The Northern NSW treasure that is Byron Bay is well know for its wonderful weather, free spirits and golden sun drenched beaches throughout summer…  however, if you ask any local they’ll quickly tell you that the “cooler” months in The Bay are just as amazing.

Byron Yoga Centre offers yoga health and wellness retreats year round, making winter a great time for a rejuvenating getaway. There is also lots going on around Byron Shire and surrounds, so it’s worth while planning your retreat with a few days either side to explore and soak up some of the goodness on offer around the area.

Mild days are perfect for Cape Byron walking tracks, food festivals and market perusing and crispy nights for wooly jumpers, long restaurant jaunts and bonfire gazing. As Byron Bay is mainland Australia’s most easterly point, it’s prime whale watching territory. A highlight for this time of year are the Humpback whales migrating north. From May to November, whales can be spotted from the Cape Byron Headland or Lighthouse.

The regional food and wine festivals, such as the Ballina Fine Wine and Food Festival, showcases local restaurants, producers, wineries and breweries. Here you can taste fabulous food by talented chefs, sample local produce, taste local wines, and join in the activities and see cooking demonstrations. Bangalow’s Sample Food Festival is held in September and attracts over 15,000 visitors annually.

The annual Byron Bay Writers Festival runs over 3 days in August brings together writers and booklovers in one of Australia’s largest regional literary events, with a strong focus on Australian writing and writers. The festival program is both relaxed and rigorous, with over 100 Australian writers in attendance each year.

A trip to Byron Bay wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some music. Venues and markets all over town showcase local, national and international acts regularly. Winter in The Bay is always made super special by the iconic Splendour in the Grass Festival in July. With music acts and performances from artists far and wide, this cutting edge festival set the rolling tree scape of Billinudgel on metaphorical fire back in July.

Weather it’s a yoga class and matcha latte, or a wander around the beautiful boutiques, be it nature, nourish or nurture, Byron has something to offer anyone looking for a winter getaway with a difference.