Shannon's 3-Day Byron Bay

"Byron Bay, like many small towns, is going through a tough time - the economy isn't where it was two years ago, but it keeps pouring its heart and soul into the tourism trade. Fortunately there's been an upturn in people relocating permanently, which keeps the quality of restaurants high and supports off-peak trade. Us locals could still do more, and I'm hoping this guide is a start. Here's how I'd spend three days. Day one: shake off the flight with coffee and an easy lunch at High Life - the crispy brown rice cakes with homemade kimchi, avocado and a little mackerel salad. Check in at The Sunseeker, a cool renovated motel a ten-minute walk from town, then a pre-dinner drink at the bar at Raes (just tables on the driveway looking over the grass onto the beach) before dinner at Bar Heather, where Ollie Wong-Hee's menu is unlike anything else in town. Day two: an early walk to the lighthouse by the lesser-known back route opposite Captain Cook's car park - spectacularly beautiful. Brunch at The General Store, then a drive inland past Bangalow to the Eltham Pub, swimming at Killeen Falls or stopping in Newrybar for the shops and artisans on the way back, and dinner at Bang Bang - Thai greatest-hits, a 'fork in the road' venue for an early one or a big night out. Day three: a barefoot morning walk along Belongil Beach to the treehouse for a coffee, a long southern-Italian lunch at The Hut out in the forest, and a final glass of wine and share plates at You Beauty on the way home."

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