The Best of Byron
When it comes to planning unforgettable and unique weddings, the team at Byron Bay Weddings are consummate professionals with a personal touch, ensuring that the journey of planning your special day is the most enjoyable experience possible from start to finish.
Byron Beach Abodes
At Byron Bay Luxe Limousines we love showcasing people and places that think outside the box, add something special to our already amazing region, have a blazing passion for what they do and a commitment to excellence that makes Byron Bay one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world.
Taliah & Sein Lowry, Founders of Byron Beach Abodes are these kind of people. With a collection of properties they fondly refer to as “projects”, every boutique abode they offer is a reflection of their love for design, travel, family and creating a sense of home for every guest who visits one of their properties.
For Taliah and Sein, their Byron Beach Abodes baby is so much more than a luxury brand – it’s a series of ongoing projects fuelled by an infectious enthusiasm for making their visions come alive for all of us to enjoy.
A laidback, homely feeling and luxury touches at every turn make each Byron Beach Abode property the perfect place for your romantic getaway, family holiday or special celebration, and with nine beautiful abodes to choose from they are able to cater to any guest’s needs.
The Bower in the heart of Byron is their latest project and like their other properties, is the bi-product of Taliah and Sein’s collaboration with some of the most creative minds in the area who help them make such beautiful dreams come true.
Inspired by The Bowery District in New York City, a vibrant boutique neighbourhood in downtown Manhattan with its distinctive lines of squat square buildings and perfect awnings, and The Bowery Hotel in the heart of it all, The Bower in the centre of our very own Byron Bay is reminiscent of these defined lines and a level of sophistication that The Bowrey Hotel NYC is so famous for. This combined with the essence of a beach motel, the barefoot ambience of Byron Bay and an effortless elegance so typical of New York boutique style accommodation, makes The Bower the most progressive development to grace the streets of Byron Bay for a very long time.
Peaceful, palm-filled grounds are home to a bevy of accommodation options that suit a wide range of requirements and tastes. These include The Bower Suites, The Bower Cottage, The Bower Barn and The Bower House. Each abode within the one complex is truly unique and synonymous with Byron Beach Abodes’ signature simplicity, Australian beach style and understated luxury.
Such a reputation is born from Taliah and Sein’s ethos and very personal approach to design and aesthetics, and The Bower is no exception, with inspiring interiors coming alive under the consummate creative direction of design partners, Kate Sacks (interior design) and Lynda Gardener and Belle Hemming Bright (interior decorating and styling) of Inside Story.
With a signature look involving loads of natural light, gorgeous greenery, handmade artisan goods, crisp linen and rich textured elements from wonderful brands like Bemboka, Tigmi Trading and The Dharma Door, the Byron Beach Abodes creative team strive to deliver spaces that are truly unique, attracting the most discerning of guests from all over the world.
Raw handcrafted features, wearable pieces turned into wall art, bespoke home wares and contemporary Australian interiors that sit alongside amazing antique doors make for an elegant and eclectic mix that you won’t find anywhere else.
Thoughtful inclusions such as vintage bikes, sun hats, beach bags, cocktail shakers, board games, natural room sprays, candles and gourmet tea/coffee combined with the most comfortable beds ever, the finest of linen and exquisitely hand-woven artisan rugs complete every project to make them all something Taliah and Sein can be very proud of.
For more information, go to byronbeachabodes.com.au or call the Byron Bay Abodes Team on +61 2 6685 6746.
The Best Surf Beaches & Swimming Holes
There’s no doubt that the Northern Rivers is one of the most beautiful regions in Australia and home to world famous surf breaks and beautiful lakes, rivers, creeks and waterfalls. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, here’s a guide to the best surf spots and wild swimming holes. Some locations you could even be joined by luxurious westport yachts or similar.
Byron Bay Surf Beaches
If your idea of the perfect day is one where you strap your boards to the roof racks and set off in search of the perfect peeling point break, then Byron Bay is the place for you – a surfer’s paradise with countless beaches and breaks to choose from.
The NSW North Coast surf beaches are some of the best in the state, with dozens of family friendly options to enjoy in stunning surrounds. Byron Bay, Ballina, Angourie and Lennox Head Beach are the places to head for. Here are our top picks for both beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
Tallow Beach
Tallow Beach spans 6.5km from Suffolk Park to Byron Bay and offers surfers plenty of beach breaks. With such an expanse of beach there’s no shortage of space so you don’t have to worry about crowds. The swell can get very big here so it’s more suitable for more experienced surfers.
The Pass
The Pass is one of the most famous surf spots in Byron Bay. Here you can ride a smooth wave from The Pass all the way to Clarks Beach. The Pass is known as a long boarder’s nirvana with rolling waves allowing for a long, flowing ride and a 2 – 3 foot south-easterly swell that comes through for the perfect conditions.
Wategos Beach
At Wategos Beach you can literally look up and see the lighthouse from out the back. When conditions are at their best this beach produces some of the most fun waves in the area. On days with smaller surf it’s a great place to take down a foamy and learn to surf. Unfortunately, Wategos and The Pass can get easily blown out with a northerly wind so best to check the surf report before heading to these spots.
The Wreck
The Wreck is located just north of Byron’s Main Beach. As the name suggests, the Wreck is a shipwreck which creates sandbanks that boast some great waves in the right conditions. This fun little break is a very popular one amongst locals and visitors and a great spot for an afternoon session.
Lennox Head Point
Only 20 minutes south of Byron Bay is Lennox Head, a must for experienced surfers. Known as one of the best point breaks on the east coast of Australia, Lennox Head Point sees waves over eight foot when conditions are right. Popular with elite surfers, this area is also home to several competitions throughout the year including the Pro Junior Circuit.
Source: Byron Holiday Park & The Get Out There Guide
Swimming Holes
Killen Falls, Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar
One the most impressive waterfalls in the area is Killen Falls in the gorgeous town of Tintenbar. The walk from the car park takes about 15 minutes, but if you’re not up for the full trek there’s a good viewing platform about a third of the way along that looks out over the top of the falls. The walk itself can be challenging and slippery, so proper shoes are advised. You’ll need to ‘jump the barrier’ just before the viewing platform to continue down, but the path is obvious and well worn. The pool itself is large but shallow and presents easy, safe swimming. You can also scramble around behind the falls which is quite an experience.
Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head
Situated at the north end of town, just across from the beach, this tea tree stained fresh water lake is popular with tourists and locals. Don’t be put off by the red color of the water – it comes from the tannins and oils from the surrounding tea trees. As a result, your skin and hair will feel amazing after a swim! The lake is huge and fairly deep in the middle. It is used by open water swimmers, paddle boarders, kayakers, as well as people just wanting to splash around. There are small, sandy beaches on the southern end, as well as grassy spots with BBQ facilities. Although the shallows are likely to be busy, if you’re prepared to swim/paddle out to the middle you’ll find all the peace and quiet you need.
Whian Whian Falls, Dunoon
This spot is a favourite with the locals on a hot summer’s day, and has lots of options depending on what you’re looking for. The top of the falls has many smaller rock pools to lie in, and below the falls there are a number of terraces that extend for around 1 km downstream that you can swim or paddle in. The main pool is fed by the waterfall, and there’s plenty of room to either side of the pool to lay out a picnic rug and take in the scenery. The pool itself quite small, so while you can swim around in it, you won’t be far from the edge. It’s deep enough to jump in from the surrounding rocks, but take care and ask the locals for advice as they’ll know where the hidden rocks are.
Dalwood Falls, Dalwood
This waterfall is a well-kept secret. It can be tricky to find (look out for the concrete barrier near the ‘Dip’ sign) and you’ll have to walk past a number of warnings that swimming here isn’t safe. In reality, it’s not the swimming that’s the problem, it’s the accidents that have resulted from people jumping off the 12 m (40 ft) cliff face. The scramble down to the main pool isn’t easy, but once you’re down there you’ll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque scenes. The pool is large, deep and circular, and the waterfall itself is medium sized. This is a great waterfall to take an inflatable mattress to float around in the sunshine.
Blue & Green Pools, Angourie
These two pools are old stone quarries that flooded, and have been allowed to return to nature. They are so named because one has a definite green-ish tinge, the other a blue-y tinge. They both make great safe swimming options when the surf is firing at nearby Spookies. The pools are easy to find- they’re marked on most maps, and there are sign posts from the car park at the end of The Crescent.
Where to stay:
Most of the towns in the Northern Rivers have great accommodation options. If you come here with surfing as your priority, stay in Byron Bay, Evans Head, or Yamba, and then venture out from there. If you would prefer to stay closer to the Hinterland, try the bigger towns such as Murwillumbah or Lismore, or the smaller villages such as Nimbin or McLean.
Where to eat:
All that surfing and wild swimming is sure to work up an appetite. As most of the swimming holes are a fair way from the nearest town, take a picnic with you. Stop at one of the regular farmers markets (Saturdays in Lismore & Kyogle, Thursdays in Byron Bay, Sundays in Ballina) or take advantage of the big monthly markets (2nd Sunday in The Channon, 4th Sunday in Bangalow) to stock up on local produce and create a fabulous deli style feast. If surfing on the coast you are spoilt for choice when it comes to funky cafes. If you’re in our local area try our favourites, Shelter (Lennox Head) and The Belle General (Shelly Beach).
For all your Byron Bay transportation needs, including transport from Byron Bay to Yamba or Byron to Ballina, contact Byron Bay Luxe Limousines today.
Source: Wild Swimming Australia & Visit NSW
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