OK! Magazine Australia — October 16, 2017

Experience

MEET THE LOCALS

Byron’s beaches are the best place to get close to the

native wildlife. You can kayak through clear waters

beside a pod of dolphins in Cape Byron Marine Park,

or snorkel or scuba dive among sea turtles at Julian

Rocks. For those who’d rather stay dry but are still

looking for an adventure, take to the skies in a hot

air balloon (inset), or go hang-gliding or skydiving.

Relax

GAIA RETREAT & SPA

There really is no better place to unwind,
thanks to Byron’s huge range of yoga
and reiki centres for spiritual healing,
as well as lavish day spas for a little
TLC. Gaia Retreat & Spa, co-founded by
Olivia Newton-John and nestled in the
rainforests of the Byron Bay hinterland,
offers indulgent treatments at its day spa,
along with packages for those who need a
little more pampering. Staying at the luxe
Elements of Byron? Visit the Osprey Spa
(inset) for a facial or full-body massage,
or even try a sunrise yoga or meditation
class on the beach. Or hit up the Buddha
Gardens Day Spa at the secluded Garden
Burees of Byron Bay – a Balinese-themed
sanctuary offering a range of traditional
and exotic therapies and treatments,
including manicures and pedicures,
sumptuous facials and, for the expectant
mums, blissful pre-natal massages.

Known as the alternative capital of Australia,

colourful Nimbin is an hour’s drive west of

Byron. The residents embrace the bohemian

spirit with a charming main street of quirky

shops, cafes and galleries. Then experience

the new-age wonder of the Crystal Castle &

Shambhala Gardens and its mystical Enchanted

Cave – the largest amethyst cave in the world.

Eat & drink

FOLK

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love

Byron. Start your day with a

hearty breakfast at Folk, which

is known for its organic local

plant-based menu and coffee.

For lunch, head inland to The

Farm, a working farm that shows

how the food it serves is grown

and produced in an ethical and

sustainable way. Feeling peckish?

Stop by the Byron Bay Cookie

Company for snacks before

enjoying a pint at the Stone &

Wood brewery’s tasting room.

Explore NIMBIN

TEXT BY OLGA JEVDIC

Gaia Retreat & Spa

is a breathtaking

setting for your

chill-out session

Don’t leave The Farm

without trying one of its

legendary doughnuts

Take a kayak

into Cape

Byron

Marine

Park and

you’re

sure to

encounter

dolphins

Between May

and November,

thousands of

humpback

whales migrate

through the area

Nimbin is home

to a vibrant arts

community that

embraces its

hippie roots

At Crystal Castle, you can

touch the World Peace

Stupa, a project blessed

by the Dalai Lama