Celebrate an occasion or kick back and relax with your special someone. Byron Bay is home to countless restaurants and eateries, but which are best for a romantic dinner?

We asked our Facebook fans to share where they wine and dine their loved one in the Byron region, and the results are in.

Here are the top five restaurants for a romantic dinner in Byron Bay (in alphabetical order).

The Balcony Bar and Oyster Co.

Perched above the bustling streets of Byron Bay, The Balcony Bar and Oyster Co. is a must-visit on any trip to the area. Committed to serving simple, honest food and drink, The Balcony is a perfect place to unwind or celebrate.

Cosy couches, tables for two, and tasty shared treats – not to mention their extensive cocktail menu – make The Balcony one of the best spots for a romantic meal.

Beach Byron Bay

What’s more romantic than panoramic beach views? Beach Byron Bay offers spectacular al fresco dining with a near unbeatable beachside backdrop. Forget eye contact – gaze out on Byron’s Julian Rocks, Clarkes Beach, and The Pass.

The fine-dining menu reflects the coastal landscape. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible. Ideal for breakfast, long lunches, or dinner under the stars, Beach Byron Bay is perfect for a special occasion.

Fig Tree Restaurant

Situated just off the beaten track, about an 11-minute drive from Byron’s township, is the striking Fig Tree Restaurant.

Long famed for its expert use of seasonal local produce – much of which is sourced from the restaurant’s garden – this unique eatery is located in an original farmhouse framed by an old fig tree.

Jonsons Restaurant Bar

Quality, farmers market-sourced ingredients is what allows the chefs at Jonsons Restaurant Bar to produce a delightful array of Italian-inspired dishes and one-of-a-kind drinks.

Choose from one of many charming spaces throughout the restaurant: the side street, plush indoor hub, cosy deck, garden, and bar window.

St. Elmo Dining Room & Bar

St. Elmo Dining Room & Bar serves up contemporary Spanish tapas dishes perfect to share with that special someone. The innovative, ever-changing menu is inspired by the region’s fresh and flavoursome produce.

Plus, with more than 100, carefully curated bottles of wine, St. Elmo offers one of the finest culinary experiences in their relaxed yet intimate dining room.  

Best of Byron

Discover our Best of Byron series. Find out where to grab the best brunch, coffee, burgers, breakfasts, pizza, ice cream, and cocktails in Byron Bay and surrounds – according to you.

It’s not quite breakfast. It’s not quite lunch. Brunch is an extra special, relaxed mid-morning meal that combines the best of the two.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, leisurely brunch spot in Byron Bay, you’ve landed in the right place. As a part of our Best of Byron series, we asked our Facebook fans to vote for the best brunch in Byron Bay.

Here are the top five results in alphabetical order.

Bayleaf

Serving up some of the best breakfasts and coffee in Byron Bay, Bayleaf is a much-loved spot for a relaxed brunch. With an innovative and ever-changing menu, this Byron staple is loved by visitors and locals alike.

As for the brunch menu, expect an array of inventive sweet and savoury creations – dukkah poached eggs, quinoa coconut porridge, and more.

Byron Fresh

Brunch doesn’t get much fresher than the tasty meals served up at Byron Fresh. Committed to using superfoods, free-range, and local produce where possible, Byron Fresh serves up some of the healthiest – and tastiest – brunches in town.

The vibe of Byron Fresh is authentically Byron. It’s relaxed, laid-back, and ideal for a three-hour Sunday brunch.

Folk

Organic and ethical, Folk is a plant-based cafe and eatery renowned for its incredible looking and tasting meals (it was named one of the top 20 food destinations to visit in Australia).

Home to the famous FOLK Nourish Bowl and hearty Vegan Burrito, Folk is adored by vegans and non-vegans alike.

The Top Shop

Loved for its single-origin coffee and excellent, always-evolving menu, The Top Shop is a favourite among Byron Bay locals.

Combining cafe culture with small-town hospitality, you’ll find an enticing menu of tried and true classics as well as more inventive concoctions. Their acai bowls are always popular.

Three Blue Ducks at The Farm

Located at the picturesque Farm just outside of Byron’s township, Three Blue Ducks makes use of freshly picked, on-site produce to create some of the finest – and freshest – food in the region.

The Three Blue Ducks menu boasts contemporary takes on beloved favourites alongside entirely new breakfasts, lunches, and brunches that showcase whatever’s in season.

Best of Byron

Discover our Best of Byron series. Find out where to grab the best coffee, burgers, breakfasts, pizza, ice cream, and cocktails in Byron Bay and surrounds – according to you.

The sixth annual Falls Music and Arts Festival in Byron has come to an end, and what a colourful festival it was. 17,000 revellers – including 15,000 campers – enjoyed clear, sunny weather at the North Byron Parklands over the three days (a welcome change from last festival’s downpours). Dressed to impress, crowds experienced a dynamic range of musical acts, art installations and performances, clubs and DJs, food, and more.

The spectacular amphitheatre, known as the Valley Stage, came to life with highlight acts including Hilltop Hoods, DMAs, and US hip-hop sensation Anderson.Paak. As anticipated, festival favourite King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard had punters dancing, jumping, and crowd surfing, while Toto had everyone singing along to their hit ‘Africa’.

The smaller Howl & Moan tent showcased the heavier sounds of local rock bands, and the Jack Daniel’s Barrel House gave revellers a chance to get a closer look at the musicians at work. The Vaccines's performance in the Barrel House was a highlight for us.  

It was more than music that made this year’s festival. The ‘La Henge’ arts area showcased a life-size replica of Stone Henge made from cardboard. And, a jovial battle between cavepeople, sabretooth tigers, and a giant woolly mammoth went down on early New Year’s Eve, which was a hilarious spectacle to witness. The coloured cows were swarmed by festival-goers looking to get the perfect Falls photo.

After three full days and 40,000 steps, we were exhausted. But, we already can’t wait to do it all again next New Years.

Sit back and relax or celebrate with friends with an exquisite cocktail served up Byron style. We’re back with another instalment of the Best of Byron series – this time, it’s cocktails.

We asked our Facebook fans to vote for the best cocktails in Byron Bay, and the results are listed below in alphabetical order.

Loft Byron Bay

Loft is a concept bar that fuses European cuisine with a modern Australian laid-back vibe for a truly unique food and drink experience. Flooded with natural light during the day and cosy by night, the atmosphere of loft is beachy, earthy, sophisticated, and unmistakeably Byron.

Their refined cocktail menu features tried and true classic with a couple of surprises – an acai spritz with dragon fruit, a spiced chai whiskey sour, to name a few.

The Balcony Bar and Oyster Co.

Perched above the bustling streets of Byron Bay, The Balcony Bar and Oyster Co. is a must-visit on any trip to the area. Committed to serving simple, honest food and drink, The Balcony is a perfect place to unwind or celebrate.

The extensive cocktail menu has something for everyone and boasts an exciting array of traditional cocktails and signature creations.

The Bolt Hole

With a striking vintage church door entrance and a cosy interior with nods to hunting, heritage rail, and nautical adventures, The Bolt Hole is an eclectic bar with a personality all of its own.

The Bolt Hole bar showcases an incredible 300 whiskeys, gins, artisanal spirits, organic wines, and craft beers from all over the world. Stocking vintage and rare releases, The Bolt Hole serves up cocktails unlike any other bar.

The Mez Club

Escape to the Mediterranean inspired Mez Club, a light and airy eatery and bar in the heart of Byron Bay. The menu will transport you to the ‘souks’ of Morocco to the family feasts of Greece.

The cocktail list follows suit. All have been expertly crafted with a commitment to freshness and colour. Their signature Turkish Princess, which features locally produced Turkish delight liquor, is a must try.  

Treehouse on Belongil

Live music, great food, and excellent cocktails – what could be better? Treehouse on Belongil is another Byron staple, serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner, woodfired pizzas, and more, all while showcasing local musical talent.

Their cocktail menu has it all, with a few twists on old classics, like their Margarita three ways.

Best of Byron

Discover our Best of Byron series. Find out where to grab the best coffee, burgers, breakfasts, pizza, and ice cream in Byron Bay and surrounds – according to you.

Celebrate Christmas 2018 Byron style: warm weather, a day at the beach, and excellent food. A few of the restaurants and eateries in town are hosting special Christmas eve and day dinners and lunches.

The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

The iconic Balcony Bar & Oyster Co serves up some of the best food and drinks in the region. This Christmas celebrate with an all-inclusive, four-course family feast with all the trimmings. Seatings are available for 12pm, 12.30pm, or 1pm for a delicious menu, a glass of Piper Heidsieck on arrival, and an optional beverage package.

Keep in mind the Balcony is not open on the evening of Christmas and will close at 4pm.

Adults $225, kids under 18 $95, kids under 5 free.

The Italian Byron Bay

Is there ever a bad time to indulge in Italian food? Get your nearest and dearest together this Christmas at the incredible Italian Byron Bay restaurant for a four-course meal with a few festive touches. Limited seats are available, so secure your table for the 12pm to 2.30pm or 3pm to 5.30pm seating now.

$165 per person.

Barrio Eatery & Bar

Join the local community and friends and family at Barrio for the first ever Christmas Eve Fiesta. Sample the ultimate Spanish festive feast of picadas featuring Argentine favourites prepared on a traditional Parilla (barbecue) and Asado (fire-pit) plus a welcome cocktail by Brookie’s Gin.

$65 per person, kid’s plate available for over 3s $20.

No Bones

Celebrate Christmas Day the vegan way with a huge vegan BBQ feast hosted by No Bones. The plant-based menu includes appetisers and tapas to share, vegan prawns, No Bones’s famous calamari, char-grilled corn with spicy garlic butter, summer salads, and a selection of desserts.

$90 per person.

We’re back with another instalment of the Best of Byron series. With the weather heating up, we thought it was the perfect time to find out where in Byron and surrounds serves up the best ice cream.

We asked our Facebook fans to vote for their favourite ice cream shop in the region, and the results are in. Cool down with a delicious ice cream from one of the most popular gelaterias in Byron, listed below in alphabetical order.

Bella Rosa Gelateria and Espresso Bar

Bella Rosa is a Byron staple and offers up some of the tastiest gelato and sorbets – all made fresh on the premises. Alongside their ice creams, they serve excellent coffee, tea, milkshakes, smoothies, and sundaes.

Located a very short 2-minute walk from Main Beach, Bella Rosa is a great place to cool down after a few hours on the beach.

Bernardi's Gelato and Espresso Bar

Image via www.brunswickheads.org.au

Bernardi’s Gelato and Espresso Bar is a Brunswick Heads favourite, situated about 20 minutes from Byron Bay. Bernardi’s produces all of their traditional ice cream and gelato, as well as dairy and fat-free sorbets, on-site. They also serve up Italian coffee, quiches, frittatas, salads, and cakes

Brunswick Heads is a quaint holiday town with spectacular beaches and idyllic waterways that’s well worth a visit this summer. And if you do make the trip, don’t leave without sampling some of Bernardi’s famous ice cream.

In the Pink

Byron Bay’s In the Pink was a clear winner – our Facebook fans picked the traditional artisan gelati served here as the best ice cream in the region. With 25 years of ice cream experience, research, and development, In the Pink uses a mix of local and Italian imported ingredients with no pre-made powder mixes.

In the Pink is located just 3-minutes from Main Beach, so is another fantastic place to get your ice cream fix after a day at the beach.

Best of Byron

Discover our Best of Byron series. Find out where to grab the best coffee, burgers, breakfasts, and pizza in Byron Bay and surrounds – according to you.

Tucked away in the northern end of the Byron Shire are stunning waterfront holiday rentals that offer a more affordable alternative to accommodation in the heart of Byron. From there, you can escape the hustle and bustle while remaining a short drive from Brunswick Heads’s thriving cafe scene, Byron Bay’s lively atmosphere, and more.

Here are just some of the drawcards that attract travellers to North Byron’s hidden gems.

Spectacular beaches and waterways

South Golden and New Brighton are two quiet, open beaches situated in the north of the Byron Shire. These beaches rarely attract as many visitors as Byron’s beaches and both have dog-friendly areas.

After a short 10-minute drive, you’ll find yourself in Brunswick Heads, a quaint holiday village. The idyllic Brunswick River runs through the town and can be explored by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or by swimming.

Cross the Brunswick River via the bridge and discover one of the region’s most picturesque beaches: Torakina (pictured above). Perfect for kids, this sheltered beach offers crystal-clear water and little to no swell.

Cafes and restaurants

Just 8.5km away from the tranquility of North Byron Shire are the many gourmet cafes, restaurants, and eateries of Brunswick Heads.

Bruns – as the locals call it – serves up some of the best coffee and breakfasts in the region. For dinner, enjoy fresh fish and chips (best eaten picnic-style by the river), indulge in an award-winning fine-dining meal, or check out some local musical talent and relax in the beer garden at the iconic Hotel Brunswick. 

Markets and other activities

Although Byron is a short 20-minute drive away, there is plenty to do closer to home.

The Brunswick Heads Markets are held on the first Saturday of each month. And, the New Brighton Farmers Market, held Tuesdays from 8am – 11am, is a great place to sample some of the region's best fresh produce.

If you’re visiting with kids, explore the many playgrounds dotted throughout the North Byron region: in South Golden, New Brighton, and two along the riverfront in Brunswick Heads.

This end of the Shire is also home to a magnificent championship golf course. The Ocean Shores Country Club’s course was designed by world-renowned golf architects in 1972 and remains one of the most highly regarded courses in the country.

Close to two major festival sites

The northern end of the Byron Shire is home to two of the major festival sites in the region: North Byron Parklands (Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival), and the Blues Festival site at Tyagarah.

If you’re attending a festival, staying a stone’s throw from the site can be a quick, inexpensive, and convenient option.

South Golden Beach, New Brighton and Brunswick Heads accommodation inspo 

Stingray South Golden Beach, is beautifully designed 4 bedroom home, situated on the Capricornia Canal, featuring a large deck with views of the canal.

Twin Waters New Brighton, is a unique 3  bedroom beach house with views and access to the pristine Beach and River of New Brighton.

Norfolk On Fawcett Brunswick Heads is a three bedroom rental just a short walk to river, beach and centre of Brunswick Heads.

Summer’s here, school’s nearly out, the weather is hot, and the water is warm. The festive season in the Byron Shire brings with it a whole host of specialty markets and events.

Here’s an overview of the region’s summer market schedule.

Byron Bay

The Byron Bay Markets are held on both the first and third Sunday of the month in December and January at the Butler Street reserve. So, this summer, the markets will be held on:

• 2 December 2018
• 16 December 2018
• 6 January 2019
• 20 January 2019

The Byron Twilight Markets

The weekly Byron Twilight Market is held in the centre of town and showcases local artisans and musical talent.

When: Saturdays, 4pm – 9pm (until April 2019)

Where: Railway Park, Byron Bay

The Byron Beachside Markets

Held annually in January, Easter, July, and the September/October long weekend, the Byron Beachside Markets stretch along the picturesque Main Beach Foreshore.

When: Wednesday, 2 January 2019, 8am – 4pm

Where: Main Beach Foreshore, Byron Bay

The Byron Flea Market

The Byron Flea Market is Australia’s only youth-focused market and takes place year-round.

When: Every second Saturday of the month, 8am - 2pm

Where: The Youth Activity Centre, Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay

A Day in the Bay

A Day in the Bay is Byron’s newest market. The event represents a collaboration between local brands to bring a family-friendly, Byron-focused market to the region.

The market will feature a collective of food trucks, beverage stalls, boutique clothing pop-ups, children’s entertainment, live music, and more.

Entry is $5 with all proceeds to be donated to a local not-for-profit and charity.

When: Saturday, 8 December 2018, 12pm – 10pm

Where: Red Devils Park

Bangalow

The Bangalow Markets are held on the fourth Sunday of the month at the Bangalow Showgrounds. This summer, the markets will take place on:

• 23 December 2018
• 27 January 2019

The Bangalow Designers' Market

The Bangalow Designers’ Market is committed to promoting design in the Byron Shire and showcases local fashion labels, artisans, arts and crafts, food, and music.

When: Saturday, 8 December 2018, 8am – 3pm

Where: Bangalow Public School, Bangalow

Brunswick Heads

The Brunswick Heads Markets are held on the first Saturday of the month. This summer, the Bruns Markets will take place on:

• 1 December 2018
• 5 January 2019

The Brunswick Christmas Twilight Markets

The annual Brunswick Twilight Markets bring together local creators to showcase their very best during the Christmas season.

When: Wednesday, 19 December 2018, 3pm – 9pm

Where: Banner Park, Brunswick Heads

Mullumbimby

The Mullumbimby Markets are held on the third Saturday on the month. This summer, the Mullum Markets will take place on:

• 15 December 2018
• 19 January 2018

The Mullum Twilight Market

The Mullum Twilight Market is a family-friendly picnic meets market event featuring delicious food, artisan stalls, vintage wares, and live music.

When: Saturday, 1 December 2018, 3pm – 9pm

Where: The Mullum Leagues Club, Mullumbimby

Surrounding towns and villages

Outside of the Byron Shire, regional towns and villages host community markets year-round. Here’s a reminder of their schedules:

• Alstonville Markets - 3rd Saturday of the month
• Kingscliff Markets - 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
• Lismore Car Boot Market - 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
• Murwillumbah Markets - 3rd Saturday of the month
• Nimbin Markets - 4th and 5th Sunday of the month
• Pottsville Markets - 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
• The Channon Markets - 2nd Sunday of the month
• Uki Buttery Bazaar - 3rd Sunday of the month

Stone & Wood celebrates a milestone with a roll out of releases, events and a brewery opening!

It's been 10 years of beers since the first kegs rolled out of Byron's local brewery Stone & Wood back in 2008.

For the Northern Rivers independent brewery, they're excited but the milestone feels like a drop in the ocean.

"Compared to breweries in other parts of the world that have been around for hundreds of years, we’re 10 years young!" said co-owner Brad Rogers.

Looking back, Head Brewer Caolan Vaughn said that the brewery has released experimental brews since the early days, including Beers of the Earth, The Mash Collective series, Stone Beer, The Gatherer and Forefathers but has always been limited by capacity.

"We've released some memorable beers but until now, our focus has also been on getting enough of it to our thirsty drinkers.'

Stone & Wood is looking forward to ramping up their releases, promising some exciting changes, additions and limited brews in the coming months. But that’s not all... In the coming months, the brewery will put on their inaugural Backyard Invitational event on 24 November, at what will become their Brisbane Brewery in the new year, and the new Byron Bay Brewery will open its doors by the end of the year.

Stone & Wood Brewery Byron Bay project manager Jamie Revell has said "We are excited to be at the pointy end of our brewery build. All of the finer details such as landscaping and timber finishes are now coming to life. The bar and kitchen are both currently being fitted and the last of our brewhouse equipment will move in the coming weeks. We can’t wait to open the doors of our new spiritual home and invite locals and visitors to see how we brew and learn more about Stone & Wood. Early next year we will move our offices to the new space, so the whole Byron team can finally work under one roof."

When asked about the 10 year milestone and everything that’s coming down the line Head Brewer Caolan Vaughn said "We’re proud of the journey so far and having an incredible, passionate team that’s been along for the ride but all of us at Stone & Wood are even more excited for what’s to come!".

A PIVOTAL conversation began last week, on the topic of Ecological Healing and what the term means both locally and globally.

The conversation was sparked ahead of next month’s inaugural Fields of Healing event and was facilitated by the event’s Community Director, Adam Collett who has been working closely with the team at Unity Earth - the organisation responsible for co-ordinating the gathering.

The event which will attract indigenous leaders from across the globe will be held at the North Byron Parklands over the weekend of November 24 and 25 and aims to highlight three key pillars, explained Mr Collett; the concepts of intercultural, ecological and personal healing.

Last week’s conversation invited a diverse group of innovative leaders with varying backgrounds from across the region to share their wisdom, experience and unique skillsets. The group collectively explored moving forward with a number of creative real-world solutions that can serve to heal our relationship with the planet.

The Northern Rivers is home to an incredible amount of innovation in the field of regenerative agriculture and building a circular economy. Fields of Healing is an opportunity to showcase the solutions emerging within our community to a global audience; while also creating a space for us to learn from each other and the incredible wisdom held by this collective of Indigenous Elders from around the world.

"We have a chance to leave a legacy within this, a collective vision with tangible outcomes that help us build new pathways towards ecological healing on the earth," Mr Collett said.

If you're interested in being a part of the solution and evolving the concept of ecological healing, you can contribute by sharing your knowledge and learning about ways in which we can reduce our impact on the earth by attending Fields Of Healing 2018.

Two day convergence of global Indigenous leaders, live music, workshops, panels, art, healing, ecology & more! Visit the website for more information, or to book your tickets fieldsofhealing.com.au.