City Guide: Model, designer and hotelier Cisco Gorrow shares the best of Byron Bay
IMAGE VIA @CISCOANDHERSONS/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY KAYA MARTIN
Cisco’s Byron Bay consists of suntans, spa days and oysters shucked by the sea.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re off to Byron Bay with Cisco Gorrow. The German hotelier, homewares designer, model and mother of two has dabbled in all kinds of creative work and acquired a unique taste along the way.
Have a trip or move coming up? Head to our City Guides to find the best spots.
After 10 years of living in Bali and working to create The Slow, a boutique hotel in Canggu, Cisco decided it was finally time to return to her husband’s homeland of Australia. The couple is now working on a new project in Crescent Head, a surf club hotel called Sea Sea, set to open soon.
“I loved to be tucked away but minutes away from the hustle and bustle,” says Cisco. “We have just moved to a new house in Broken Head and I love to be entirely surrounded by lush Australian bush, green everywhere I look, but two minutes away from the beach, great surf and 10 minutes from town.”
Byron Bay has built a reputation for its laid-back community, paradisiacal beaches and bounty of fresh food and wine, but locals know the city holds so much more. Cisco gives us the run-down on hidden gems, unmissable eats and all of the stops to add to your holiday itinerary.
Eat and drink
Light Years, 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay
View this post on Instagram
“Light Years for a margarita followed by dinner with friends. The duck pancakes and spicy prawn dumplings are very delicious. The location is awesome and there always seems to be a vibe there.”
High Life, Shop 5/103 Jonson St, Byron Bay
“Breakfast I would have at High Life. Adam the owner is a friend and knows everything about gut health [and] immunity,” says Cisco. As a holistic health coach and raw food chef, she’s serious about eating well and says High Life has a “beautiful nutritious menu”.
No.35 Kitchen and Bar, 35 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar
View this post on Instagram
“If we’re feeling homesick from Bali and are up for a little drive out of town, we head to Cabarita Beach to catch up with Daniel Medcalf, who was working with us in Bali at The Slow. His menu brings us back to the island.” If you’re checking it out, Cisco says the fish sandwich is a must.
Federal Doma Cafe, 3/6 Albert street, Federal
“[For] lunch with the kids we love to go to Doma in Federal. It’s a beautiful beer garden vibe with delicious Japanese cuisine,” says Cisco. The best part? The restaurant is kid-friendly and the food is always “super tasty”.
Harvest Newrybar, Village 18, 22 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar
View this post on Instagram
This is Cisco’s top choice for a lunch date. “We love the farm-to-table concept and artisans behind everything they serve. On the way out, we duck into the deli and stock up on delicious handcrafted cheese and breads and condiments. The chilli oil is a secret tip. They also do great coffee.”
Richmond Oysters, The Serpentine, East Ballina
“This is a secret little spot down a one-way street along the water in Ballina, that shucks and serves fresh oysters and prawns literally straight out of the water. I highly recommend it,” she shares. There’s no official address listed online, so ask around and hopefully a friendly local will point you in the right direction.
Stay
Crescent Head Beach
View this post on Instagram
“We love to escape to Crescent Head and enjoy great waves and the beautiful surroundings of this special place. The lagoon is magic,” she says. “The kids love to swim in there for hours.”
Skin Divinity Cosmetic Clinic, 2/27 Fletcher St, Byron Bay
Admittedly, Cisco hasn’t yet tried this clinic out for herself “but my friends rave about this place for beauty treatments,” she says.
The Banya, 35-37 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby
View this post on Instagram
Cisco recommends a getaway day to this new bathhouse in Mullumbimby. She says it’s “super nice to go to with a girlfriend to unwind and enjoy some kid-free time, and, of course, jump into the ice bath.”
Shop
For Artists Only, Shop 1/84 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach
View this post on Instagram
“Hands down my favourite shop,” says Cisco. “Kristie, the owner (who is also a close friend) has a great selection of local brands and brings the best International brands back. From Proenza Schouler to Rika Studios – made, worn, redone – she has the coolest stuff.”
Fossil Vintage, 1/6 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay
“From vintage furniture to speakers, clothing and tiles, you will find anything here,” says Cisco. Selling a curated selection of homewares and furniture from the ’30s to the ’80s, it’s the perfect place to browse on a rainy afternoon.
Dead Kooks, 1/18 Brigantine St, Byron Bay
View this post on Instagram
Located in an industrial estate, this shop is Cisco’s favourite place to pick up a new rig. Her friend, Eden Saul, is the founder and board shaper. The store specialises in vintage and handmade boards.
Bottle & Hoop, 2/25 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads
Cisco calls this deli “every cheese lover’s heaven”. Pair your cheese with chutney, canned fish, crackers and all the other fixings. Grab a bottle of beer, wine or sake (the deli’s got it all), then head down to the nearby waterfront for a picnic.
The perfect day
View this post on Instagram
In true Byron Bay form, Cisco’s ideal day with the family starts with a swim and a surf. “After we go to the Oyster Shack, get a bunch of oysters and prawns and eat them in the park or beach. Usually, we go home for some downtime and then catch up with friends for a BBQ or have some people over at ours, put some nice tunes on and eat some yummy food.”
Plan your trip to Byron Bay here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
