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Discover a NSW North Coast state of mind

Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan

#feelnsw

Discover a NSW North Coast state of mind

Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic views of Lord Howe Island captured by Eugene Tan

#feelnsw

Hashtags #feelnsw

Go beach hopping along the north coast of NSW and you’ll be hanging out with joyous dolphins, turtles and humpback whales for an unmissable taste of freedom. Each town along the eight-hour drive from Sydney to Byron Bay offers you something different - from tiny restaurants redolent with the aroma of Asian spices, roadside stores with fresh produce, historic buildings or boutiques with original surf and resort wear.  

Celebrate the wonder of nature at Lord Howe Island, off the coast of Port Macquarie, teeming with wildlife, which almost feels like it has drifted right off pages of an adventure book. A journey around the north coast of NSW engages all the senses. 

Byron Bay’s boho vibe  

Meet the luxe Bohemians of Byron Bay, just an hour’s flight from Sydney. This evocative coastal town is beloved of barefoot celebrities including local residents Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky along with their Hollywood mates. Consider Byron Bay as an all-encompassing wellness destination where exercising, meditating, and eating healthily is pursued so passionately that an oat milk latte is the coffee order of choice.  

Dress like a rock star for lunch at Raes  

Sooner or later everyone turns up to the award-winning Raes on Wategos boutique hotel.  Raes has a storied history as a haute hippie establishment where legendary guests have included Keith Richards, Kate Winslet and Elle Macpherson. It also boasts one of the most Instagrammed staircases in Australia - because if you haven’t had a selfie there, you’re probably not in Byron.  

Be feted like a Hemsworth over a long lunch at Raes Dining Room. Choose a table on the terrace with views beneath a wide canopy and linger over the eclectic menu as you try to decide on the Australian Bay Lobster cooked over coals or a tasting menu with matching wines, which kicks off with Cornetto Kangaroo Tonnato. Well, this is no time for half measures.  

Unfurl your yoga mat at Elements of Byron  

Don’t miss out on a yoga workout at the wondrous health retreat  Elements of Byron, which has 193 private villas spread over 50 acres for the full Byron Bay hotel experience. The First Light Beachfront Yoga Session, which is led by pro yogis is unforgettable. This is nature’s showtime as the sun climbs into the sky and washes Belongil Beach in golden light. Even if your downward dog looks more like a sick puppy, you’ll be helped and encouraged. By the time your yoga mat is rolled up again you’ll be filled with peace and serenity. You could also take a yoga class include Creature Yoga or Bamboo Yoga School.  

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay Credit: Madeleine Johnson / Sean Fennessy

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay

#feelnsw

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay Credit: Madeleine Johnson / Sean Fennessy

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay

#feelnsw

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Sunrise over Wategos Beach, Byron Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Sunrise over Wategos Beach, Byron Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Sample the ultimate organic food on a bush tucker tour  

The North Coast is the home to the people of the Bundjalung Nation, who are always open to sharing their knowledge of the region’s Aboriginal Culture, history and way of life. This is the true heartbeat of Byron.   

Engaging Arakwal woman Delta Kay, unlocks some of the mystery around bush foods and herbs during a Bush Tucker Walk each Thursday, near the lush hinterland town of Bangalow with  Explore Byron Bay. Join Delta to discover the fascinating ways that the Bundjalung People have lived in harmony with the land and sea for thousands of years.  

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Lord Howe Island  

Just a short flight away, the 14sq km Lord Howe Island is a true wildlife sanctuary, restricted to just 400 visitor beds at any one time. This adventure paradise is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and boasts 241 species of native plants (including 105 unique to the island) with 207 varieties of exotic bird life, making it one of Australia’s most thrilling bird watching destinations. while some 500 species of tropical, subtropical and temperate fish abound in the Lord Howe Island Marine Park with more than 60 dive sites.  

One of the dreamiest places to stay here is the award-winning, Capella Lodge, with just nine suites to enhance the feeling that you have the run of your own resort home. Many of the suites have their own pools and spa with decks to take in the dramatic views of Mount Gower, the emerald sea and the vibrant foliage.  

Capella Lodge is the perfect place to launch an expedition whether that means exploring underwater with its stunning coral beds, fishing, setting out on an eight-hour trek to Mount Gower or just cycling around the island. Afterwards, restore and revive at Capella Spa. There’s such a feeling of generosity and warmth here with an open bar with complimentary drinks from 6 o’clock, in-suite bars with drinks and snacks on hand and a stunning restaurant which showcases regional produce.  

You’ll discover a very different take on decadence on Lord Howe Island to have your fill of all that nature has to offer you.  It’s simply unmissable.  

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com

Scenic coastal views of Blinky Beach looking towards Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com

Scenic coastal views of Blinky Beach looking towards Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW

Woman snorkelling off Lord Howe Island.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW

Woman snorkelling off Lord Howe Island.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

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