 4-15 April 2018 in venues across the Gold Coast, the XXI Commonwealth Games will see 70 nations and territories competing in 23 sporting events. Here’s ten reasons why visiting Byron Bay and surrounds pre or post the Commonwealth Games:

It’s close. Gold Coast Airport straddles the NSW-QLD border and its only 45 minutes from Byron Bay via the Pacific Motorway.
Blissful weather. The sub-tropical climate in autumn is just heaven on a stick. Crisp, cool evenings and warm sunny days reward visitors to the Northern Rivers outside of peak season.
Blues, Roots, Soul and Rock n Roll. The 29th annual Byron Bay Bluesfest takes place over the Easter weekend, just two days before the start of the Commonwealth Games. Its the perfect opportunity to combine sporting and cultural events into a once in a lifetime holiday experience.
Day and overnight trips for any size group. From couples, to families to an entire sporting team, Byron Bay Adventure Tours can accommodate almost any size group on nature-based, eco-certified adventures into Byron Bay’s iconic coastal and hinterland attractions and places of interest.
A breathe of fresh air away from the crowds. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, escaping to Byron and beyond for a few days offers space to breathe away from what will be an extremely busy two weeks on the Gold Coast.
Get Physical. All that sporting prowess is bound to inspire spectators to get physical. Byron Bay Adventure Tours specialise in active, nature-based adventure. Our tours combine sightseeing with adventure sports like bushwalking and mountain-biking along beaches and through National Parks, hiking to the summit of Mt Warning, kayaking with dolphins, yoga and learning to surf. Check out our Earth to Surf Adventure combining a bushwalk to the base of Minyon Falls and kayaking with dolphins.
Align your Chakra. A visit and delicious lunch at the iconic Crystal Castle is included in our great value Byron & Beyond Tour. Walk in the exquisite natural surroundings, contemplate life and unwind among the crystals and statues of eastern deities. You can join daily workshops and experiences, including the Music of the Plants experience.
Aerial Views from Cape Byron to Surfers Paradise await you at the summit of Mt Warning on our sunrise walk.
Market culture. From Byron’s weekly farmers market to the North Coast’s oldest continually operating craft market at the beautiful village of The Channon, there’s a vibrant community market within a short drive of Byron Bay on any given weekend. Artists, farmers, craftspeople, purveyors of second hand treasure and producers of a bounty of food gather to sell their wares in Byron, The Channon, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Bangalow, among many other villages.
Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit –Whether you seek therapeutic treatment for a sporting injury through Reike, massage, Bowen or acupuncture therapy, or the flowing connection of movement and breath through yoga, if you need healing, there’s someone to heal you in Byron and beyond. Daily poolside yoga is a great way to start the day in Byron Bay.

For a perfect ten score of nature-based and cultural experiences during the Commonwealth Games, Byron Bay Adventures Tours have got you covered.

Is Nature Therapy a Thing?

Looking for inspiration from Dr Google today, I stumbled upon the term “nature therapy.” No, itds not a faddish term coined by a business-minded psychologist with some leafy plants in their consulting rooms. Its a field of health treatment describing the benefits to our mind, body and spirit of participating in outdoor activities and immersing in nature.

Also known as green therapy or ecotherapy, there’s a growing body of research evidence that it is effective in treating a whole raft of mental and physical health issues that afflict society today. There are the obvious benefits of physical exercise like walking, running, cycling and swimming, sunlight on your skin and fresh air in your lungs. But connecting with and exploring our relationship with nature has been used effectively to treat depression and anxiety, manage anger, improve confidence and self-esteem and increase emotional resilience. There’s a school of thought that stress is the root cause of lots of diseases of the body and mind, and there’s no doubt that taking a hike or a bushwalk, observing and listening to nature, being in, on or under the ocean and interacting with animals calms, soothes and uplifts us.

I started Byron Bay Adventure Tours from a love of exploring wild and beautiful places, and an idea that I could contribute to their conservation through an eco-tourism business. Ecotherapy, green therapy, nature therapy, the great outdoors, whatever its called I’m glad its what we do and love.

Read more about nature therapy from this article on Goodtherapy.org

Get more info on all of our nature and adventure experiences here.

Where are the Whales? Heading to Byron Bay!

Whales are on their way north, and Cape Byron is one of the best places to see them on Australia’s east coast.

Did you know:

Over 50% of the world’s cetaceans (whale species) are found in Australian waters
Recent estimates are that the number of species in Australia could be on the increase, with ongoing research seeking to identify new species based on their genetic information.
Whales meet their need for food and places to mate and have their young (calves) by making long ocean treks from cold feeding areas to warm, shallower waters
Whale’s communicate through their distinctive ‘song’ or call. It also helps us to understand their behaviour including population, abundance and seasonal distribution of species. Have a listen to these cute ‘pod’ casts (boom boom) of different whale calls.

These and other fascinating facts about whales can be found in NSW National Parks Wild About Whales website. Byron Bay Adventure Tours is licensed by National Parks to operate in Cape Byron State Conservation Area and surrounding National Parks.

If you’re planning a visit to Byron this winter, our Byron Bay and Beyond tour starts off at Cape Byron Lighthouse. Being the eastern most point in mainland Australia, its one of the most reliable (and spectacular) places to spot whales close to shore along Australia’s entire east coast.

If you feel like getting even closer, our Earth to Surf Adventure combines a half day morning hinterland tour to the World Heritage listed Minyon Falls with an ocean kayaking tour with dolphins and whales in Byron Bay in the afternoon.
If you’re wondering what the water temperature is in winter, Cape Byron’s monthly average sea temperature in July is about 21 degrees – it’s balmy baby!