Day One:

3:45 am - I wake like it is Christmas morning. My parents were also just as excited as they escorted me down our driveway (the whole twenty meters) in preparation for my taxi's arrival.

After collecting the delegates from their hotels we headed to Sydney Domestic Airport for our 8:00 am flight to Coolangatta. The bus ride to the airport was very quiet - I assumed it was due to the early hour of collection but later realised that my group had a BIG night beforehand and were all battling headaches and sleep deprivation. Sydney's Domestic Terminal was insane as flights to Perth had been cancelled courtesy of Jetstar which resulted in the terminal being engulfed with screaming children followed by screaming parents. 

Once we landed in Collangatta we were greeted by Renae from Northern Rivers Tourism and Ray from Byron Easy Bus who would be our driver for the duration of the famil. After a quick head count we were off to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Check it out: http://www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au/

Lunch was served by Charlie at Mavis' Kitchen located in the Mount Warning region. I am lost for words when describing this wonderful restaurant! Charlie's main objective is to serve simple, fresh and organic food focusing greatly on local produce. The majority of ingredients were found in the vegetable gardens which Charlie encourages guests to walk around. Charlie went on to explain that there is no set menu as what is served depends on what is produced in the garden and the seasonality of certain items. I rate this little piece of heaven 10/10 - I strongly recommend to anyone who loves great food, great wine and a great atmosphere!

Check it out: http://www.maviseskitchen.com.au/

~ Lamb Roast mmmmmmmmm

With very full bellies we boarded the bus then headed to Wollumbin Mount Warning National Park. Karen from Tweed Tourism escorted the group on the Lyrebird Base Walk which took approximately thirty minutes (depending how many times you stop to take photos) 

The sun was setting when we arrived to check in at The Byron at Byron. We were all exhausted after an early morning start and a day full of activities but all became instantly relaxed once we walked into the resort. We were greeted with welcome drinks and met Scott who would be our host for the evening. 

The Byron at Byron is honestly a "WOW" and "OMG" resort. The facilities are superb! Although the resort runs at a high occupancy rate, I do recommend trying to get at least two nights in a deluxe spa suite - this room will not disappoint!!

Check it out: http://www.thebyronatbyron.com.au/

~ The room was amazing but the bath was my highest priority and exceeded expectations!