Chasing the Winter Sun

With more and more borders opening just in time for the July school holidays, what better way to ditch the cabin fever and shake off the winter blues than to head to one of our Australian east coast’s sunny spots.  You’ll be digging out your favourite pair of sunglasses and packing your bags before you know it!

And how can we possibly talk about winter sun without letting you know about our gorgeous hometown in the beautiful Byron Shire. Home to stunning beaches, luxurious resorts and hinterland escapes. Our average winter daytime temperatures, in and out of the water, sit at around 20 degrees - rain free, sunshine central.   Winter is the perfect time to visit our beautiful Shire and here are some of our insider tips. 
 

Surf City

The waves are at their wintery best and for those wanting to find the perfect surf spot, we’ve got the beaches and breaks for all kinds of surfers.  And the good news is, with sea temps sitting around 20 degrees, many locals find a spring suit is enough to keep you warm for a couple of hour sesh.  Long borders and beginners love the gentler waves of The Pass and Wategos - just below the iconic lighthouse.  Those looking for a faster wave or with more experience will find Tallow Beach or Broken Head the place to go; and with longer stretches the crowds are usually easier to manage.  In a big swell, Brunswick Heads river mouth and main beach, about 20 minutes north of Byron, is the place to go for tow-ins or bigger gnarlier waves.  Head to the break wall to watch the surf show if the conditions are too extreme for your liking!

Sunglass Tip - While checking the surf, try polarised lenses. They’ll you navigate the glare.  
 

Whale Watching

From June to November migrating humpback whales journey past our beautiful coast line. You can easily spot from the shore, even without binoculars, just keep an eye out for water sprays, tail flukes and majestic breaches.  It’s not uncommon to get a show from the shoreline of breaching and fin slapping.  For a more profound experience you can get up close and personal with daily boat tours heading out from Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay. Not only do you have a chance to see these animals in very close quarters, you can also hear their gorgeous whale song.  Keep your eye out for the legendary albino whale Migaloo, often seen cruising past this time of year.  

Sunglass Tip - We love our true tint sunglass lenses which allow you to see the colours clearly and also through the water without being affected by the reflection.
 

Sustainable Shopping

From op shops and second hand emporiums to direct from the maker shopping, Byron Shire is awash with delights for the most eco and ethically conscious shop-o-holic.  Typically the makers markets have been the place to find all these options in the one spot, but even with Covid restrictions you can easily go on a shoppers wonderland adventure of handmade, second hand and ethical wares.  Mullumbimby is our pick for a diverse shopping experience.  Home to many up-cycled vintage shops and a number of charity op-shops, there are preloved treasures aplenty.  It also has a number of art galleries, artist studios and makers co-ops where you can find original artworks, ceramics, jewellery and crafts.  The Byron Bay arts and industrial estate houses many of the warehouses for both large and small makers; and you can pick up a map in most tourist spots so you can go direct to the door for fashion, jewellery and arts.

Sunglass Tip - Keep an eye out for designer eyewear in second hand shops, you are just a simple online order from us giving those babies a second lease on life with replacement lenses.
 

Clean Eats

Byron Bay has been at the forefront of the paddock to plate revolution which links growers directly to the dining experience.  You can visit the local farmers markets in various locations most mornings. Pick up fresh produce direct from the farmers, dine in at the various bakers and food trucks or throw together your own culinary masterpiece with your haul.  For those who love to dine out, Byron and its surrounds may have country charm, but it also has world class eateries, many of whom chose almost exclusively local suppliers. Vegans are in heaven with most places more than catering for animal friendly eaters and a high concentration of all vegan eateries.  And the best thing, while the dining may be at its finest, you don’t need to be.  The laid back ethos welcomes a casual, come as you are vibe!

Sunglass Tip - Your old faves will do here. If they’ve got a bit bashed and scratched over the cooler months of neglect, we can freshen them up with custom lenses.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab an overnight bag. Throw on a pair of old faithful sunnies and hit the road in search a little winter wonderful.