20.01.2026
Community
Salt lines
For the second leg of our Northern Rivers visit we followed the coast south, from Brunswick’s calm into Byron Bay’s brighter, more expansive register.
We travelled with photographer Ming Nomchong to visit several of our key partner venues, capturing vibrant moments between each shoot — cliffs and coves, still, bright mornings, and spaces designed to hold both rest and momentum.
Lo Scoglio
Lo Scoglio became our base for the first day in Byron. Set on two secluded acres in Coopers Shoot in the Byron Bay hinterland, the Italian-style villa feels deliberately removed from the pace of the coast. Inspired by the owner’s Sicilian heritage and built using age-old techniques, the property features solid stone walls, textured surfaces and interiors layered with vintage Italian pieces curated in collaboration with Tigmi Trading.
The Sunseeker
Tucked just beyond the centre of Byron Bay, The Sunseeker was our second stop as we moved south. Formerly a 1980s beachside motel, the 22-room boutique hotel has been thoughtfully reworked, retaining its original character while introducing playful colour and an easy sense of community.
We were drawn to the balance between nostalgia and freshness, with relaxed rooms and details shaped by collaboration with local artists and makers.
Early light
We headed to The Pass and up to the Byron Bay Lighthouse before the town properly woke up. From the headland, you can take in the full curve of the bay at once — surfers in the water below, the coastline stretching in both directions, and the light shifting across the sea. Wategos followed, quieter at that hour, with calmer conditions and space to linger before the day gathered pace.
Between Takes
Breakfast, Breakfast, after an early start, was at The Top Shop — a long-standing Byron institution definitely worth a visit (don’t skip the Acai bowls or brekky roll). Simple, reliable, and exactly what was needed before heading back out.
Later, Light Years offered energy at the other end of the day in the form of cumin spiced cauliflower, crispy masterstock pork belly and Szechuan honey king prawns.
