Byron Bay: Folk & Bay Leaf

Fresh back from the other half of the world, I want to give you today some tips for the last stop of my trip: the hippie and surfer paradies of Byron Bay. The place is known for its exceptional atmosphere and alternative charm. And yes, I too get fascinated by the certain magic here on the east coast of Australia. This is due to some beautiful sunsets along with listening to the drum circle (which plays every evening at the beach, when the ball ball on the horizon submerges), a trip to Cape Byron Lighthouse and two wonderful cafés – which I would like to introduce to you today.

The first one is Folk and located on the outskirts of Byron Bay. When I first saw this cafe, after an early sunrise walk, I was just baffled. The couple, behind the café, filled the space with a hippie dream and created a place with a really unique atmosphere.

The porch of folk and the happenings around me were so inviting that I spent hours there and enjoyed an extensive breakfast. While I was sitting on the porch, I watched the people who entered the scene and felt like I was in a film. Two surfers with dreadlocks who were busy talking about the waves of the morning. A couple who were riding in a vintage car, on whose rear seat a large hairy poodle sat (the owners, as I lern a few days later). And a guy at the adjoining table, whose casual dress style I admired: white T-shirt with small print on the chest pocket to chic black jeans and … no shoes – a wonderful crowd!

But let’s get back to the café itself: the folk cuisine is a place where only healthy food is served. On my plate taste met aesthetics in the form of a wonderfully styled sour dough bread with smashed avocado and feta and a poached egg. To that I ordered a Flat White – by the way, with coffee from Sydney from Single O. While my breakfast was served, I came with the guy into a conversation. He told me he had just spent a few months in Berlin last year. Because of the cold he had to come back to Australia. I can understand! I also talked to the Barista later. Oliver is his name and if he is not grinning behind the espresso machine, he travels and is a musician.

Music also played a part during my visit to the second café. The Bay leaf is located right in the village, a few minutes walk from the beach. It is particularly well-known for its good specialty coffee, which comes from Marvell Street, a roastery from Byron Bay. The cafe is actually always very well attended, but the wait for a seat here is worthwhile.

At this place I had breakfast on my last day in Australia and during this time Angus and Julia Stone comes out of the speakers behind the counter. This band is from Australia and I love them very much, but it what he first time during my five-week trip I heard some music from them. Especially for the revelation in melancholy, the sibling couple is always perfect for me and so the song “Yellow Brick Road” fit just right to my farewell mood. My heart starts getting very sad in this moment, but on a good way…

In order not to end up full melancholy this post, I want to give you a small tip for bay leaf: If you go to this cafe, try the self-creation of the house called Coconut Cold Brew. This signature drink is probably the best refreshment on hot days in the hippie village!