A Girls’ Weekend Getaway in Byron Bay
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Relaxation, Adventure, and Great Food!
Looking to escape life's daily hustle and bustle? Indulge in the beauty of Byron Bay, the ultimate destination for a girls' weekend away. Three girlfriends friends and I, all 50-something-year-olds, who share a passion for friendship, wellness, new experiences and good food, recently embarked on a three-day adventure in this idyllic coastal town located in northern New South Wales, Australia. Let me share our itinerary and highlights from our fabulous escape.
Day 1: Arrival and Luxurious Relaxation
We began our journey by flying from Sydney to Gold Coast, opting for this route mainly because of the more affordable car rental options, but also because the route doesn’t really add any travel time to the trip at all. After picking up the car, our first stop was Mullumbimby, a charming, bohemian town nestled in the Northern Rivers district of NSW, renowned for its alternative culture and natural beauty. This "Biggest Little Town in Australia" is known for its tropical architecture and thriving community of artists, musicians, local crafts and markets.
Upon arriving in Mullumbimby, we couldn't resist a few hours at The Banya, a former bank converted into a lavish bathhouse. We unwound in the two large hot mineral pools, took a daring dip in the ice-cold plunge pool, and relaxed in the sauna and steam room. We then retreated upstairs for massages, where you can choose between relaxing, deep tissue and pregnancy (not for us!) massage options.
After our massages, we sipped on glasses of rosé and savoured a delicious cheese and charcuterie board at The Banya's onsite restaurant. Fully rejuvenated, we continued our drive to Byron Bay, using the 20 minute drive to catch up on everyone's news and gossip. and checked into our luxurious accommodations at The Marvell.
The Marvell, in Byron Bay, was the perfect setting for our girl's weekend. The hotel features a picturesque rooftop pool and two inviting bars – one on the ground floor with a lush tropical garden ambiance and the other on the rooftop, a popular spot for Instagram-worthy sunset photos. Plus we were welcomed with complimentary refreshing cocktails.
For dinner, we treated ourselves to Hutong Harry's, a modern Chinese-style restaurant that evokes the exotic atmosphere of Shanghai nights. We delighted in share-style dishes, such as succulent dumplings, savoury Peking duck pancakes and spicy Kung Pao chicken. This delicious meal set the tone for a fantastic weekend ahead.
Day 2: Coastal Walks, Wildlife Encounters, and Birthday Celebrations
Day two began with a delightful breakfast at The Marvell's open-air café, fuelling us for a scenic coastal walk and a refreshing ocean dip. As we explored the breath-taking coastline, we encountered dolphins, whales and even a few adorable koalas. The iconic Byron Bay lighthouse provided the perfect backdrop for photos, and we even witnessed two joyful weddings taking place nearby.
Returning to the hotel, we enjoyed sunset drinks on the rooftop with some local friends, soaking in the panoramic views. Our evening plans took us to Pixie, a contemporary Italian restaurant, where we celebrated a 50th birthday in style. We kicked off the festivities with champagne and a selection of mouth-watering share-style dishes, including homemade pasta, barbecued Davila chicken, and the daily fish. Our meal culminated in a scrumptious assortment of desserts.
The night was far from over as we found ourselves at The Great Northern, a lively local pub, where we sang and danced along with duelling grand pianos. The spirited performances ranged from ABBA classics to Cold Play favourites, creating the perfect finale to our unforgettable day.
Day 3: Leisurely Shopping and Beachside Bliss
After a well-deserved sleep-in, we took a relaxed stroll through Byron Bay's town centre, browsing a great selection of unique shops and boutiques, offering everything from surfwear to local brands and designer labels. I couldn't resist picking up a few local gifts for friends back in Sydney.
Our final day wouldn't be complete without a visit to the beach and a final refreshing swim at the pass. We then returned to The Marvell for a late breakfast before checking out.
On the drive back north to the airport we reflected on how special time spent with friends is, and how magical Byron Bay is as a location. This idyllic town offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and culinary delights, making it an great destination for a memorable getaway with friends. We all agreed that three days simply wasn't enough.
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