Far North Coast NSW: 24-hour itinerary

If you've just got a day at the coast, follow this Byron itinerary to make the absolute most of it.

Morning glory

Kick start your day at with a brisk walk (or run) to the Cape Byron Headland Reserve. This 92-hectare reserve straddles the most easterly point in Australia and is home to one of the country's most iconic lighthouses. The 5km walk from Wategos Beach up to the lighthouse and back is a "must do" at any time of the day, but even more so at sunrise. You can turn it into an hour's workout, finishing at The Pass, where you can strip off your exercise gear and go bodysurfing in crystal-clear waters to cool those aching muscles.

Breakfast beckons

After your work-out, head straight back into town for a well-deserved big breakfast at the Bayleaf Café (phone (02) 6685 8900). Just off Byron's busy main drag in Marvel Street, the Bayleaf buzzes from dawn with hordes of local caffeine connoisseurs lingering over large cups of Byron's best coffee while reading the morning paper in the sun. Follow this with a breakfast of muesli with fruit and yoghurt and your ready to start the day. Don't miss the sweet-corn fritters; they sell like hotcakes, and are almost as addictive as the coffee.

Rejuvenate

While Byron is today more chichi than hippy, it still maintains its zeal for the mystical, magical and spiritual. Whether or not you buy into the New Age hoodoo though, there's definitely something appealing about it. My favourite place to rediscover my inner Zen is the Spa and Wellness Centre at The Byron at Byron. Hidden under a canopy of subtropical rainforest near Tallow Beach, this world-class day spa has an expansive menu of treatments including heated stone massages and Moor mud body wraps, as well as the only Vichy shower in Byron — you can even have your tarot read after your treatment.

Long lunch

Now that you are fully relaxed and rejuvenated it's time for a bite to eat. Longstanding favourite The Balcony is the perfect place to linger over a long lunch. Overlooking Byron's main drag, most people come to drink in the view, but the menu is also a worth a look. Try the paella valenciana — it's superb!

Get wet

After lunch, spend a little time browsing through the local shops. Then freshen up with a quick afternoon dip at picture-perfect Wategos Beach. Located just below Byron's iconic lighthouse, the beach is one of the few northerly facing beaches on the east coast.

Sunset drinks

The best and only place in Byron to sip on a cocktail or down an ice-cold beer as the sun sets, is the Beach Hotel. You then needn't wander far to have dinner at St Elmo's about a couple of blocks back from the beach on Fletcher Street. This recent addition to Byron's dining scene is already causing a stir, impressing locals and food critics alike, with its simple but tantalising menu and lengthy wine list.

Have you tried any of the places on this itinerary? Got any ideas we haven't thought of? Have your say using the comments form below.

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