January is an enchanting time to be in Byron Bay. With the craziness of the Christmas revelry now over, the relaxed holiday vibes are really sinking in.
The start of the year also heralds new beginnings. Set lofty dreams for yourself, contemplate the year that was and hatch some funky adventures as you ride out January’s waves. Whether you opt for carefree and ultra-chilled poolside or an eclectic flurry of activities, there’s no shortage of things you can do in the magical region they call The Shire.
From wellness classes and best new eats to a spot of retail therapy, here are our top picks for merry making in Byron Bay for January.
1) New Year’s Workouts
Keen to climb Mount Kinabalu or have a career change? Whatever your resolutions for 2019, doing something soothing for the mind, body and soul is a pretty amazing place to start. Luckily, Byron Bay is teeming with wellness options.
Let the team from Peachy Fit Byron Bay come to you at the resort, with rejuvenating and restorative tailored sessions sure to bring you into alignment. Be inspired to take your fitness journey to the next level!
Conveniently located in the gorgeous Habitat precinct on nearby Bayshore Drive is Bende. Lending whole new meaning to the concept of body sculpting, the studio offers barre, yoga, yin and Pilates mat and reformer. Be sure to ask about the week long visitor’s pass.
Also at Habitat is F45, a fitness phenomenon which is taking the world by storm. It’s a testosterone-fuelled, sweat-inducing workout that blends cutting edge techniques and equipment.
2) Discover the Habitat Shopping Precinct
The wait for Byron’s latest shopping precinct is over and a must-do for visitors. Can you resist, really, when it’s just around the corner? With its great spread of shops, Habitat is a great way to while away the day.
Fashionistas and shopaholics will adore rummaging through the racks and eyeing the on-the-shelf goodies at the 40 plus local design-led brands. Check out The Beach People for irresistible seaside luxe items for the home, ethical wellness store Prae and the uber cool Department of Simple Things for the gentlemen in our midst.
3) Restaurants You Won’t Want to Miss
Love eating and good food? Yep, so do we. Which is why we wanted to let the cat out of the bag on three freshly minted eateries here in the region.
If you’re a fan of southeast Asian cuisine, done with a Byron twist, head to Bang Bang downtown. For some seriously tasty plant-based options and heavenly homemade Italian favourites, check out No Bones.
Don’t want to stray too far from the comfort of your villa? Barrio is yet another gem to discover at the aforementioned Habitat. This welcoming eatery has a menu overlaid with Argentinian influences – thanks to its head chef who hails from there – so make sure to get your fix of chimichurri and empanadas.
Meanwhile, the two-hatted fine dining Fleet restaurant in Brunswick Heads has re-opened after taking an end-of-year break to work on a second venture. Owners Josh Lewis and Astrid McCormack have taken over the town’s only Mexican restaurant and will re-open with a fresh look and feel.
For a fuller Food Lovers Guide to Byron, check out our blog on Restaurants and Bars in Byron.
4) Best Spots to Cool Down with a Cocktail
Byron Bay can be said to be many things, but never vanilla! Reflecting its leaning to the flamboyant, quirky and hip, it’s not surprising the town has an extraordinarily vibrant bar scene.
Many an afternoon has been lost at the Balcony, a firm favourite among locals and visitors. Known for its spacious and airy balcony, no visit to Byron is complete without sipping on a Moscow Mule, Manhattan or Margarita at this elegant establishment.
For a totally different atmosphere, head to The Bolt Hole, which specialises in booze of all varieties, whether it’s a cocktail, stiff whisky or gin. To sample a kombucha spiked cocktail in a venue reminiscent of 1950s Hanoi, visit Light Years, another classic on the drinking hole circuit.
5) Australia Day Weekend
But wait, just when you thought the festivities were over, up pops the Australia Day weekend. Unless you’re planning to receive a local government community award, chances are you’ll be spending it in style – lazing on the beach.
If you’re an early riser, head down to Main Beach for the Rotary Club’s annual breakfast and live music event. You can’t miss it, unless you get there past 11am! It’s next to the Byron Bay Surf Club.
After that, the timing is perfect to discover what the Byron Shire Council has in store this year for the celebration of indigenous culture at Main Beach Park. Details will be posted on their website.
If you’re feeling buff, grab your wetsuit and sign up for the Byron Bay Board Paddle. This fantastic charity event, hosted by the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club, starts at Wategos Beach and heads across the picturesque bay. Registrations open at 7am.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.