march-2012

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURES
SUNSCREEN, WATER
AND A SURFING
LESSON ARE THE BEST
BUYS WHEN IN
BALLINA-BYRON
The Lighthouse Beach
RIGHT: Locals love Broadbeach
104
BALLINA-BYRON
Eloise Monaghan
Founder, Honey Birdette
BEST BREAKFAST: Byron
Beach Café. Authentically
Byron, with the best view of the
beach, timber seating, open space,
screens showing surf movies, good
service and non-fuss menus. Best of
all, if you’re staying at Clarke’s
cabins — it’s just a hop, skip and a
jump away.
GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER:
Olivo, Jonson Street. It’s a
tiny hole in the wall — so don’t miss
it! It’s very cosy with rustic brick
walls. Always go for the daily
specials and if all else fails, the
pork belly!
BEST NIGHT OUT: A Mojito
at the iconic Balcony Bar at
Byron Bay.
MUST-BUYS (MONEY NO
OBJECT!): I recently had the
goddess package at Azabu day spa
and it was incredible; I couldn’t
have felt more relaxed or spoilt. It
was so good I don’t remember how
much it was or even handing over
my credit card. And for when you’ve
had a very good year, dinner or
even a room at Rae’s on Watego’s.
BEST BUY FOR UNDER
AU$50: Sunscreen, water
and a surfi ng lesson.
GOLD COAST
Peter Sweeney
Area manager, Australis Hotels
BEST BREAKFAST: Pancakes
in Paradise is a popular
spot, located on the Gold Coast
Highway. They offer all-you-can-eat
pancakes for just AU$9.95!
BEST NIGHT OUT: Locals
love Broachbeach as there’s
something for everyone: clubs,
bars, cafés, restaurants and once a
year the Blues on Broachbeach
comes to town (24–27 May).
BEST PLACES TO PARTY
WITH THE GANG:
Screamworld night at Dreamworld!
Or the gang can enjoy AU$2.50
Coronas at Melba’s on Thursdays
which is also Ladies Night.
BEST BUYS FOR UNDER
AU$50: For families on
holiday, there’s the Aquaduck to
show them around Gold Coast,
which also turns into a short cruise
on the harbour. For thrill-seekers,
we have the Sling Shot on
Palm Avenue.
BALLINA-BYRON: TOURISM NSW