What To Pack For Byron Bay Surf Festival

This post comes from our Australia contributor, Miann Scanlan. Follow along with her on Instagram @freepeopleaustralia!

It’s so close. I can feel it in the air.

The molecules in Byron Bay are vibrating at a particularly high frequency in the lead up to the Surf Festival this weekend. The northern sun, she glistens and dances atop the water and smiles down upon surfers from far and wide as they slide across the face of gentle, rolling, seemingly never ending waves. The topic of chatter in the line up is centered around the impending festivities for the weekend ahead.

What we’re looking forward to most is pitching our tipi and creating a space to meet and mingle with the crowds that flock to the most beautiful beach-side town in Australia, devoting a weekend to celebrating one of my favorite feelings and a culture that unifies a divided world.

Join us this Saturday the 25^th of October in the Tipi Fashion Market, in the park at main beach, Byron Bay from 10am-6pm for a day of sunshine, live music, henna, palm reading, live surfboard art, fresh juices and more. You even have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind Free People x Dead Kooks surfboard, hand painted by Shannon Bawden of The Finatics!

Check out what I’m packing below, and be sure to follow Free People Australia and #FPByronBay on Instagram for live coverage of the event!

For a day at the beach:

 Get the Look: Double Cloth Boyfriend Tunic, Divine Stone One Piece, Nick Board Short, Gwen Leather Choker, Rhodes Sunglass, Vegan Tie Up Sandal

There are so many pristine beaches to choose from in Byron that are totally enveloped by the beautiful Australian bushland. From Tallows to Wategoes, to The Pass and Broken Head, take your pick, park yourself on a towel and spend the day in the sun with your girlfriends. Make sure to pack a polaroid camera to capture those blissful summertime moments.

For Surfing at The Pass: 

 Get the Look: Black Pearl Pants, Arizona Birkenstock, Dancer Top, Eva Highwaist Short, Dreamweaver Crossbody

This time of year the water temperature starts to feel like it’s on its way back to the warmth of summer. If you catch a sunny day, there’s no sign of a wetsuit in the line up! But if the clouds are out and the wind is slightly up, it’s time to sheepishly peel back on that extra layer to keep warm during those blissful moments waiting between sets in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

For the Tipi Market:

 Get the Look: Alaia Dress, Catesby Crossbody, Santiago Sneaker, All White Pretty Dreamcatcher

When travelling I always try to pack as lightly as possible. This lightweight semi-sheer fabric is perfect for a day exploring Byron Bay in the hot springtime sun. I’ll also take along a big tote to hold sunscreen, bikinis, and all the goodies found at the market, including those you’ll find in our Tipi on Saturday!

Follow Free People Australia on Instagram.