Discover North Coast NSW: Byron Bay to the Tweed with Influencers Little Grey Box

I was really glad we were visiting so many new spots on our trip because it’s such an underrated region! I was expecting to see beautiful scenery and experience good food but my expectations were totally exceeded. There are so many talented, passionate and lovely people in these gorgeous communities creating unforgettable experiences and incredible food, I just wasn’t prepared for how good it would be.

I was overwhelmed by the sense of connection we experienced during the trip! Everywhere we went we met lovely locals who were so welcoming, warm and friendly. Having those moments of connection made each spot even more special and allowed us to fall in love with them. I can see us revisiting for years to come.

Image: Cape Byron Lighthouse by @littlegreybox_phoebe

We did our best to pack a reasonable amount for once and it paid off because we had way more space in the car to stock up on food and cool bits and pieces we found in local spots. I’m really glad we packed a throw blanket and a speaker so we could set up a little picnic at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, that was a last-minute decision that turned out to be a very good one.

There’s nothing better than getting away to the coast for a few nights and we loved both spots we stayed at in Byron Bay and Kingscliff. The Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments easily offered the best location we’ve ever stayed at in Byron. We were able to park on-site and walk around town, which was lovely because we could both enjoy a drink with dinner and it made it so much easier and more relaxing too. In Kingscliff, we finally got to stay at Mantra on Salt Beach, a spot we’d both been wanting to stay at for years. We fell in love with the lagoon pool and how spacious our self-contained room was. It lived up to all the hype!

Image: Mantra on Salt Beach Kingsliff by @littlegreybox_phoebe

It’s a unique combination of incredible coastal and hinterland scenery mixed with epic food and wonderful locals. All these elements come together to create a destination that’s relaxed and re-energising while offering as much to see, eat and do as you feel like adding to your itinerary. You could spend the whole time eating and snoozing or get out there every day and learn to surf, explore waterfalls and tackle coastal walks. Whatever pace you’re after, you’re covered.

Don’t rush your itinerary, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to take it slow because once you arrive and start enjoying yourself, you won’t want to leave! Pack your very comfiest outfits so you can enjoy all the food without needing to undo the top button of your jeans at the end of the meal (me!) Make sure you take the time to get out and explore some of the scenery by checking out walking trails, going to great lookout spots or just wandering along the beach. It’s so important to put our phones down once in a while and re-connect with nature.

Image: Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery, Newrybar by @littlegreybox_phoebe

That’s a tough question! I absolutely love beaches so it’s hard to choose just one to visit but, at a push, I’d have to say Port Macquarie. A close friend recently came back from a trip to Port and raved about how good the food was and how stunning the beaches are, I’d love to visit and experience it for myself.

We had a fantastic time. The whole trip was seamless from start to finish and we loved being able to show up and just enjoy ourselves, carefree! We’d definitely travel with Trip.com again.