With a childhood shared between Sydney and Papua New Guinea, model and writer Jessica Vander Leahy is no stranger to travel.

Byron Bay

"I live a little bit out of town, so I spend a lot of time up in the hills and try to get a bit of distance between me and town day-to-day. I love to have a coffee up at Doma. That’s where I like to spend my mornings."

Federal Doma Cafe

"Byron has a big emphasis on fitness. I love Counterpunch. It’s definitely a mecca for me. There’s nothing better than hitting a bag every day to get a bit of excess energy out, and perhaps take out a bit of frustration and imagine a few people’s faces on the bag."

Counterpunch Boxing

"I don’t want to sound cliché, but you’ve got to have a drink at Raes in the afternoon, especially when it’s sunny and the wind is not battering that side of the coast. I’m a gin drinker, and there’s just so many great gins in Byron. A martini would probably be my go-to."

Raes on Wategos Cellar Bar

"I love Yeah Nice Gallery in the industrial area. Probably one of the best shows I’ve seen was Anna Karina’s ceramic show. She’s an amazing artist."

Yeah Nice Gallery

"Even on an average day it remains one of the best beaches on the entire planet."

Wategos Beach

Byron Bay with Jessica Van Der Leahy

Discover exceptional places with exceptional people

Jessica VAN DER LEAHY

Byron Bay with Jessica Van Der Leahy

Hidden Gem...

Hidden Gem...

Hidden Gem...

Hidden Gem...

Hidden Gem...