5 Byron Spots for Little Ones
Where to Take Your Little Love
As told by a local
South African-born, Byron-based photographer Gayle Martin knows her way around the bay. After stopping in Byron on a roadtrip eight years ago, she and her husband knew immediately the hinterland was the place for them. Having both grown up surrounded by wide open spaces and fresh air, it seemed like the perfect place to give their future family a similar upbringing – and after six years in the shire, one happy two-year-old and a baby on the way, they haven’t been wrong.
Camera in hand since as long as she can remember, Gayle is well versed in the art of capturing special moments. None, however, are as special as the ones that feature her little love – an animal-loving, veggie-eating, scrunchie-wearing two-year-old with a wild side. With Gayle’s sun-drenched images often highlighting their adventures through the shire, we knew this delightful duo would be the perfect locals to show others where to explore this summer.
Read about their fave spots below:
1. The Farm Byron Bay, Ewingsdale
We love The Farm – it’s such a family magnet in the area as you can let your children run free while you sit back enjoying all the delicious pastries and coffee! Many happy hours have been spent picnicking, meeting the farm animals & gathering/cracking macadamias in the orchard.
I also love the philosophy behind The Farm that owners Tom & Emma uphold, to “Grow. Feed. Educate & Give Back.” There are a number of educational programs for little ones as well as adults, all year round.
2. Byron Bay Farmers Markets (Thursdays)
This is our Thursday ritual! My little one always gets so excited when I get the market bags from the cupboard, as she loves choosing fresh produce with mama. She takes her little woven basket to get her very own lady finger bananas (which she eats before we leave the markets!) and is always fed various veggies by farm stall owners as we chat our way through our morning shop!
The community feel is beautiful and I love that she’s learning the value of eating fresh, healthy fruit & veggies, and thinks it’s the best thing to snack on heads of broccoli!
3. Jing Organics Cafe, Byron Bay
Byron has so many yummy cafes to choose from, but when going with a little busy toddler, you don’t get much better than Jing Organics. The gorgeous fenced-in tree top playground is a child’s dream come true. Mamas can sit and sip on oversized coconuts & golden milk as little ones entertain themselves for hours.
While you’re there, visit the yummy health food store next door, Peace Love & Vegetables.
It’s packed with all the best goodies! (Must try: cashew cheese & sauerkraut!)
4. Bangalow Markets (Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
There are lots of markets around the Byron area, but the Bangalow markets remain a firm favourite! The markets are set under beautiful big trees and are a great whole family excursion. There’s something for everyone! Bangalow itself is such a cute little town to explore – a must visit.
5. The Pass, Byron Bay
We are spoilt for choice here in Byron Bay, with so many different beaches – each one unique in their own way. While we’ll change which beach we visit depending on the wind direction, we usually love The Pass. It’s great for little ones with shallow areas to swim and rock pools that form when the tide is high. You don’t get much better than a day at the beach! It’s our happy place.
