Byron Bay might be a small town at Australia’s most easterly point but it packs a reputation that far belies its size.
It’s our land’s spiritual home for surfing and counter culture but more importantly it’s historically been a sacred healing ground for Australian Aboriginal elders for over 20,000 years. Therefore it’s no surprise that as soon as you drive into the town it’s as though your body immediately relaxes and unwinds, some say aided in part by the threads of deep obsidian crystal that lie underfoot, relics from the ancient volcanoes that once called this region home.
That might be the case, or it could be the endless strips of beautiful soft sand beaches and the steady crooning of buskers playing guitar in the air.
Whatever it is, it’s part of the reason Jillian Beed, designer behind coastal luxe label Rue Stiic, decided to call this haven home. Designed with freedom, expression and a little rock n’ roll in every piece, Rue Stiic seems born from the Byron shores but fits in seamlessly in the rush of the big city.
Here she shares some of her favourite places in town to get energised, chill out and revel in the local colour.
Byron Bay is such a special place in the world. The combination of rolling hills, blissful white beaches with endless waves, lush coastal plant life, and a mix of old Queensland and new coastal Australian architecture create such a soulful and creative town.
Additionally, the creatives that set up shop and food for Byron visitors and locals creates a further experience to make Byron brilliant.
Folk Cafe
1/399 Ewingsdale Rd Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 7789 7685
Woods Cafe
Arts Precinct – 10 Station Street, Bangalow NSW 2479
Folk and Woods are my favorite for a good breaky. The food and coffee are beautiful and I always leave feeling energized and ready for my day.
Pampa & Pop and Scott
4/57 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 432 982 746
Shikara Design
17 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 2 6685 5588
The Industrial Estate is my favourite hidden gem because not too many tourists know to explore there. A wander around the the creative warehouses there is so amazing. As we don’t really have time to travel as much as we would like for inspiration, we try to find spaces that inspire us.
Pampa x Pop and Scott is a special little showroom down the street from our HQ that we wander into and find inspiration in every corner. Another space we love is Shikara – beautiful rugs, textiles and imported furniture.
Rae’s On Wategoes
6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 6685 5366
Raes on Wategoes is my absolute favourite lunch place. Beautiful food and drinks, on our favourite beach at Wategos.
The Mez Club
4/85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 2 6685 5748
If I want to go out I always head to Mez Club. They do incredible tapas and cocktails.
Rae’s On Wategoes
6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 6685 5366
The Atlantic
13 Marvell St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 2 6685 5118
Byron At Byron
77-97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 2 6639 2000
There are so many places dependent on what you’re coming to Byron Bay for; Raes On Wategoes, The Atlantic for a romantic getaway, The Byron at Byron for a girls getaway with an amazing spa, or you could go true Byron Bay style and hire an airstream or kombi on Airbnb
The Byron lifestyle influences Rue Stiic heavily and is the entire reason we relocated our HQ to this magical area.
Our entire team works incredibly hard to continue to grow Rue Stiic, but we also make it a priority to enjoy Byron and live a healthy and enjoyable life – early mornings are usually spent having a surf, going on a lighthouse walk, and going to a farmer’s market; evenings are usually spent getting coastal and going for a swim or surf.
Design and inspiration lies for us in the coastal rolling hills, open paddocks, and the endless sea.
Follow Rue Stiic on Instagram @rue_stiic
