Shopping precinct: Byron Bay
Well known for having one of the best surf breaks in Australia, Byron Bay also boasts a strong creative community.
In the past few years the Arts & Industry Estate, located a few kilometres from Main Beach, has become a chic cultural hub for artisans, brewers, designers and makers showcasing their wares and curated collections.
Here are our picks for where to shop.
1. Mon Manabu
Manabu’s works pop against the plain white walls of her showroom. Inspired by other local creatives and the constant flow of travellers through the door, Mon loves chatting with people from around the world. “I’m from Spain and have travelled extensively to take photographs for my print series, and hand-crafted wearable art,” she says.
MUST-HAVE: Cherry Blossom canvas, $350
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm; or by appointment
VISIT: 12/18 Centennial Circuit, 0457 074 533
BOOKMARK: @monmanabu
“I think people value meeting the maker and buying from the artist; it makes the work more meaningful.”
Mon Manabu
2. Pampa
For founders Carl Wilson and Victoria Aguirre, Pampa reflects their journey and connection to Victoria’s South American roots and Carl’s travels. A stunning concept store with an earthy, authentic palette, you’ll find bespoke handwoven rugs, cushions, throws, ponchos, fine art photography prints and curated objects, which all tell a story of heritage, art folklore and culture. “People love to hear about our journeys through remote Argentina, the hands behind the products and how far the woven goods travel to be here in Australia,” explains Victoria. There’s also the option to design your own custom Pampa rug in the design studio on the mezzanine level.
MUST-HAVE: Monte Cushion, $195
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 10am-3pm
VISIT: Unit 1/12 Centennial Circuit, (02) 6685 6302
BOOKMARK: pampa.com.au
3. Pop & Scott
Inspired by modern Australian design, partners in life and work Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson are perhaps most well-known for their hand-painted pot planters, yet their furniture is equally loved by discerning customers. With an existing showroom in Melbourne’s Northcote, the couple opened their Byron store in 2016. “We felt our aesthetic worked perfectly with the landscape in Byron and we’ve had a great response,” says Poppy.
Alongside handcrafted furniture, there’s a tempting array of beautiful ceramics, homewares, lighting and plants on offer, making it very hard to leave empty-handed.
MUST-HAVES: ‘Dreamweaver’ lights, $890-$1200
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 10am-2pm
VISIT: 4/57 Centennial Circuit, 0472 905 186
BOOKMARK: popandscott.com
4. Posie
From humble beginnings hand pouring candles in their kitchen, partners Ashleigh Sampson and Casie Brooker now work out of a spacious warehouse with a combined studio and showroom for their brand, Posie. “We wanted to give customers a glimpse into the how and why we do what we do,” says Ashleigh of the store, which features reclaimed timber shelving lined with their range of 100 per cent soy wax candles. Filled with the aroma of their unique blends, the store offers a sensory experience layered with fragrance, from citrus notes through to cedarwood and sweet patchouli.
MUST-HAVES: SUR candle (cedarwood/amber/patchouli), $55/500g
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm; by appointment
VISIT: 8/74 Centennial Circuit, 0402 984 864
BOOKMARK: weareposie.com.au
“Each of our blends has a personality, with no two alike,”
Ashleigh Sampson
5. McTavish Surfboards
Bob McTavish and his eponymous handcrafted surfboards have been operating from their Centennial Circuit factory for the past 22 years. The cavernous showroom in front of the factory was refitted last year, enabling customers to absorb a surf culture vibe and the history of McTavish Surf while perusing boards, clothing, accessories or enjoying a bite to eat at the cafe. “We wanted to create a space people can relax, slow down and start adjusting to the lifestyle we enjoy so much in and around Byron Bay,” explains manager Ben Monroe. Popular menu items include sandwiches, pies and pastries from Three Blue Ducks and The Bread Social.
MUST HAVE: Bluebird surfboard 6’6” x 20½” x 2⅞”, $1450
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 7am-2pm
VISIT: 91 Centennial Circuit, (02) 6680 8807
BOOKMARK: mctavish.com.au
Shopping picks:
(left) Mini rug, $340 and (right) Monte cushion, $195, both Pampa | (centre)handcrafted surfboard, McTavish Surfboards
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
You need at least a weekend to experience a taste of what Byron Bay has to offer. With a long strip of beaches, you can hop between Main Beach, Clarkes, The Pass, Wategos and Tallows. Take in the lighthouse and have a wander along the scenic coastal walk, where you can set foot on the most easterly part of Australia. Foodies will enjoy a trip to The Farm for a tour and chat to producers before buying. Byron Beach Abodes offers a unique collection of properties that exude Byron’s laidback luxe feel.
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