COFFEE QUEST

THE COFFEE Quest WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

The vibrant coffee culture of the Northern Rivers is driven by sustainable farming methods, boutique roasters and passionate brewers who aren’t afraid to do things a little differently. From the roastmaster (and Postmaster) of Uki to the coffee alchemist of Tyalgum, the Barefoot Roasters of Byron Bay, and the fragrant family-run coffee plantations and roasteries of the Byron hinterland, we take a scenic, caffeine-fuelled road trip to discover the coolest coffee experiences in the region.

DAY 1

Uki, Tyalgum

We start our coffee quest in the lush Tweed hinterland and the historic village of Uki, set at the foot of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), where our destination is the enchanting, heritage-listed 1909 Post Office, which now doubles as Bastion Lane Espresso (bastionlane.com). “People said I was bonkers,” says Postmaster/ roastmaster Gary Wall, who bought the post office in 2017, restored it, installed a gleaming Dietrich (the Rolls Royce of roasters), and opened an espresso bar. It was an instant hit. His sublime Post Master’s Blend, ethically grown Colombian and El Salvadorian beans, is rich and chocolatey with hints of hazelnut and citrus fruit, perfect for a morning latte. Don’t do dairy? Pick up a bag of Alt Coffee at the counter. Specially roasted for use with plant-based milks, its smooth acidity means no more split almond milk! Heading northwest through picturesque hills, we come to Tyalgum, another historic village that piles on the charm. At its heart is the wonderful Flutterbies Cottage Cafe (flutterbies.com.au), gateway to a collection of artisanal boutique retailers set around leafy Tuscan gardens. Here we find Flutterbucks, the creation of Archaeus Adidam, who roasted on-site until the popularity of his signature Double or Nothing coffee necessitated a bigger roaster. We sink into a Chesterfield lounge and enjoy the convivial surroundings and the joy of a perfect cappuccino brewed in the state-of-the-art Slayer Coffee Machine, then select a bag of Superior Rush – a specialty blend of Guatemalan, Brazilian and Ethiopian beans – to brew at home before browsing the gift shops and eating delicious homemade cakes in the tea room at Flutterbies Cottage Cafe.

DAY 2

Federal, Newrybar, Byron Bay

Day two begins with breathtaking coastal and hinterland views along Coolamon Scenic Drive, which leads us to the peaceful village of Federal, home to Moonshine Coffee (moonshinecoffee.com. au). A family affair, Moonshine had been cultivated, roasted and brewed in these hills for a decade. In 2016 the family left the farm behind to open Moonshine Coffee, Roastery and Espresso Bar. We breakfast in the garden (toasties, freshbaked raspberry and almond muffins, smooth flat whites). Then soak up the intoxicating scent of freshly roasting coffee while browsing the merchandise, which includes the popular Organic Moon Runner blend with hints of dark chocolate and toffee. Keen to try something different? How about the Magic Moonshine, an instant coffee blended with medicinal mushrooms for an extra boost of healing goodness. If you can’t make it to Federal, Moonshine now has another branch in Billinudgel (and at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane). Heading south, we come to Newrybar and Zentvelds Estate (zentvelds.com. au), which offers a unique crop to cup

Moonshine Roasters’ Federal store experience. That means sipping delicious 100% Australian coffee on the veranda of the Coffee House, with beautiful views over the coffee plantation. The cooler sub climate of Byron hinterland means less pests and diseases than the hotter climates of most coffee growing regions, so coffee can be grown naturally, while the longer ripening season creates a sweeter bean. It’s all about biodiversity and regenerative farming here on the Zentfeld family farm, and if you are keen to learn more, fascinating plantation tours can be organised in advance. To take home, we recommend the Zero Mile blend for the pure taste of Byron and a bag or two of the sensational awardwinning milk and dark chocolate espresso beans. You’re welcome! The Byron Bay Coffee Company is next door (byronbaycoffeeco.com.au). Franco and Annie Ivancich made the move to the Byron hinterland in 1989 to set up a coffee plantation. Initially, Annie sold the beans at the local market, while Franco roasted and blended. These days they source ethically grown Arabica Beans from around the world to create their well-loved, richly flavoured coffee. Sustainability is at the heart of Byron Bay Coffee, from organic and rainforest alliance certified beans to a solar-powered factory, reusable coffee tins, compostable coffee cups and recycled coffee sacks. There is no cafe on site, but you can pop by the cellar door to buy coffee (Organic Espresso is the most popular) or enjoy a fresh brew at Beach Byron Bay, Balcony or Mrs Birdy in South Golden Beach. Sustainability is also high on the agenda for Byron Bay roasters, Bun Coffee (buncoffee.com.au). From their very first roast in 2005, these guys have always committed to sourcing Organic, Fair Trade, or Rainforest Alliance beans and look at sustainability as a case of ‘why wouldn’t you’? Used coffee grinds and chaff waste are saved in compostable bags at their Arts & Industry Estate roastery for pick up by local gardening organisations/individuals to be used as compost. And even Bun’s empty hessian coffee sacks are either sold to raise funds for Byron Youth Service or donated to local Landcare groups where they are repurposed as compostable weed matting. Next, we head to Barefoot Brew Room in Byron Bay, an atmospheric hole in the wall espresso bar — just look for the crowd spilling out onto the pavement. The barefoot brewer himself, Rodney Contojohn, can usually be found behind the coffee machine and is always up for a chat about all things coffee. With a background as a chef, he applies the same principles of flavour combining to his Barefoot Roasters coffee blends (barefootroasters.com.au) as he would to preparing tasty dishes, roasting up his carefully selected beans in a vintage 1982 Probat Roaster. Espresso drinkers will love the Dark Star blend, but Contojohn does great single origin too and is constantly creating flavourful new blends, so be sure to drop by to sample his latest.

Zentvelds Estate

MR Meet JASON GRANT

WRITTEN BY KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

With a name synonymous with design, Jason Grant is a true creative force, from styling interior pages for some of the most lauded magazines to his signature paint collection at Murobond and, now, his redesign of the recently opened Blue Water Motel in Kingscliff.

One thing is for sure — Mr Jason Grant has nailed the ‘living in the moment’ creative approach to life. We caught up with the designer and Byron local to find out what rocks his boat, the inspiration behind the fresh new spaces at Blue Water Motel and where to from here.

First things first, introduce yourself, the who and why?

I’m Jason Grant, otherwise known as Mr Jason Grant, an interior stylist, designer, author and a multifaceted creative.

How did it all start for you, and tell us what a day in the creative life of Jason looks like?

I was always intrigued by interiors and creating spaces for people to feel comfortable in, so I began going to magazine shoots with a colleague. This led to a career styling for magazines, which ultimately led me to start my own creative business and brand.

Life is an evolution, and I’m never afraid of living my best creative life, jumping right in. I live in the moment, immerse myself in nature daily and blend my work and life with equal parts passion and creativity.

We’re so excited by your latest project, the Blue Water Motel in Kingscliff. Tell us about the inspiration and influences behind the collaboration.

From inception, it was clear what the Blue Water should be; relaxed and a bit retro, whilst retaining the original charm of an Aussie Surf Motel. It’s my dream design project. I was committed to painting the exterior a soft pale blue, and the owners were on board from the beginning. We kept the best elements and added details that felt like they belonged there and streamlined the spaces; less became more. Injecting colour and materials that made the space feel relaxed yet elevated, coastal but not too beachy, we feel like we created a bit of modern yet retro coastal cool for the town of Kingscliff.

Describe your style and what making a home looks like for you?

My home is my happy place, where I can express myself, and I love sharing this concept that your home is your sanctuary. I describe my style as relaxed but elevated — like my personality, they tend to go hand in hand. I love sharing how I do things and what inspires me through my journal, books and on socials — I’m a visual storyteller.

What’s your typical weekend ritual?

Weekends are my downtime, where I retreat. I love a sleep in and no fast moves. I do like adventuring in nature and hanging out with friends, but nothing too planned or structured. I tend to be spontaneous and go with the flow.

Which artists, designers and creatives are inspiring you at the moment?

I’m inspired by originality in creativity, like New York-based Byron Bay born artist Hunter Amos, and fashion brand Jac and Jack for their clever colour palette. I also really like furniture designer Lex Willams for his organic shapes and dreamy furniture pieces, Soft Edge Studio for their covetable ceramic tableware and artist Emma Gale for her beautiful collectible vessels.

What is next for you now that you’ve completed the Blue Water Motel?

I have a few exciting projects launching this year, but I never like to talk about them until they are signed, sealed and delivered. I would also love to explore doing more retro-inspired Aussie motels, as that was so fulfilling and fun.

Discover more of Jason’s inspiring world at mrjasongrant.com

HOME GROWN Haven

WRITTEN BY NATALIE BANNISTER

Nestled amongst lush tropical gardens on a peaceful acreage property, The Hinterland Studio has been designed as a minimalist, relaxing space where brands can let their creativity flourish.

The Hinterland Studio is the latest project of Shannon Sheedy, founder of Fair Trade homewares brand, The Dharma Door, and her husband Mick, who have lovingly built this haven of creative calm on their property in the charming village of Clunes. “The concept of The Hinterland Studio evolved organically out of a growing need for an on-site studio for our homewares business,” says Shannon of the stylish rural space. “In 2021, we renovated a shed on our property, and once it all started to take shape, a few people asked if we would consider hiring it out for photoshoots and workshops, which drove a bigger vision to share the space and create a studio with a difference for other brands to shoot their products or campaign imagery.” Shannon and Mick worked with a talented team of local trades to bring The Hinterland Studio’s design to life over several months, choosing recycled and eco-friendly materials wherever possible while also keeping in mind the need for a light, hardwearing blank canvas. “I wanted the space to feel like more than just a photographic studio, and as we both care deeply about environmental impact, we aimed to create a place of beauty without compromising on sustainability or the natural surroundings of the property,” Shannon says. “My signature style with The Dharma Door is lots of white, natural fibres

and plenty of texture, so we incorporated this same aesthetic into The Hinterland Studio, with a white cement finish troweled on the floors, micro cement in the bathroom and for the hair and makeup bench, recycled timbers and furniture and reed ceilings in some areas, along with some natural fibre rugs and lighting from The Dharma Door collection. The statement timber entrance doors are handcrafted with recycled teak, and the white French doors are from a salvage yard. We’ve also included beautiful archways with rounded corners reminiscent of Mediterranean architecture and a large window for abundant natural light. These features all serve as beautiful backdrops for fashion and homewares shoots alike while adding to the overall atmosphere of the space.” On a practical and sustainable level, there’s a modern compost toilet, and the studio harvests its own rainwater, with greywater going back onto the gardens. “We only use eco-friendly or recycled products — right down to the compostable coffee pods provided complimentary in the studio’s kitchen,” Shannon adds. The Hinterland Studio provides some equipment free of charge and offers an array of hire props, including some stunning decor pieces from The Dharma Door, and Shannon and Mick are always available to meet people on arrival and give them a quick tour of the studio space and surrounds. Driving to The Hinterland Studio is an experience in itself, with the couple’s idyllic property located at the end of a country road with amazing views. “Living on acreage means there’s always something to do, and our weekend typically involves some sort of work in the gardens, a labour of love for almost a decade,” says Shannon of their sweet escape. “Once guests arrive and pull into the parking area, they are typically awestruck by the lush subtropical and native plants surrounding the studio, from the majestic black bamboo to the huge tropical leaves of the monstera and heliconias. We felt incredibly grateful during Covid lockdowns that our home provided us with this kind of beauty, with fresh air and plenty to do in these beautiful gardens. That time gave us a new appreciation for where we live, especially for the nuances of the changing seasons and a better understanding of the cycles of plant life and animals around us.” Such a setting makes The Hinterland Studio a picture-perfect location for photoshoots and small events, and with all the region’s delights right on its doorstep, you can easily set up and settle in for a complete experience, combining work and play. “Our local village and the surrounding region is filled with growers, makers and clever creatives,” says Shannon of the area’s allure. “Byron Hinterland Villas is located in the same road as the studio and offers beautiful accommodation with gorgeous views. And we’re lucky to have some great dining destinations within easy reach, too. We love heading to The Eltham Hotel for a drink, which has a great vibe and live music (it’s only a ten-minute drive from the studio). The newly renovated Clunes Cafe can also cater for shoots at the studio, providing fresh food and artisan products from local farmers and producers — plus they stock smallbatch natural wines made by young and budding wine makers in their cellar. If you are hiring the studio on a Thursday, we recommend finishing your day there with a woodfired sourdough pizza by Il Carretto Pizza — it’s a lovely way to connect with locals.”

Discover more at thehinterlandstudio.com.au @thehinterlandstudio

ANIMALLoveWRITTEN BY ALISON BONE

Tucked away in a picturesque valley just ten minutes from the Byron and Tweed coasts, The Owl & The PussyCat Animal Sanctuary is a 130-acre, family-run charity that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes farmed animals.

While most of us are familiar with sanctuaries that shelter wildlife, we don’t often think about farms and why so many of these animals need rescuing too. For B Starbright, who started The Owl & The PussyCat with her partner, Finn, in 2017, the sanctuary is a childhood dream come true. “Most of the animals arrive physically and emotionally broken. I love seeing the light come back into their eyes and their spirits soften,” she explains. Having seen the beautiful photos and feel-good videos on Instagram, we were curious to meet B and the animals, setting out on a narrow country lane that meanders through beautiful hinterland scenery. Swinging open the farm gate reveals an idyllic pastoral scene. Fluffy white clouds drift across a vivid blue sky, sending shadows dancing across the valley. Cicadas hum, black cockatoos screech in the distance and animals graze on the lush grass that carpets the steep slopes. At first glance, it could have been any number of farms that dot the region, albeit a particularly enchanting one. But as B shows us around, the true soul of the sanctuary is revealed. Two sheep, Ali and BaaBaa, accompany us on our walk — they were rescued as lambs and seem to think they are dogs (or humans.) We feed hay to the cows — our favourite being Peppi L’Amore, who has long fluttering eyelashes and a heartshaped forehead marking. Peppi was rescued from a dairy farm as a calf and loves a chest rub. There is also a trio of cheeky but adorable mini horses, a sassy goat called Blossom, and Brumbies, Dusty and Matilda, all the way from Mount Kosciuszko. Amidst it all, chickens and ducks (rescued from intensive farming) forage around the paddocks and dams, along with Buttons, a young rooster who, surprisingly, enjoys a cuddle and is happily passed around the group. The most heartening encounter is with Gemma, a 37-year-old retired racehorse. Spending time with this sweet, gentle soul as she rested her head on our shoulder, we now understand the benefits touted by equineassisted therapy. “She is so gentle and trusting and offers so much love to anyone who spends time with her,” says B. Later in the afternoon, we all hang out by the farmhouse, humans and animals sharing a sweet moment of interconnectedness. “Animals, particularly rescues, can teach us so much about ourselves if we just allow them to connect with us,” says B. As a self-funded, non-for-profit charity, the sanctuary relies on donations that can be made online, and you can browse the website store to buy bales of hay, postcards and greeting cards. “Every animal who comes through our doors has a unique personality and story to tell,” says B, which is the inspiration for their latest initiative, Owl & PussyCat Tales, a beautifully illustrated letter that carries a story direct from the sanctuary, told by a different rescue resident each month. “We wanted people from near and far to be able to connect with the animals,” explains B. The Tales are also perfect for homeschoolers and teachers to share with their class, including education about farm animals. Sign up on the website (letters can be sent digitally or by mail) or contact B to arrange a visit to the sanctuary.

owlandpussycatfarm.com.au