Jan 1

Jan 1 KINGSCLIFF NSW AUSTRALIA ~ WITH EMMA HENDERSON

Just 20 minutes south of Queensland’s Gold Coast and 30 minutes north of Byron Bay, you’ll find the sleepy coastal village of Kingscliff. The town is home to some quality dining options, one stunning swimming creek, uncrowded beaches and boutique shopping but still has a charming, laidback coastal vibe if you want to escape the crowds in Byron. We spoke to the delightful Emma Henderson, co-founder and creative director of The Beach People, who lives at Kingscliff with her husband Josh and their three girls, Daisy, Lulu and Fern. Emma kindly shared her local’s tips and favourite haunts for those looking for a weekend beach escape or a chilled family holiday with their tribe.

What do you love most about your neighbourhood?

I’m water obsessed and so is my family so we love Kingscliff Creek. On high tide, the water is crystal clear and aqua blue and we swim, float or SUP; it’s a magical place. Find a shady spot and stay all day, I have three girls and they all love it!

Describe your ideal Sunday with your tribe.

Three kids under five means early mornings. My husband and I try and make them snuggle us in bed for as long as we can... until they start grabbing our faces saying 'breakfast' [laughs]. Then it’s off to our local community church. It’s the girl's favourite day of the week seeing all their friends at kids’ church and a positive soulful way to start Sundays. We love afternoon drives usually south. Sometimes a walk up Cabarita headland or Hastings Point headland where you can see the whales if the season is right… we love that!

Best breakfast spot at Kingscliff?

A little local secret is Zanzibar, which is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner - just wholesome goodness. Do try the sweet potato wedges! Or we love Henna Cafe in Pottsville or Osteria in Casuarina (they have a playground - winner).

And a family-friendly hidden gem?

Walk half way down South Beach at Kingscliff and you will find some big sand dunes. If you’re a fitness head, you can knock yourself out running up and down it! Or if you’re trying to wear the kids out, you can take some cardboard boxes and slide down the dunes - it’s so much fun! Or for some fun exploring, there are secret tracks all along the top of the sand dunes. My family loves being outdoors in nature. Chinderah Bay Antiques & Museum of the Sea, affectionately known as Rays Antiques to the locals, is a MUST when visiting Kingscliff. It’s full of nautical treasures. Dreamtime Beach at Fingal is very beautiful, too.

Where is the best place for a swim?

Kingscliff Creek

Something tourists might miss if they don’t read this?

The Spa at Peppers Resort is really lovely if you can sneak off for some time out. They have a beautiful relaxation room and mineral spa bath. Emmanuel's Wine Shop has the best selection of wines and boutique beer. I go in and tell them what I’m cooking for dinner and they always pick the perfect match for my meal plus they have a free wine tasting every Saturday at 5pm… hello!

Farm and Co @farm.and.co is rad! You can get some organic fruit and veg, pick some sunflowers, hold a chicken and have a coffee.

Food is one of our favourite parts of travelling or road tripping. Where are your fave haunts?

There are so many great eats in Kingscliff. A new favourite is Taverna for modern Greek food, Spice Den for anything Asian (do try the crispy chicken & corn fritters) Fins for something fancy; they have this amazing chocolate pudding fruit desert on the menu at the moment which is completely sugar free but SO delish! The Kingscliff Beach Hotel is a winner for the whole family (there’s a playground) and do try the coconut dhal with roasted pumpkin.

To follow Emma on Instagram @thebeachpeople or the shop their range of luxe seaside essentials here