A girls’ long weekend in Byron Bay is cause for celebration. Seven long-time friends met up in this gorgeous coastal town in northern New South Wales for a three-day weekend. We rented a beautiful longhouse one street back from the beach and spent our days on the beach and lounging around the house enjoying each others’ conversation and humour.
For those who are unaware, Byron Bay is a seaside paradise that draws many visitors all year round. It has the reputation as being a bit of a hippie hang-out and a magnet for young backpackers and those who are interested in an ‘alternative’ lifestyle. That hardly does this picturesque town and its surrounds justice, though. The beaches and the crystal-blue waters alone are enough to tempt visitors from all around the world. The relaxed holiday atmosphere and proximity to lovely towns such as Bangalow make Byron Bay a must-see destination for anyone travelling around New South Wales.
Our magnificent home for the weekend accommodated all of us in style and comfort and was an easy walk along the beach to the main town centre. We spent our time reading, relaxing, eating, walking, beach-combing and catching up with each others’ news. It’s rare for us to all be in the same spot at one time as our group is spread across three eastern states of Australia. All editors, we hale from the same ‘tribe’, so it’s wonderful to spend extended time together.
For a number of breakfasts we met up at the Belongil Bistro and enjoyed a delicious array of dishes that saw us coming back for more. On Saturday evening we demolished some wonderful Mediterranean dishes at a restaurant in town and then three of our group moved on to The Balcony to try their refreshingly sinful whiskey sours. Two of our party cooked up a storm on our final night and we enjoyed a delectable lamb roast with roast vegetables, followed by an amazing honey and whiskey cheesecake. Another mouthwatering meal was a breakfast of home-cooked French toast with honey and fresh blueberries. Needless to say, we dined well.
My walks along the beach at Byron Bay reminded me of how relaxing and rejuvenating it is to spend time in nature, particularly by the sea. I found myself drawn to the beach over and over again during our break, not for sunbathing, but just to breathe in the seaside air, dip my toes in the water and comb the sands for sea-smoothed pebbles and pretty shells.
It had been quite some time since I had enjoyed a proper break from Sydney life and I won’t be leaving it so long in future. Recharging the batteries is so vital to maintaining perspective on life and a healthy state of mind. Spending time with like-minded friends away from the stresses of the daily grind is a brilliant way to strengthen friendships and revitalise. If you haven’t taken a break for a while and are fortunate enough to be in a position to go away for a few days, or even longer, I really recommend it. Go on, book that holiday now!
