THE BEAUTY OF BANGALOW
We take a day trip to beautiful Bangalow, minutes west of Byron Bay, to explore the hinterland village.
From historical town halls to heritage listed building façades to the surrounding valleys and waterfalls.
The History of Bangalow
First appearing on the map in the 1880s, the town was originally known as Bangaloe – a name said to be derived from an Aboriginal word, ‘Bangalla’, meaning a low hill or species of palm tree. History runs deep through the streets here.
Bangalow is a charming, pretty town, synonymous with an enviable lifestyle and a bohemian chic culture. An array of independent shops create the fabric of the main street and are housed in the most adorable buildings we ever did see.
Explore what Bangalow has to offer
The community make up the soul of the town, from small business owners to artists and farmers who live and work in the region. Like the fine folk from the Eltham Hotel (just up the road) who recently popped up with Bangalow’s latest food offerings, Ciao, Mate! and You Beauty. Ciao, Mate! is an ode to Italy, with fresh pasta dishes such as the Zucchini Linguine and Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Smoked Honey pizzas - delicious! The quaint restaurant façade is complemented by traditional red and white interiors that open out to a lush garden terrace. A hop down the road is You Beauty - all about the taste of Australia with a contemporary twist. From Croc Toast to Kangaroo Skewers to a good old Steak & Chips. Billed as a casual eatery and corner bar, with themed nights like ‘Jazz Thursdays’ and ‘Records with Friends’ on Sunday afternoons - it’s a vibe.
With a variety of cafés to choose from, you can grab and fly at Sparrow Coffee Co, who grind one of the finest Allpress coffees around. Then pick up a bunch of sculptured blooms from The Flower Bar Co. next door and head to the local Farmers Market (behind the Bangalow Pub) held every Saturday from 7-11am.
Speaking of markets, the Bangalow Showgrounds is home to a fabulous artisan market held on the 4th Sunday of each month. More than a market, it’s like a mini festival in the most picturesque garden setting. Grab a bite from the local street food vendors, and sit under the towering poinciana trees, all the while listening to live and local beats.
The town’s talented community of musicians, artists and creative directors, curate program of events each year, such as recycled fairs, the fun and fabulous Billy Cart Derby, a boutique film festival, and the magical Christmas Eve Carnival. Famed musicians like John Butler, The Waifs, Floodlights and Girl and Girl, have also graced the stage at the heritage listed Bangalow A&I Hall. Across the road from the iconic town hall, you’ll find Polish Bangalow located in the art deco Masonic Hall. A vintage furniture and restoration business run by the Pratley family - locals who have been restoring antiques from across the globe, for over three generations.
Stay a while in Bangalow
If you’re staying awhile, book a cosy night at the Bangalow Guesthouse. Luxury accommodation central to town, the 1900s homestead crowns an elegant property on the banks of the Byron Creek. A short walk to the neighbouring retro Bowlo, for street food curated by local chefs, and the ever popular ‘Indian Bowl’ on Wednesdays from 4:30pm. A day trip or weekend away to Bangalow always involves shopping at one of the independent retailers. We can’t go past the stunning array of books, jewellery, clothes and more at Wax Jambu Emporium, and the quirky and colourful wares at Abracadabra come with the rich history of Bangalow circa 1970s (one of the original shops in town, it has seen many transformations over the years). For ethical, quality gifts and homewares head to Our Corner Store and more divine goodies await at Heart of the Home.
Take a tour of the myriad of artisans and local designers - such as ROWIE The Label - that inhabit the urban chic Station Street Arts Precinct. Grab a coffee and some tasty treats at Woods and watch the day go by. Heading out of town, stop off for fresh baked bread at the Bangalow Bread Co. and for local provedores and organic fruit and vegetables pop into the oh so cute Bangalow General Store - an historical building that has been restored to its former glory - full of locally sourced provisions.
There’s a collective pride in charming Bangalow that starts from the market grounds up, with tastefully preserved buildings and a community that love their town.
The Taste of Bangalow
For a hearty breakfast or lunch pop down to Butcher Baker, located central to the town in another heritage listed building that has seen many an evolution. The current owners are from the Northern Rivers and, with a background in hospitality, there’s a selection of freshly baked treats to entice, and quite possibly the most delicious donuts around!We can’t go past a local craft beer and counter meal at the Bangalow Hotel, located at the top of the town as you head out towards Clunes. And for those of us who like a brewery experience, Common People Brewing Co. has also popped up in the industrial area. With an array of beers to experience and a food menu curated by The Brewer’s Kitchen – they are ‘Open for Beersness’ Thursday to Sunday.For Asian groceries, tea, teapots, trinkets and dumplings head to Red Ginger, with a sister venue in Byron Bay, it’s a Northern Rivers staple. Serving tasty Yum Cha from 10-4 daily, take your time in the garden surrounds and peruse themany cookbooks that adorn the walls.
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