Epic surf beaches, great food, beautiful hinterlands and amazing weather… it’s pretty clear why Sydneysiders have an ongoing love affair with Byron Bay. So to find out where to eat the best healthy food, the most beautiful places to swim and where to workout, we chatted with Byron Bay local, Emma Seibold, the ridiculously inspiring founder of Barre Body.
Not only is she a certified yoga teacher, STOTT pilates certified instructor and holistic health and wellness coach, but she’s also trained all over the world, including New York and India! If you haven’t tried her intense and effective workout, Barre Body (which is a mix of ballet barre conditioning, yoga and pilates), there are three studios in Sydney : The CBD, Surry Hills and Bondi Junction. Each studio is airy, light and very instagrammable… which coincidently can also be said about Byron Bay!
So Emma, where would we find you for brunch on any given day?
I love Bayleaf in Marvel St. The owners, Dan and Nikki are lovely and treat everyone like old friends. It’s the busiest café in town (forget about getting a table when Splendor or Bluesfest are on!) and the food is delicious. Their sister café next door, Leaf & Grain is great for takeaway and a quick coffee.
Where do you cool off with a swim afterwards?
“The Pass – it’s halfway between Byron Main Beach and Wategoes. The water is crystal clear and a beautiful temperature for eight glorious months of the year! Basically from October to May it’s perfect.”
Your best pick for surfing?
“Also The Pass, though I’ve only tried surfing a couple of times. Maybe this year, I’ll be brave enough to give it a go. All the cook kids are doing it.”
Where should we go for a morning workout?
“I love Belongil Beach for a workout because it’s a little bit more quiet and the mornings are stunning there.”
Where do you love to workout?
“That will definitely be Bende Flow, the signature class that I am developing for our new concept studio, Bende Mindful Movement, opening in Byron Bay in August 2017 (check out their instagram profile). It’s best described as a magical blend of slow and conscious movement, toning and strength work, a little dance like no-one is watching, and heart-pumping cardio, interwoven with moments of mindfulness and connection to self. Definitely check it out if you are in town.”
Where do you go for a scenic day trip?
“A drive out to the hinterland visiting Crystal Castle and Minyon Falls is a pretty special day. Crystal Castle is one of my favourite places and I often go there to walk the Labyrinth or just sit in the gardens.”
What’s your favourite running route?
“I’m not a runner, but my favourite walking route is definitely from Clarkes Beach up to the lighthouse and back. It’s about a 7km return walk and you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins surfing the waves or a whale or two on their migration path. It’s pretty magical.”
Where do you go for a post-workout smoothie?
“I always stop for a green smoothie (add watermelon for my friend Emma’s special blend) on my way back down from my lighthouse walk at The Pass Café. It’s a lovely spot to stop and take in the magic of this beautiful place I am blessed to live in.”
Where do you think the most underrated place in Byron?
“There are so many beautiful swimming holes, like Hell’s Hole in the hinterland of Byron. You need to ask a local to find them though as you won’t find them on Google Maps. I also love the tea-tree lakes behind Byron High.”
To see more on where to go for a fitness holiday in Australia, check out our TRAVEL AUSTRALIA section! And while you’re here, why don’t you sign up to our newsletter? It’s easy and jam-packed full of fitness news, discounts, events, recipes and more!
