Day Tripper : Bangalow

The charming country town with a rather posh facelift, Bangalow is where craft, coffee and cake meet high fashion, cutting edge objects, and fine dining. One of the highlights is the scenic 20-minute drive from the Atlantic, along winding country roads past horse fields and cow pastures, palm plantations and roadside stalls. Take in the view over rolling hills looking back towards the beaches of Byron. The contrast is sublime. Home to one main street with a couple of laneways, it won’t take long to see it all, but there’s lots to linger over. Market days are every Saturday for produce and the fourth Sunday of the month for arts, crafts and everything in between. Peruse the local galleries and the beautiful old pharmacy, surprisingly stocked with international beauty products and luxury candles (closed Sunday). Grab lunch at the new Our Corner Café after shopping next door at Our Corner Store. Refresh your wardrobe at Island Luxe [pictured]. Stock up at the deli, Herbal Wisdom health food store and the bottle shop for artisan groceries to take back to the Atlantic and grab a drink at the Bangalow Pub before dinner in the Dining Rooms or across the street at Town. And be sure to check out what’s going on at the A&I Hall, a beautiful venue for everything from concerts and comedy shows to festivals and pop-up dinners.