Travel

“Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Quote Samuel Johnson.  To be honest I am having a back and forth with London now and trying to fall back I love.  I have lived here for nine years in April and spent four in my flat.  One of the reasons I moved to London is the history and architecture.  Australia is a young country and we don’t have the beautiful old buildings that London offers!  To keep costs down I have sourced free tours of London’s building.

Battersea Power Station.

One of my favourite buildings in London, the old Battersea Power Station is having a makeover.  Her shell previously stood by the river Thames unloved and with various owners.  Property prices in London increased so rapidly in the 2000’s and 2010’s that developers were able to make significant profit from just selling her on.  This changed in 2010 when Rafael Vinoly presented a masterplan to create a new suburb around the Battersea Power Station.  As part of the regeneration there is a free audio tour triggered by your GPS that guides you on the heritage of the area.  It was great fun and we spent some time afterwards in the local restaurant warming up!

Open House London.

A yearly event, Open House London sees large buildings and personal homes open to the public.  Every year the known buildings are keep secret and revealed to all!  There is a directory you can pre order already for 2020.  Based on last years buildings you can try your luck getting a tour around 10 Downing Street, A House With A Slide and Hive House.

Somerset House.

Situated on the River Thames, Somerset House offer free guided tours to all visitors.  Choose between The Old Palace, Historical Highlights and Studio Tours.  These are held at various times and available dates are shown one month ahead.  You do need to book even though they are free.  I went on The Old Palace tour and learnt lots about how this building was home to several Queens including Queen Elizabeth the first!

Follow me on bloglovin!

Guide to Bangalow.  Close to Byron Bay in the norther rivers are of Australia, Bangalow is a beautiful country town, with lots of independent stores and delicious places to eat.  They have monthly markets that are very busy and recommended you arrive early.  Do consider heading there during the week as well and having some of the best donuts of your life!

Shopping In Bangalow.

There is such a mix of shops here.  Island luxe is very lux and to be honest not my sort of price point, candles are $150.  But I could appreciate the styling and the vast lounges for husbands to sit at whilst their other halves decide which dress to purchase!  Our Corner Store, a modern take on old school general stores, has stylish timber brushes and aluminium containers.  The Flower Bar is housed in the most beautiful old brick building and has a range of dried and fresh flowers.  Pop in to just stare as I did or treat your self to a beautiful bouquet. Head up station street, towards the local hall, to discover small local designers in wooden huts. Pop into the Bangalow Pharmacy for a international range of skincare and perfumes often seen only in Sephora!

Eating Bangalow.

If you loved the look of our food from Folk head to their sister in Bangalow, Wood.  Lots of plant-based food that is sooo delicious.  Wanting something simple?  Have bakery takeaway from Butcher, Baker, Bangalow.  Or sit inside for something a bit fancier.  I had their burger with a side of fries, and my sister had their chicken salad.  Both were yummy and we both enjoyed jam donuts takeaway for pudding.  They are some of the best donuts I’ve eaten!  If you are celebrating or just want to get quite fancy, try The Italian Diner which made me feel like I was back in Italy.

Bangalow Markets.

Bangalow is famed for its monthly Sunday markets where locals sell their products from food to candles to pottery.  Often extremely busy, support the local school by paying for parking in their grounds.  No dogs because of the crowds.  There is plenty of shade and you can easily spend the day there!

Getting To Bangalow.

Car is the best way and then you can stop off at the local vantage points and take in the countryside view and seascape.  There are plenty of buses that leave from Byron and Ballina as well.

Interested in things to do in Byron Bay?  Check out my guide here including the best spot to stay in.  PF xo

Follow me on bloglovin

Wanting to spend some quality time with my sister I decided to book some nights at The Norfolk Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay.  I had seen these new homes on fellow creatives instagrams and loved the idea of staying in the arts area of Byron Bay.  Byron is not cheap. It is the only market in Australia that has seen double digit growth for the past decade, and the subsequent short rental market is priced high.  Staying within the arts area was a fantastic choice, very peaceful and we could easily venture into Byron on the solar train.

More Than One House.

The Norfolk Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, is a set of 7 houses built to expand and contract with your needs.  The main house has two bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, access to the pool, lawn and main living spaces.  From here you can add Room 3.  This room has a mini bar and kettle, similar to a hotel room, and can be accessed via the main house or through a separate entrance.  Room 3 can also be booked on its own.  I choose to book the Studio as it has a lounge and kitchen area.  The studios are situated above the garage, at the back of the house, but you never hear the car underneath coming and going.  I spoke with Alex and there is a lot of insulation in this build so you don’t hear your fellow guests!

Keeping in mind that this is a strip of seven houses, make sure when you park in the lane behind you choose the right house.  We automatically parked in the first studio parking we saw and spent an embarrassingly too long time trying to use the lock box, before realising we were meant to be further down the street!

Featuring Items From Byron Bay.

Owner Alex has taken inspiration from the surrounding local stores and furnished the apartments with Australian goods.  We had couches from Hope & May, rugs from Pampa, linen from Cultiver and beautiful wash products from Salus (BYO moisturiser and sunscreens).  I love when you can take inspiration from your Airbnb and easily replicate it at home!

Easy Access To The Beach and Town.

Bayshore Drive is easily found within the arts area and close to a local supermarket, pharmacy and local designer stores.  You could easily visit the farmers markets on Thursday to stock up your pantry.  The beach is a short walk or bike ride further down Bayshore drive, and the solar train, my favourite part of Byron, is only a two minute walk.

Perfectly Positioned in the Arts and Industrial Area.

If you have only ever stayed in town at Byron or never gone to the arts and industrial area you are missing out.  Check my guide here for all the fabulous stores you can go to, a great place for facials and where you should have your breakfast or lunch.

[blog_lovin]

This trip to Australia I decided I wanted to spend a couple of days with my sister in a beach town.  Typically for day trips we head north to the Sunshine Coast as it is a bit quicker.  The Byron area is familiar to us as the home of our grandparents, and we have been there nearly every summer of our lives.  We haven’t spent a weekend in Byron Bay for a while and I was keen to see how this beach town had evolved since I was last there nine years ago.  I couldn’t find any comprehensive what to do in Byron Bay guide so here is mine!

Stay In The Arts and Industrial Area.

Byron Bay itself is expensive and you are competing with well off families jetting in from Sydney and Internationally.  I found plenty of beautiful accommodation in the Arts and Industrial Area just a short drive or solar train ride from central Byron.  This area has newer homes with studio apartments above the garage spaces.  Families use them for when grandparents visit and then rent them out on Airbnb to make some extra cash.  We stayed at The Norfolk which is a group of houses specifically built like this.  You can hire the main house with two rooms, add a third and the studio too.  Or like us just hire the studio room where you have everything you need.  If you are keen, ask for the bikes so that you can ride to the beach and into Byron.

Spilt Your Weekend By Area.

There are two distinct areas of Byron.  The CBD or main town where most of the action happens but is a pain to drive into.  And The Arts and Industrial Area which has transformed in the past few years to house lots of the independent designers studios and shop fronts. It is easier to keep to one area per day as there is plenty to do in both including lunch locations.  Start in the Arts area on your first day and check into your accommodation.  Head into Byron on the second day by taking the Solar Train or your bicycles.

Take The Byron Solar Train.

Support this local initiative and take a journey on this restored vintage train run by solar power.  The entire experience is delightful. A conductor sells you tickets on the platform and later clips your ticket for prosperity.  Sitting in vintage seats, the eight minute ride takes you along the coast where you can spot local wildlife and have a nosy into locals homes!

Places to Explore – Art and Industrial Area

Do you like your Peanut Butter with salt or without? Byron Bay Peanut Butter Company, the best I have eaten! Take your bike to The Farm and see the variety of animals and then have some food at the Three Blue Ducks. New kids on the block Habitat are a mix of residential and shops and makers creative studios. Have a coffee or lunch, take a Pilates class and buy your loves ones a gift. Explore Pampa for hand woven rugs, beautiful photography and leather swings! Stock up on your cleaning supplies from The Byron Bay Cleaning Company. Just as good as bleach but all natural. Schedule a laser facial at The Little Company. Sit outside and have a plant based lunch at Folk. Try new cookie flavours and stock up on seconds at The Byron Bay Cookie Company. Try on vintage clothes at Mr Vintage and add to your vintage furniture collection from Fossil Vintage. Both conveniently next door to each other! Update your beach umbrellas from Sunday Supply Co and add to your wardrobe next door at Yoli & Otis.

Places to Explore – Byron Bay

Essentially I would encourage you to walk along Jonson Street taking the side streets as you go. There are lots of little shops full of summer dresses, gift ware and items for your home. Add a neutral dress to your collection from Hope & May or the store with a cult following, Spell & The Gypsy. Want more colour? Have a look at Mister Zimi. I fell in love with the ceremics and rugs at Marr-Kett. Delicious Mexican at Taqueria Chihuahua. The best vegan donuts at The Golden Doughnut. Book a surfing lesson on the main beach with Let’s Go Surfing!

Venture Outside of Byron Bay.

Surrounding Byron is the beautiful hinterland and local villages.  You will need a car to access these areas with plenty of lookouts with spectacular views on the way.  Keep an eye out for small wooden huts at farm gates where excess produce is sold through an honestly box system.  I’ve had the best fresh honey from insisting my dad pull over! 

If you are unsure of where to go I’d recommend Bangalow, with a mix of stores and lunch spots including Butcher Baker Bangalow (great donuts!).  Time your visit here for the 4^th Sunday of the month and head to the markets early.  It gets very busy!  One of my favourite food spots Harvest is in Newrybar, a one street town with a handful of businesses.  Harvest had a makeover since I last visited and their new deck area lighting is stunning.  Afterwards explore the gardens, say hi to the chickens and purchase some take home snacks from the deli. You have to book in advance as they are very popular!

Need more ideas? Pick up these village guides or download yours online here. Read more of my travels here.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin