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A Day On Board Iluka On Film.

A Day On Board Iluka On Film.

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We had a blissful day on board the beautiful charter boat “Iluka”, a local Northern Beaches family. All shot on our MUJI film camera using Portra 400 film. A few weeks back we were counting down the days for our cruise with Iluka charters. As a team we’ve spent a lot of time apart due to Covid-19 and working from home and to be truthful, it was one of our favourite days this year. 

iluka kolide

 

~ On board ~

 

Iluka is a 48ft classic gentleman’s cruiser – with her beautiful solid teak interiors, free flowing indoor/outdoor plan and polished stainless steel throughout – she is a classic beauty. The families philosophy is simple: ‘quality is in the detail.’ No detail was overlooked for us that day – from the handcrafted wine selections to the locally sourced produce and incredible little secret beaches, nooks and bays – we were well looked after. 

With Georgia as our tour guide, her brother Charlie at the helm and the calmest waters you ever did see – we were ready for our sunset sail. We spent the afternoon exploring parts of Figtree Cove and Peach Tree Bay with some of the greatest wine and cheese we’ve had in a long time. 

 

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~ Eat + Drink ~

 

A day on Iluka means that you’ll be supporting all your local favourites, so if you’re looking for a new wine – look no further than Winona Wines. We had a bottle of their orange wine and it really took the day to a new level of heaven. It’s now our new favourite! We followed this with a bottle of Valentine Chardonnay, another wine we want to order in bulk.  Now what would a day be without oysters from the Sydney fish markets, fresh local cheese, Berkelo bread (if you haven’t had this bread – you need to) and locally cured meats from Shiralee Meats, Richards meats and Devit butchers.

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~

 

BUT what we loved most about the day is the fact that this is a family run business with years of local knowledge and experience. The entire team are certified tour guides (not the boring kind where you want to fall asleep) who have years of local knowledge and experience. They’ve even had Drew Barrymore on board for the launch of her makeup line, Flower Beauty. Honestly, this was the perfect day!  Iluka is the most magical location for your next girls lunch, content shoot, birthday event….the options are endless. Did we also mention they allow BYO!

~ Kolide Highlights ~

 

Completely customisable itineraries – choose your destination or let the team take you to some of their favourite secret spots like Obelisk beach, parsley bay, milk beach, quarantine bay, reef beach, Bantry bay. In Pittwater, check out Jerusalem bay, America’s bay and Mackerel beach.

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The very best certified tour guides with in-depth knowledge and insights of places to see and explore. 

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Operating across both Sydney Harbour + Pittwater allowing flexibility with pick-up and drop off – including private wharves.

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Fresh, locally sourced and sustainable (where possible) catering with a huge focus on supporting local business’ 

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Entertainment like surround sound, deck lounges and 2 x paddle boards on request. 

 

CONS

There are none. 

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~ Kolide Highlights ~

 

Completely customisable itineraries – choose your destination or let the team take you to some of their favourite secret spots like Obelisk beach, parsley bay, milk beach, quarantine bay, reef beach, Bantry bay. In Pittwater, check out Jerusalem bay, America’s bay and Mackerel beach.

~

The very best certified tour guides with in-depth knowledge and insights of places to see and explore. 

~

Operating across both Sydney Harbour + Pittwater allowing flexibility with pick-up and drop off – including private wharves.

~

Fresh, locally sourced and sustainable (where possible) catering with a huge focus on supporting local business’ 

~

Entertainment like surround sound, deck lounges and 2 x paddle boards on request. 

 

CONS

There are none. 

10% discount when you book with the code KOLIDEXILUKA. 

10% discount when you book with the code KOLIDEXILUKA. 

Be the first to find out Kolide Advice… 

Keep up with the recent scoop by subscribing via Bloglovin’ below

A Day On Board Iluka On Film.

Guide to Byron Bay in Winter

Byron Bay in Winter.

If you know me you would know that I don’t mind to do the occasional trip to Byron Bay every year (sometimes twice). I’m always asked to share my favourite places and I usually do the good old copy and paste from notes – instead  ta-da i’ve managed to write a blog. This particular article is based on my most recent trip in June – proving that Byron can be a great opt for a cheeky winter getaway. 

ByronBayBlogPost1

Stay.

Being an avid traveller to Byron I can’t help tossing up the accomodation, as there are some serious luxe options to available. This trip we landed with The Bower, Bryon Bay – a motel-style concept with a great resemblance to Tulum slash NYC boutique accomodation (If that’s even possible).  Depending on what you are looking for and willing to spend, there is a range of different rooms to choose from ranging from “The Bower” suite’s to the ultra luxe and spacious “Bower House’. The accomodation itself is not right in the centre of town but a short 10 minute stroll up Bangalow Road and smack bang neighbours with one of the best cafe in town – The Byron Bay General Store!

Pros: Resort style pool with plenty of lounge areas to flop. I have found a lot of the boutique hotels around town usually lack this and you’re usually finding yourself waiting for other guests to leave so you can enjoy the space. 

Cons: In Summer the short stroll can feel longer in comparison to staying in the heart of town BUT you can always opt jumping on one of their bikes. 

Dining out. 

Okay get ready – this is probably the no.1 question I get from people heading to Byron Bay and I have a long list of favourites.

Just going to flag – plan your breakfast and lunch meals so you can get through these foodie spots.  Folk for their coffee and also Avo toast with silverbeet & mint pesto, dukkah, garden greens & toasted seeds, topped with a poached egg and a wedge of grilled citrus. Bayleaf Cafe. Right in the heart of town, not only is it ubbberrr easy to get to but holy smokes the food is amazing. I always opt for breakfast a strong oat latte and their famous Dukkah poached eggs with organic sourdough, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and house made dukkah. Lunch time is also major goals – their seasonal salads are delicious – if you ever see the Buttermilk Chicken with soba noodles do yourself a favour and order. Top shop.  A great depiction of Byron Bay – sit outside on one of their rugs and enjoy one of their delicious burgers with a milkshake- my favourite is The Chilli Chicken. The Byron Bay General Store. Situated right next door to The Bower – this place is packed to the brim after 9:30am so make sure you get in early. My personal go-to is their Avo Alfalfa with avo, mixed sprout salad and tahini or Greenday (GF) Herbed Zuchhini Fritters, roasted cauliflower, edamame, kale salad and coconut and cucumber labne! The Roadhouse. A locals favourite, this place is a vibe for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails at sunset. Dinner and drinks is a particular got-to for me because of their cocktails and pizza’s. Bang Bang a new favourite for us and is a HUGE vibe for a fun night. I know it’s a huge call but their Chilli Margaritas have to be one of the best. In terms of food – every dish I’ve ordered the last few visits I would order again. Stand outs being the Prawn Toast, Moreton Bay Bug Bun and the Pad Thai. No Bones. Okay so don’t freak out but it is a vegan restaurant but just so happens to be one of my Boyfriends favourite places for dinner (and yes he is a huge meat lover). Not only do we enjoy the food immensely but playing guessing games on what they have used instead of duck in the “duk pancakes” or squid in the “Konjac Calamari” – it’s actually crazy. Must have’s – Duk pancakes, Konjac calamari strips, Crispy fried chicken, Cauliflower bites and the Creamy field mushroom pasta, truffle, parmesan. Light Years. Our go-to for years for their delicious bites and cocktails. A great place for a fun dinner out. Must have’s – all their cocktails. Eggplant, Katsu, Bao Buns, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Shiitake Chestnut wontons and Cumin Spiced Cauliflower. di Vino. The best for a classic Italino dinner – picture all the favourites. Must order – Arancini balls and the Pappardelle Al Ragu. Mez Club a repetitive favourite for pre-dinner cocktails and one of their delicious seasonal dips with hot bread – atm it’s Artichoke dip and WOW. WOODS. The sister of Folk – is positioned up in the hills of Byron in Bangalow. One of my favourites while I’m visiting to enjoy a coffee and one of their baked goodies. Doma. If you have a car make sure you drop into the small town of Federal to purely enjoy a feed at Doma – it’s the best Japanese you will every have. Make sure you order multiple cone-shaped hand made sushi rolls. Harvest. Another favourite spot to visit when you have a car, it’s not too far from Byron, located in the small town of Newrybar. My personal favourite is their deli for some pre-made lunch goodies and freshly baked cakes. If you’re wanting something a bit more swish – just jump next door to their restaurant! Raes. Last on the list but one of my all time favourites for the ultimate luxe Byron experience. Long lunch at Raes is always a very memorable experience – not only are you facing the beautiful Wategos beach but enjoying top end food and service in one of Australia’s most well known restaurants. Highly recommend dropping into the cellar bar for a sneaky cocktail pre or post lunch. Must order – Oysters, one of their pasta dishes (all seasonal but I always opt for their seafood option) and the market fish. This all must be washed down by one of their cocktails – obviously I opt for their seasonal margarita every time!  

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raes-wategos
The-Bower-(3)

What to do

Beach hop: Don’t just settle with the main beach – make sure you take full advantage of being around some of the best coastline in the world. My personal favourites that are all close by – Belongil beach, Wategos, Little Wategos and The Pass. 

A day in the Byron Hinterland: Take a drive through the green hills up into Byrons amazing hinterland. First stop Newrybar to drop into Harvest for a bite to eat and then a quick browse in Newrybar Merchants. Next up the famous Bangalow – coffee stop at Woods and then a browse at some of our favourite homewares boutiques – Island Luxe,  Bisque and Our Corner Store. Lastly Federal – for my all time favourite lunch spot – Doma. 

Shopping at Byron: My go-to is Habitat Byron where you will find a hub of favourites such as The Beach People, Nice Martin, One Teaspoon and Tigmi Trading and Habitat Collective. 

The Farm Byron: I mean you can’t go to Byron without visiting The Farm! Not only will you get a great feed but enjoy roaming around the farm and meeting the resident animals! 

Nimbus and Co: Can’t go past a good infrared sauna – you will have at least one rainy day in Byron and this is the perfect opt.

Download a quick guide to Byron Bay

Be the first to find out Kolide Advice… 

Keep up with the recent scoop by subscribing via Bloglovin’ below

Guide to Byron Bay in Winter

Byron Bay in Winter.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

If you know me you would know that I don’t mind to do the occasional trip to Byron Bay every year (sometimes twice). I’m always asked to share my favourite places and I usually do the good old copy and paste from notes – instead  ta-da i’ve managed to write a blog.  This particular article is based on my most recent trip in June – proving that Byron can be a great opt for a cheeky winter getaway. 

ByronBayBlogPost1

Stay.

Being an avid traveller to Byron I can’t help tossing up the accomodation, as there are some serious luxe options to available. This trip we landed with The Bower, Bryon Bay – a motel-style concept with a great resemblance to Tulum slash NYC boutique accomodation (If that’s even possible).  Depending on what you are looking for and willing to spend, there is a range of different rooms to choose from ranging from “The Bower” suite’s to the ultra luxe and spacious “Bower House’. The accomodation itself is not right in the centre of town but a short 10 minute stroll up Bangalow Road and smack bang neighbours with one of the best cafe in town – The Byron Bay General Store!

Pros: Resort style pool with plenty of lounge areas to flop. I have found a lot of the boutique hotels around town usually lack this and you’re usually finding yourself waiting for other guests to leave so you can enjoy the space. 

Cons: In Summer the short stroll can feel longer in comparison to staying in the heart of town BUT you can always opt jumping on one of their bikes. 

The-Bower-(1)

Dining out. 

Okay get ready – this is probably the no.1 question I get from people heading to Byron Bay and I have a long list of favourites.

Just going to flag – plan your breakfast and lunch meals so you can get through these foodie spots.  Folk for their coffee and also Avo toast with silverbeet & mint pesto, dukkah, garden greens & toasted seeds, topped with a poached egg and a wedge of grilled citrus. Bayleaf Cafe. Right in the heart of town, not only is it ubbberrr easy to get to but holy smokes the food is amazing. I always opt for breakfast a strong oat latte and their famous Dukkah poached eggs with organic sourdough, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and house made dukkah. Lunch time is also major goals – their seasonal salads are delicious – if you ever see the Buttermilk Chicken with soba noodles do yourself a favour and order. Top shop.  A great depiction of Byron Bay – sit outside on one of their rugs and enjoy one of their delicious burgers with a milkshake- my favourite is The Chilli Chicken. The Byron Bay General Store. Situated right next door to The Bower – this place is packed to the brim after 9:30am so make sure you get in early. My personal go-to is their Avo Alfalfa with avo, mixed sprout salad and tahini or Greenday (GF) Herbed Zuchhini Fritters, roasted cauliflower, edamame, kale salad and coconut and cucumber labne! The Roadhouse. A locals favourite, this place is a vibe for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails at sunset. Dinner and drinks is a particular got-to for me because of their cocktails and pizza’s. Bang Bang a new favourite for us and is a HUGE vibe for a fun night. I know it’s a huge call but their Chilli Margaritas have to be one of the best. In terms of food – every dish I’ve ordered the last few visits I would order again. Stand outs being the Prawn Toast, Moreton Bay Bug Bun and the Pad Thai. No Bones. Okay so don’t freak out but it is a vegan restaurant but just so happens to be one of my Boyfriends favourite places for dinner (and yes he is a huge meat lover). Not only do we enjoy the food immensely but playing guessing games on what they have used instead of duck in the “duk pancakes” or squid in the “Konjac Calamari” – it’s actually crazy. Must have’s – Duk pancakes, Konjac calamari strips, Crispy fried chicken, Cauliflower bites and the Creamy field mushroom pasta, truffle, parmesan. Light Years. Our go-to for years for their delicious bites and cocktails. A great place for a fun dinner out. Must have’s – all their cocktails. Eggplant, Katsu, Bao Buns, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Shiitake Chestnut wontons and Cumin Spiced Cauliflower. di Vino. The best for a classic Italino dinner – picture all the favourites. Must order – Arancini balls and the Pappardelle Al Ragu. Mez Club a repetitive favourite for pre-dinner cocktails and one of their delicious seasonal dips with hot bread – atm it’s Artichoke dip and WOW. WOODS. The sister of Folk – is positioned up in the hills of Byron in Bangalow. One of my favourites while I’m visiting to enjoy a coffee and one of their baked goodies. Doma. If you have a car make sure you drop into the small town of Federal to purely enjoy a feed at Doma – it’s the best Japanese you will every have. Make sure you order multiple cone-shaped hand made sushi rolls. Harvest. Another favourite spot to visit when you have a car, it’s not too far from Byron, located in the small town of Newrybar. My personal favourite is their deli for some pre-made lunch goodies and freshly baked cakes. If you’re wanting something a bit more swish – just jump next door to their restaurant! Raes. Last on the list but one of my all time favourites for the ultimate luxe Byron experience. Long lunch at Raes is always a very memorable experience – not only are you facing the beautiful Wategos beach but enjoying top end food and service in one of Australia’s most well known restaurants. Highly recommend dropping into the cellar bar for a sneaky cocktail pre or post lunch. Must order – Oysters, one of their pasta dishes (all seasonal but I always opt for their seafood option) and the market fish. This all must be washed down by one of their cocktails – obviously I opt for their seasonal margarita every time!  

The-Bower-(3)

What to do

Beach hop: Don’t just settle with the main beach – make sure you take full advantage of being around some of the best coastline in the world. My personal favourites that are all close by – Belongil beach, Wategos, Little Wategos and The Pass. 

A day in the Byron Hinterland: Take a drive through the green hills up into Byrons amazing hinterland. First stop Newrybar to drop into Harvest for a bite to eat and then a quick browse in Newrybar Merchants. Next up the famous Bangalow – coffee stop at Woods and then a browse at some of our favourite homewares boutiques – Island Luxe,  Bisque and Our Corner Store. Lastly Federal – for my all time favourite lunch spot – Doma. 

Shopping at Byron: My go-to is Habitat Byron where you will find a hub of favourites such as The Beach People, Nice Martin, One Teaspoon and Tigmi Trading and Habitat Collective. 

The Farm Byron: I mean you can’t go to Byron without visiting The Farm! Not only will you get a great feed but enjoy roaming around the farm and meeting the resident animals! 

Nimbus and Co: Can’t go past a good infrared sauna – you will have at least one rainy day in Byron and this is the perfect opt. 

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovinby Ella XOX

Download a quick guide to Byron Bay

Be the first to find out Kolide Advice… 

Keep up with the recent scoop by subscribing via Bloglovin’ below

Guide to Byron Bay in Winter