Travel

Don’t worry, we’re not going to sit here and tell you that Byron is having a moment or pretend like we just discovered it. (And you wouldn’t believe us if we did!) But there’s no denying the creative juices are flowing, and the design world is pumping in this busy hub on the New South Wales coast!

Read on to discover some of Byron’s current hotspots with Sydney stylist Jono Fleming as your guide! From hidden waterfalls to the best pub food in town, Jono has been holidaying here for over a decade, and has the lowdown on all the primo places to stay, eat, shop and visit.

In the last twelve months, three TDF team members have gone on holiday to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) on Quandamooka Country. That’s saying a lot for a team of seven!

But the crystal surf, white sand and slow coastal pace makes Straddie a truly irresistible holiday location, and one that’s relatively unknown to travellers outside of Brisbane.

Originally designed by architect Shane Thompson, this superb coastal retreat on the Northeastern tip of the island is surrounded by native bushland, and unfolds onto the pristine coastal views. Another one for the holiday wishlist!

Now that local travel is back on the cards for most Australians, we’re desperate for a holiday to Byron Bay… where the Australian design scene is currently thriving!

The Northern Rivers region’s latest standout accommodation is The Perch, managed by Byron Beach Abodes.

Owners Zach Holmes and Geoff Cochrane bought the Bangalow property in 2019, and spent a year bringing the existing 1970s buildings on site back to life. 

Join us for a closer look!

If there’s one thing that brings on the wanderlust, it’s being in lockdown – so we’re sharing our latest dream getaway discovery – Heartwood Cabin!

Nestled in Burringbar (an inland town 38 kilometres north of Byron), Heartwood is an entirely off-the-grid eco cabin sitting on 100 acres of hinterland. Made from raw and robust materials, the pint-sized holiday location is inspired by the landscape itself, with views framing the nearby Burringbar Range and access to the entire wild property.

Polperro Winery is a small vintner in Red Hill an hour’s drive from Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula. Owners Sam Coverdale and Emma Phillips have spent the best part of a decade contributing different amenities to the area, including a bistro and clothing boutique in Red Hill village, and a biodynamic farm and yoga studio – all while running their two successful wine labels! The latest addition is the Polperro Farmhouse: a Hecker Guthrie-designed accommodation lodge, designed for the ultimate weekend escape.

Very few private holiday rentals like this come with their own activity precinct nearby (unless you’re staying at a resort). But this is not your average BnB.

The Sunseeker on Bundjalung country (Northern Coastal NSW) is exactly as its name suggests: a haven for those chasing sunshine, sand and surf. Basically… all those Byron vibes!

New owners Jess and Dave Frid recruited an all-star creative dream team to give the tired ‘80s motel a serious spritz, and fill the retro interiors with the best of the best local makers. Replete with jagged flagstone floors and pieces from every notable creative in the Northern Rivers, this design-led new accommodation is a reflection of its truly iconic location.

Despite some ongoing restrictions on inter-state travel, The Sunseeker just officially opened for business… so if you’ve been building up a wishlist of dream travel destinations, we recommend bumping this to the top of the list!

In case us city dwellers had any shadow of a doubt that we might have ended up with the wrong lifestyle, here we come with another exquisite home in the New South Wales Northern Rivers area. Sorry not sorry!

The Dairy is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay in the hinterland, perched high on a hill with panoramic views of its lush, picturesque surrounds. Recently restored by Julie Weis and her daughter Lucy Haidamous alongside a team of highly skilled builders, tradespeople and artisans, The Dairy is the kind of place that might just convince you to pack it all in and move to the country. Or, at the very least, you can go stay there (well… when the borders open, Victorians!).

There’s something special about Emu Bay. Just ask Richard and Emily Young, who met on its sands as young adults, and were married 12 months later. They’ve each been holidaying at Kangaroo Island for 50 years, and both were there to defend the island from the devastating bushfires earlier this year.

The pair have now transformed their family holiday homes on the 5km stretch of secluded beach at Emu Bay into accommodation (which were fortunately spared in the fires). Hamilton House is a retro 1960s beach house with all the modern conveniences, while Dune House is a totally new build, set into the landscape and overlooking the bay.

Searching for the dream Australian beach holiday? You’ve found it!

The Otways Loft in the tiny Victorian town of Forrest is wedged between mountain ash rainforest and the Mount Cowley terrain. This magical timber home is built from materials salvaged from train carriages and demolished churches.

Part tree-house, part train-house, part-cabin – Otways Loft is a picturesque retreat fit for a reclusive writer. Or if you’re not writing your memoir, just a quiet, nature-filled vaycay!