It's time! Time to pack the bags {and the kids} & head for that magical place where the waters are warm and crystal clear… Where are we? The sweet tropical North Coast of NSW. People flock in numbers to Byron Bay and all its surrounding little communities this time of year as it is the best place for holidays with the kids. Some sunshine, salt water, beautiful weather and of course delicious food. What else could you want?
We love the north coast, from Byron Bay all the way up to the Gold Coast there is so much to do and explore with the kids. A foodies {and surfers} dream, you need a good 5-10 days to really soak up everything that the area has to offer!
Best of all, Byron Bay is where Tiny People was born, and it always holds a special place in our heart.
WHERE TO STAY
ultimate luxury: Elements of Byron
On 22 hectares of absolute beachfront Elements of Byron Resort & Spa features 193 private villas. Families are well looked after here, with numerous activities for the kids, and a natural setting so the whole family can get back to nature. Two amazing pools, including one just for adults are highlights of this amazing eco-resort, where every luxury awaits
Great for the kids: the new discovery holiday park
Located just a couple of kilometres out of Byron centre is the Discovery Caravan Park. Featuring a range of cabins, campsites and powered caravan sites this park is loaded with facilities. For the kids, check out the amazing Byron's Barrel Waterpark. A great base to see everything the area has to offer.
Got a big crew: Temple Farmhouse in the Hinterland
For those seeking a little more seclusion and privacy, check out Temple Farmhouse. Located approximately 20 minutes out of Byron, and set on 75 acres, this luxury retreat can sleep up to 8. The fire pit is a winner for those chilly evenings and the magnificent outlook guarantees Instagram worth photos from your trip.
SPOIL YOURSELF: HALCYON HOUSE
Boutique hotel Halcyon House, on Cabarita beach is another luxurious option for your Byron visit. With an award-winning onsite restaurant (Paper Daisy) and beachfront pool, you might never want to leave. The brilliant location means you are very close to both Byron and the magnificent Gold Coast.
Heading to the Byron region, the hardest part can be picking where to stay. There are endless options across all price ranges and to suit all needs. Above are some Tiny People endorsed recommendations, that the team has experience with and would happily return to again and again.
Most people will fly into Coolangatta airport on the Gold Coast and hire a car, heading South on a short 45 minute drive into Byron. There are beautiful towns up and down the coast, as well as heading inland. You really can't go wrong in this region, with stunning scenery in every direction, from the extensive sandy beaches up into the undulating hills of the hinterlands.
Make sure you dress comfortably for the travel, but with a view to the fact that you will likely want to stop and explore several times before you eventually arrive at your accomodation.
FANTASTIC EATS
There are many reasons that Byron and the surrounds are a favourite haunt of celebrities and their families and close to the top of that list is the huge range of quality restaurants around.
As Byron is a very environmentally and socially minded community, most of the eateries place a huge emphasis on the importance of organic food and local produce.
Fine dining is not really a feature here, but moreso delicious food served in comfortable, low-key environments where families, even with very young kids, are made to feel welcome.
It never hurts to look your best though, and Tiny People has some great clothes, perfectly suited for those long lunches where mums and dads can indulge in a relaxing glass of wine as the kids (hopefully) stay out of trouble.
THREE BLUE DUCKS
Three Blue Ducks is the restaurant at The Farm at Byron, our absolute favourite of all the places in Byron. No trip to Byron is complete without a visit and this place really is one for the whole family, with special emphasis on the kids.
The indoor/outdoor dining atmosphere is fantastic and the food is to die for, with great healthy options for the little ones and plenty of space to wander and play if sitting at the table gets to be too much.
TOP SHOP BYRON BAY
The spot for breakfast in Byron. Head on in, grab a coffee and sit at one of the tables or on the grass outside. The embodiement of the relaxed and unassuming Byron lifestyle with some truly delicious pastries and a breakfast burger to die for.
Another great spot for the kids, just a short walk to the beach or into town.
HARVEST, NEWRYBAR
Harvest is perfect for some mommy and daddy time if you manage to get an afternoon or evening away from the kids on your trip. Situated in a nearby town, a short drive from Byron, you are guaranteed an amazing meal from this award-winning restaurant.
The slow cooked lamb shoulder is the way to go!
MISS MARGARITA
Located just up from the Main Beach car park is a truly great Mexican cantina, Miss Margarita. It can get extremely busy with many diners (and the queue) spilling out onto the footpath at night times.
Luckily, they do also do take-aways so if the little ones need an early night or a night in, grab some delicious nachos and tacos and head back to your accomodation with dinner sorted.
MUST DO ACTIVITIES
If we covered everything you can do in and around Byron Bay, this list would be neverending. So we have picked a few favourites that will keep the kids happy and parents sane.
The shopping in Byron is excellent and you will definitely want at least a morning to take a leisurely stroll throughout the town centre. Tiny People has its spiritual home in the town of Byron and you will quickly see why.
But don't limit yourself to just Byron town. Nearby Bangalow is fantastic and there are markets every weekend either in Byron, Bangalow, The Channon or Mullumbimby. Even the industrial area in Byron is worth a visit, with many local designers having showrooms in this area.
HIT THE BEACHES
Main Beach, pictured above, is a great spot for families, on the border of town and with the iconic Beach Hotel just across the road, you can sunbathe, have a swim and then have some lunch. It is also home to the famous Byron Bay's Surf Club.
Just South of Main Beach is Clarkes Beach, a quieter spot that is great for those with younger kids. You may also want to check out Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach and The Pass, but our hidden gem is Broken Head Beach, an uncrowded beach further South, with protected rock pools for the little ones a great surf break for the adventurous.
VISIT THE LIGHTHOUSE
This is no boring Lighthouse. You get some of the best views over the water as you will ever see, as well as superb photo opportunities for those family shots. You will also be visiting Australia's most Eastern point.
The Cape Byron Walking Track, taking in beach, lighthouse and even some rainforest, is a great way to spend a morning. (Although maybe challenging with very little kids)
THE FARM AT BYRON
The ethos at The Farm is "Grow. Feed. Educate." and this is reflected in the fact that this working farm provides much of the produce for Three Blue Ducks, the restaurant on the property.
What we love most is the focus on educating kids as to the value and importance of ethical farming, and knowing where the food on the table comes from. There are tours and workshops including the Zephyr Horses tour on horseback, not to mention the fabulous playground.
If we could only pick one of the many amazing places to visit in Byron, The Farm would most definitely be it.
GO DRIVING: HINTERLANDS AND GOLD COAST
Yes, we are actually suggesting a car ride with the kids, such is the awesomeness of the Byron Hinterlands. There are many awesome attractions along the ride, but our personal favourite would have to be Minyon Falls. These falls can be accessed via a short walk and are breathtaking.
Finally, if you are seeking a change of pace from the relaxed, laid-back and bohemian vibe of Byron, then why not head up to the Gold Coast for the exact opposite. Gaudy, extravagant and glamourous, if the kids are demanding something different, give it a go.
