I hadn’t been to Byron Bay for approximately 30 years and Felicity had never been – ever, so we were looking forward to 3 nights there. Our longest stint in one place so far. We got there just in time for the sunset and were not disappointed. Staying at Reflections Holiday Park – right on the main beach and about a 1km walk into town, we hit the beach and walked to the Beach Hotel – the one that used to be owned by Australia’s own Delvene Delany and her husband Strop – sidekick comedy partner of Paul Hogan… remember him? Well, they owned it 30 years ago when I was here last, but it’s all changed now.
The next day was full of exploring the streets and taking in the vibe. Fliss did her morning walk and climbed up to the top of the lighthouse hill – the eastern most point of Australia. When she got back, unusually a little out of breath, she stated quite categorically that I would not have enjoy that walk…. something I already knew, which is why I was still in bed when she returned. There was a LOT of uphill.
We took ourselves out for breakfast to the Bay Leaf Cafe. My sister, Jodie had recommended it and they did not disappoint! The menu, the food, the coffees, the staff and the vibe were all on point!
We wandered up and down the streets taking in all the cool cafes and shops… we did a little retail therapy that needed to be posted home because it wouldn’t fit in the van or in Fliss’ suitcase!
… and then grabbed hire bikes and rode out to the Stone & Wood Brewery for a little tasting…. let’s just talk about the bikes for a minute – no gears, no pedal assist, just all leg work and a wet seat – this is not how I was raised to ride a bike.
More taking in the vibes, watching the surfers and enjoying the sunset before dinner…
Because Bay Leaf Cafe was so amazing, we decided to go there again for brekky to try something different on the menu… and while we were sitting there – who should run out from the cafe to his car with his take away coffee but Pete Murray! We both love a bit of Pete, so we did try to snap a quick photo without looking like two stalkers, but failed miserably. Although, that’s definitely his hair profile!
The day was forecast to be wet, windy and cold, and for once the weather person was correct, so we hit the cinema to see Sheep Detectives – an excellent movie – go watch it. We bought all the ingredients we needed for the night’s Feast with Felicity and as it was raining pretty hard, thought we’d stop in at the Beach Hotel for one drink while the rain settled down a bit. With what appeared to be a small break in the rain, and my weather app assuring me that there would be no rain for 45 minutes, we took the chance to get home… we got about half way.
But not even this full on downpour could stop Felicity from creating her Byron Bay inspired Feast with Felicity…
Feasts with Felicity Bryon Bay episode part 1/3
Feasts with Felicity Bryon Bay episode part 2/3
Feasts with Felicity Bryon Bay episode part 3/3
Time to say goodbye to Byron. I have to say we were both pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed it here. We were both a bit dubious that it would be a bit wanky, but the vibe was lovely and relaxed and nobody looked like they were taking themselves too seriously at all. Well done everyone.
Now…. where to next?
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