Lennox Head beach: The closest beach to La Villa and The Dairy is Lennox Head beach which is situated on the southern end of 7 mile beach. Just 15 minutes drive away, this pristine open beach hosts a world class surf break, Lennox point. If you have a 4wd you can buy a day pass and drive north along 7 mile beach.

Wategoes: Famous for its homes of the rich and famous, Wategoes beach is full of life, and one of the prettiest beaches in Byron Bay. A great spot for long-boarders, and people watching. Find a spot on the sand to set up your umbrella and hang out for the whole day. Be sure to grab a cocktail from Raes (you can’t beat the view). Parking can be an issue at Wategoes, we recommend heading down there early. If you are after a secluded, quiet spot, head to another beach.

Byron Bay back beaches: The Byron Bay back beaches are a series of beaches set amongst the rugged coastline in between Broken Head and 7 mile beach. Head down the turn off to Broken Head and turn right just before you hit the main carpark. Take a visit to Whites beach, and Brays beach. Both are picturesque coves that are about a 15 minute steep walk from the road.

Broken Head beach: Another stunning surf beach, and it’s only 20 minutes away. Broken Head beach is the closest beach to Casa Vista. Find a spot tucked in the corner, or walk north and a find a spot to yourself. Here you can also do a short walk to the top of the headland, and if you keep walking you will end up at the beautiful Byron Bay back beaches. Or take a walk north along the beach to the tea tree lake.

Minyon Falls: Minyon Falls lookout offers stunning views of the waterfall and rainforest. With easy parking and picnic spots, it's a great day trip location. There are a couple of short bush walks that leave from the picnic area. If you’re up for a hike, head down the Minyon Falls walking track which takes you to the base of the falls where you can go for a swim (about a 3 to 4 hr walk round trip). Tip: For best viewing of the falls head there after some rain.

Killen Falls: Just 5 minutes walk down the road from The Dairy. Just turn left onto Friday Hut Road if you are going down our driveway, then turn into Killen Falls drive which is the first street on your right. It has a lovely waterfall and a swimming hole. Tip: Head there early or later in the afternoon to miss the crowd.

Byron Bay Lighthouse walk: Tick it off the list, the panoramic ocean views really are spectacular. Keep your eyes peeled for whales between June - October.

Lennox Head beach headland walk: There is a beautiful walk along the boardwalk at the southern end of the beach which then takes you up the hill to the top of the headland for a spectacular view back along 7 mile beach and world famous surf break Lennox point. If you have the time, keep heading south to Sharpes beach, for a stunning walk down the other side of the headland.

Brunswick Heads River: This crystal clear river is a great spot for a picnic, or some fish and chips on the high tide. Head to the left of the bridge to hire a kayak, paddle board or small boat for the day. Tip: Time your trip to arrive close to high tide for clear swimming conditions.

Hot Air Ballooning: See the Byron Bay hinterland in style, in a hot air balloon! This is an experience you will never forget and is the best way to see the sunrise. We recommend Byron Balloon Aloft, visit their website to book.

The Hut: The Hut restaurant is our favourite local spot for an indulgent, long lunch. The menu is inspired by the traditional flavours of the Mediterranean. It’s just down Friday Hut Road at Possum Creek and located in the old school house. The Hut is open Friday-Sunday for lunch only. Bookings are essential and can be made via their website.

Doma: Set in an 90+ year old historical building, Doma cafe serves authentic, fresh Japanese food. It is located in the heart of the quaint hinterland village, Federal, and is a great place to pit stop for breakfast (our favourite is the big brekky) or lunch on a leisurely drive though the rolling hinterland hills. Bookings for lunch are recommended. Visit their website for further details.

Harvest Restaurant: Located in the village of Newrybar, Harvest Restaurant is our local destination restaurant that serves delicious, seasonal food. The restaurant dishes feature native and wild Australian ingredients and their produce is sourced mostly from local suppliers and their own thriving vegetable gardens. It is a great option for a fine dining experience for lunch or dinner. Also, be sure to enquire about their special week night offerings for dinner that are sometimes held in the old bakery.

Behind Harvest restaurant they have their iconic bakehouse. On weekends, it serves the most scrumptious spread of pastries, all made in house. Grab a pastry and a good coffee, and sit in the sun in their vege garden (it is one of our favourite ways to spend a Sunday morning). Visit their website for trading hours and bookings.

Eltham Pub: Hidden in the hinterland town of Eltham, this pub is a great stop for a cold beer and the best, gourmet pub food in the region. The Eltham Pub is a buzzing local scene and often hosts some great live gigs. It is a destination pub as there is not much else in the main street, but well worth the drive. Check out their website for details on bookings and upcoming gigs.

Cape Byron Distillery: The home of Brookies gin, Cape Byron Distillery is perched in the heart of the Brook Family’s farm in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Head there for a rainforest and distillery tour, or a tasting and cocktail session. Head to their website for details.

Shelter: A great breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour or casual dinner spot overlooking 7 mile beach at Lennox head. Shelter endeavours to use ethically sustainable, seasonal food sourced from local producers and suppliers. Bookings for are essential in the busy seasons. Head to their website to book.

Raes Dining Room: Set overlooking the famous Wategoes beach in Byron Bay, Raes Dining Room is attached to Raes boutique hotel and offers modern Australian food with a Mediterranean twist. Head there for a fine dining experience for lunch or dinner. At Raes, you often may find yourself sharing the restaurant with a celebrity or the latest instagram influencer. With that said, it is a great people watching spot. Tip: If you don’t feel like fine dining, or have just come straight up from the beach, head to their patio out the front of the hotel which serves yummy fish and chips, burgers and cocktails. Bookings are essential for their restaurant, and can be made via their website.

Roadhouse: Set a couple of minutes out of town, the Roadhouse is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay. It is a popular locals spot, and in our opinion, the Roadhouse has the best wood-fired pizza in Byron Bay. Bookings for dinner are essential and can be made via their website.

Kouzina: Is an authentic Greek restaurant run by mother and daughter in the Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate. A great place to gather for a Greek feast, and join in on their traditional dance which they host most evenings. Kouzina has a great atmosphere and for us it is a little slice of Greek heaven. Head to their website to book.

Bay Lane: Tucked in behind The Beach Hotel, Bay Lane is a walking only lane filled with a variety of fantastic restaurants. Bay Lane has anything from Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, to Modern Australian food. It also hosts a great wine bar called Supernatural.

Stone and Wood Brewery: Stone and Wood manufactures one of the best known craft beers in the country and has its origins in the Northern Rivers of NSW. The heart of Stone and Wood is their Byron Bay brewery which is located in the Arts & Industry Estate. It has a spacious beer garden where you can join in on a tasting session, and their canteen serves great food provided by 100 Mile Table.

Island Luxe: Island Luxe is a family run business that reinterprets the concept of luxury through imperfection. They carry all things beautiful, including high end boutique fashion labels, luxurious furniture and homewares. Island Luxe have two stores, one in Bangalow and one in Byron Bay, both different from each other and well worth the visit. Their collections are created by true artisans from all over the world, including many local talents who they work closely with on custom collaborations. You can’t help but touch the incredible textures of their pieces, whether it be the softest cashmere and natural silk of their fashion labels, the rawness of their timber tables, or the most luxurious Italian leather sofas you will ever set your eyes on. Island luxe is a truly special experience and is by far our favourite shop in the area. You will find many of the furniture items in our homes available there.

Byron Bay Industry Estate: The Byron Bay Industry Estate is always buzzing with locals as it hosts many of their fashion and interior shop fronts and warehouses. Drive through the tightly woven streets and find a variety of yummy cafes, great shops, organic grocery stores, yoga studios and gyms. Be sure to stop by The Habitat shopping precinct which hosts a collection of mostly local businesses and shops. The cafe Barrio is also a great pit stop for lunch. Tip: Most shops close by 4pm.

Bangalow Markets: On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Bangalow Showgrounds fill with over 300 market stalls, and people from near and far are drawn to the town to enjoy the unique atmosphere. The store holders, some of which are unchanged since the markets beginnings in 1982, provide a huge variety of artisan products such as ceramics and woodwork, fresh produce and baked goods, and delicious food and coffee. There are also many stalls that stock imported clothing and jewellery.

NEARBY FOOD SHOPPING

Tintenbar General Store: Is the closest convenience store to The Dairy and is only 5 minutes drive away. It is a fantastic local store stocking all the basic items as well as reasonable wines, local fruit and veges, meat items and locally prepared meals such as delicious home made pies, lasagnes etc. It also has a coffee cart out the front of the store during the day.

Newrybar Village: All Casas Secretas properties are located about 7 minutes drive from the historic Village of Newrybar which hosts the well known Harvest Café, Deli and Bakery. The local Newrybar service station also hosts a small but good selection of groceries and now also sells liquor.

Aleshia Marie Bespoke Skin & Spa Therapy: If you feel like indulging in a spa treatment, we highly recommend Aleshia. Aleshia provides an impeccable service with attentive detail and connection. She takes a holistic approach to all treatments and incorporates natures finest luxuries that emulates traditional practices of healing in combination with the latest innovative techniques and advanced skin care treatments.

Indulge in her ultimate in-house spa treatment where she comes to your home or alternatively you can visit her private treatment room in Bangalow. Bookings in advance are required and can be made via her website.

Gaia Day Spa: Just a 10 minute drive from The Dairy, La Villa and Casa Vista is the world famous and award-winning Gaia Day Spa. Their spa offers all kinds of treatments and is a great space for total body nurturing. After your treatment relax by their pool or take a sauna. Bookings in advance are required and can be made via their website.

Byron Luxury Tours: A local transport company that offers transfers to and from your desired location in their luxury Mercedes vans. This company offers outstanding service and their staff have extensive knowledge of the Northern Rivers area and beyond. Enquire about their airport transfers, and luxury Byron Bay hinterland and coastal tours which can be tailored to suit upon request. Bookings are essential and can be made via their website.