Byron Bay part 1

Things we like to do

I’ve been living in the Northern Rivers on Bundjalung land for the past eight years. Like many visitors, I always wanted to come live here and see if I liked it. After closing my shop in my mid-twenties and travelling for a few months on my own, I had always planned to move here. I had visited three or four times before with a friend, and we always had the best time. Travelling alone and moving countries alone was a huge step for me, and I wasn’t sure if I would end up staying.

I arrived and found a room in a share house (in the garage) and got a job as a cleaner. I didn’t want to work in a cafe or restaurant then because I had just stopped my shop. Cleaners here get paid very well ($50/hr!), and it was a great way to get my bearings around the area. I ended up cleaning until I was 36 weeks pregnant with Patience, and I loved it.

We live a simple yet busy life with our three kids, dog, two cats, and 11 chickens. Nestled in the countryside, next to the village of Federal, we’re surrounded by numerous small towns and villages. This area is home to many young families, making it an ideal place for children. While I do miss the cultural diversity of a city, this region holds a special place in my heart.