Bangalow: beautiful bohemian vibes
Bangalow is one of those true hidden gems that you don’t need to travel far to find.
Located in the Northern Rivers region near Byron Bay, this charming bohemian town has something for everyone and gives off an immediate feeling of peace, calm and beauty. Let’s explore.
Why the ‘beautiful bohemian vibes’ tag?
According to Webster’s dictionary, a bohemian is “a person (such as a writer or an artist) living an unconventional life usually in a colony with others”.
Drive into Bangalow and you’ll certainly get that vibe. It’s quaint, with the main street dotted with heritage buildings housing galleries, clothes shops and vegetarian eateries.
Although not seen recently, there was a time you could often see one of the Northern Rivers’ most bohemian characters, Shanti, pencilling in his journal, recording his thoughts for future generations to read.
Perhaps Shanti was a major influence on Bangalow getting its bohemian tag?
What to do in Bangalow
4th Sunday of every month 9am to 3pm
A trip to Bangalow Sunday market is like visiting a magical forest filled to the brim with smells, sights and sounds to delight all your senses. This all adds to the beautiful bohemian vibes.
Here you’ll find many local artists, artisans, bakers, and growers displaying their wares set under the shade of 11 huge camphor laurel trees.
A mecca for antique and art lovers
You’re spoilt for choice in Bangalow. Here are just a few antique shops and galleries to explore.
Polish Bangalow
16 Station Street
This lovely antique store is filled with a range of quality antiques as well as art deco pieces and a range of vintage industrial furniture. They also offer design and restoration services.
Bangalow Country Antique Furniture
87A Byron Street
Specialising in 17th and 18th century pieces, this store offers a constantly changing range for you to browse and enjoy.
Image Source: Polish Bangalow
Ninbella Aboriginal Art Gallery
19A Byron Street
Discover the most exquisite Aboriginal as well as contemporary art at Ninbella. They also have a gorgeous range of rugs and runners featuring stunning Aboriginal art.
Galleon
10 Station Street
Galleon features artworks from artist Matt Sansom. Here you’ll find lovely paintings of landscapes, local birdlife and extraordinary botanical paintings depicting many of our native species.
Let’s go shopping!
When you’re looking for something special but not sure what you want, you’re likely to find it in one of Bangalow’s stores. Here are a few to check out.
Miller & More
35 Byron Street
Looking to deck out the family in some quality clothes? Then this is the shop for you. There’s also a range of linens and homewares.
Abracadabra
46 Byron Street
Just like magic you’re transported to the hippy era when you enter this colourful and eclectic shop. Affectionately known as the ‘happy hippy shop’ west of Byron Bay, if you’re looking for incense, hippy clothing, patchouli oil or wind chimes, this is one not to miss.
Wax Jambu Emporium
Shop 19b Byron Street
In the old general store, browse the unique mix of homewares, clothing and other novelties.
Image Source: Wax Jambu Emporium
Hungry? Here’s where to eat in Bangalow
Cafes Bangalow
There are so many cafes to choose from in Bangalow.
Butcher Baker Bangalow
13 Byron Street
You can’t miss this one, located in the beautifully restored heritage building right on the main street.
True to its name, there’s a huge focus on local meat on the menu. All their baked goods are baked on-site in the in-house bakery.
The café is fully licensed and has local craft beer on tap as well as coffee, wine, cocktails, cold-pressed juices and organic artisan sodas.
Woods Bangalow
10 Station Street
You’ll find this eatery in the boho chic art precinct in Station Street. It’s a great place to enjoy some fruit toast and coffee for breakfast or meet a group of friends for a meal and a drink in the evening.
Pantry 29
29 Byron Street
This deli-style cafe is famous for healthy lunch menu items, fresh juices and smoothies, coffee and homemade gelato.
While you’re waiting for your meal, browse the range of locally produced pantry goodies like fresh coffee, nuts and local cheeses.
Ciao Mate
33 Byron Street
A step back in time to traditional, simple and super tasty pizzas, pastas and other Italian meals. The decor fits the theme with a retro, rustic vibe.
Bangalow Hotel
1 Byron Street
Offering classic pub meals with a modern twist, settle in on the deck, back verandah or dining room. Live music from local musicians is a feature of most weekends.
Bangalow Bowls Club (The Bowlo)
76 Byron Street
Head to the Bowlo for traditional pub meals in a relaxed setting. Perfect for a family dinner, tuck into a wood-fired pizza, made-to-order salad, burger or steak – and don’t skip dessert!
Love it so much you want to stay?
Situated on the banks of the Byron River, Bangalow Guesthouse offers luxurious accommodation with views over the river and nature reserve.
The suites are spacious, modern and well-appointed and feature a full kitchen, private deck and bathroom.
The property also features an outdoor pool, games room, BBQ area and walking/cycling tracks, making it the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.
Could Bangalow be your tree change?
You wouldn’t be the first person to visit Bangalow, fall in love with its beautiful bohemian vibes, and decide to move there.
You’ll find a few local real estate agencies on the main street but if you want to deal with a local Northern River’s specialist, contact MANA for a comprehensive list of properties for sale or rent.
Want to know more about what to do in the Northern Rivers?
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