To make the batter and cake layers

1 ¼ cups sifted cake flour
2 teaspoons double acting baking powder (most baking powders are double acting)
6 egg yolks
¾ cup sugar
6 egg whites

Method

Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Line bottom of three 9-inch layer-cake pans with parchment paper.

Sift previously sifted flour with baking powder. In a small mixing bowl, beat 6 egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar on high speed until light. Fold beaten yolks into the flour mixture using an electric hand mixer on low.

In a large bowl, beat 6 egg whites until still. Fold the beaten egg whites into the flour-egg yolk mixture using a rubber spatula. Gently pour into the three pans. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and a tooth pick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool, inverted, on racks for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from pans, wrap in plastic or waxed paper, and freeze overnight.

To make the Butter Cream Filling with Chocolate Shavings

3 squares cooking chocolate
¾ cup butter (12 tablespoons) butter
1 ¼ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
2 whole eggs

Method

Using a knife, shred chocolate squares and set aside. In a small bowl, mix, at high speed, the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and 2 eggs until creamy. Chill for 30 minutes.

To make the frosting

2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method

Whip the heavy whipping cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Chill constantly until ready to frost the cake.

Thaw wrapped cakes at room temperature for one hour. On a plate, place one of the cake layers, bottom side up; spread with half of the butter cream filling, then sprinkle with shredded chocolate. Place second layer and repeat filling and chocolate, then place third layer. Frost entire cake with the whipped cream frosting and garnish with strawberries or preferred fruit (e.g. banana, raspberries, blueberries). Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Image: courtesy of Siri Iversen

Would you like to cook, create or bake some Norwegian dishes? Win a copy of Gudrun’s Kitchen: Recipes from a Norwegian Family (the same family who created this bløtkake recipe). To be in with a chance to win, leave a comment below simply telling us that you would like to win it. The winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org and notified by email. All Abroad Baby followers worldwide are eligible to enter. This giveaway opens 9am (AEST) 17 May 2013 and closes midnight (AEST) 25 May 2013.

All Abroad Baby has followers all over the world, from Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, Spain and the States. Become an ‘All Abroad Baby’ by subscribing to our free e-news full of global recipes, family travel tips, fashion for little ones and regular giveaways – click here.

Nature, culture, Vikings and a nudist beach…

On the 17th of May each year Norwegians across the world celebrate Syttende Mai – Norway’s National Day. “It’s a very big deal up here, bigger than Christmas, New Year and your birthday,” says travel journalist Anne-Sophie Redisch, who hails from the country’s capital city, Oslo. “Everyone dresses up – most wear a bunad (national costume), and there are parades through every city, town and tiny outpost.” Here, Anne-Sophie reveals the best of what Oslo has to offer its visitors… 

What’s the main reason people visit Oslo?

Most people visit Oslo for the fantastic nature surrounding the city on all sides. And for sports, either to participate or to watch. Especially winter sports. Even more especially Nordic skiing: cross-country or ski jumping. For the extreme-sport oriented maniacs, the famous adventure travel venues, especially for base jumping and wingsuit flying, are in the West country.

On one side, Oslo is bordered by the fjord. On all others, by the hills, calm lakes and rivers of Oslomarka Forest. Just 15 minutes by public transport from the city centre, locals take advantage of the surrounding nature at every opportunity. Many visitors do too.

What’s the main reason you think people should be visiting?

Oslo is one of the world’s premier destinations for ecotourism. Many Oslovians feel they’ve drawn the winning ticket in life’s lottery for living here, and the city’s close proximity to nature is a big part of that. So if visitors come for nature, that’s as it should be. But Oslo offers heaps of cultural sights and activities as well. Locals adore Frogner Park (pictured, above); ambling (or walking the dog, running, or skateboarding) among the fabulous sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. Strolling on the roof of the Oslo Opera House is another favourite. As is the maritime Bygdøy Peninsula.

A friend of a friend is visiting Oslo, what’s one thing they can’t miss?

Just one thing, eh? Tough one. I recommend buying a ticket for the hop-on hop-off boat that ply between City Hall, Bygdøy and the Opera House; getting off and spending time at whichever spot takes your fancy. The boat is an old, wooden sailing ship and the trip is great in summer. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s equally wonderful in winter, standing on deck with a cup of hot gløgg (Nordic mulled wine) in hand, as snow softly falls. Just be sure you’re dressed warmly. Seeing Oslo from the fjord gives you a sense of how the Vikings must have felt when returning home after ages at sea.

If they had a whole day in Oslo what would you suggest they do?

To get your bearings, I recommend the boat-trip above. Then take your time exploring one or two of the stops more in depth. You haven’t time to see all three in one day. At the Opera House, join the locals for a walk up the cool, sloping marble roof (pictured, above) and enjoy excellent fjord views from the top. At City Hall you have a number of options. Check out the artsy entrance hall, and don’t be surprised if you feel you’ve seen those paintings before. This is where the annual Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony takes place.

A few hundred metres up the hill is Akershus, a medieval fortress with more stunning fjord views. Back down the hill, you’ll find the evocative Nobel Peace Centre and the lively renovated ship yard Aker Brygge, full of quirky shops and cafes. Have lunch there, or – if it’s summer, buy a delicious basket from Pascal’s Cafe de la Paix in the Peace Centre and hop on the tram to Frogner Park for a lovely picnic on the grass. You’ll be surrounded by 212 life-size nudes and the scent of thousands of roses.

What if they had three days?

Three days? Much better (but still not enough). So you’ve already spent one day checking out the Opera House, City Hall, Aker Brygge, Akershus Fortress and Frogner Park. It’s time to explore Norway’s more than 1000-year-old maritime history at Bygdøy. You’ll find well-preserved Viking ships, the Polar Ship Fram used by Roald Amundsen in Antarctica (he was the first to reach the South Pole), the ocean-crossing Kon-Tiki raft and much more. Norsk Folkemuseum, the world’s first open-air museum is at Bygdøy as well, as are lovely nature walks and Huk Beach, where clothing is optional, so you might want to skip this if you’re not as open minded as some Oslovians). Set aside at least one day for Bygdøy, and even then, you’ll just touch the surface.

Spend your last day in the great outdoors. You have a choice between exploring Oslomarka Forest or the islands of the Oslo Fjord (if you get up very early, you could do both). A 15-minute trip on the metro takes you to Holmenkollen, where you can have a look at the ski jump and the Museum of Skiing. Kids (and adults who are big kids at heart) can have a go at the cool ski jump simulator. Continue up the hill to Frognerseteren, an iconic restaurant at the forest’s edge, for coffee and waffles. Locals prefer theirs served with sour cream and strawberry jam. Then, take a hike! Or, if it’s winter, strap on cross-country skis and glide through miles and miles of trails. If it’s Sunday, you won’t be alone. Seems half the city finds their way here on weekends. No worries, though – there’s room for everyone.

Back down in the city centre, grab a picnic lunch and hop on the ferry for a short ride to Hovedøya Island, where you can roam about the ruins of a 12th century monastery, get up close with free-roaming sheep and goats, take an invigorating swim in the Oslo Fjord or just laze at the beach.

What will you never catch a local doing?

Taking the tourist train. Or having one’s picture taken while teasing the Royal Palace Guards with their ridiculous hats. However, Norwegians from out of town will do this.

What will you catch a local doing?

* Crossing on red – it’s not actually illegal and pedestrians always have the right-of-way.

* At the first sign of summer, throwing away their inhibitions. And most of their clothes.

* Also in summer, enjoying after-work beers at Aker Brygge, or along Karl Johans gate (the main street of Oslo). Beginning at 2pm.

What local delicacies would visitors be fools not to try?

Nordic cuisine is all the rage. Slow, informal meals based on fresh locally-grown raw materials. Try fish, seafood, moose and reindeer.

In 140 characters, sum up your home town as a great destination…

Come to Oslo to experience nature, culture and Vikings. Bring the kids!

Anne-Sophie Redisch has been travelling the world for 25 years, mostly with her children, sometimes solo. She is the author of Fodor’s travel guide European Ports of Call. Her work has also been published on many travel websites and inflight magazines, including NationalGeographic.com and British Airways Business Life. Anne-Sophie writes about travel on her blog Sophie’s World.

Images: courtesy of Anne-Sophie Redisch

This article was first published on World Reviewer.

Treehouses, a car-free island and wildlife aplenty… 

One of the most alluring areas in Europe, the South of France tumbles along the Mediterranean’s shores, sublimely stretching its way from Marseille to the Italian frontier. The ‘French Riviera’ may bring to mind celeb-studded luxury yachts and high rollers. Yet in reality, the region emanates a laid-back, fun-in-the-sun vibe – although it’s worth bearing in mind that stays are far softer on the wallet outside of July and August. British travel journalist and author Kathryn Tomasetti shares her top six all-time favourite things to do in the South of France with children – whether you’re travelling with tots, teens or kids of any age in between. 

This entire region of France is crammed with history, wildlife, beaches and family-friendly fun. Visitors can ramble through the Haut-Thorenc’s pristine nature reserve, inhabited by bison and red deer. Or scope out the South of France’s indigenous wolves in the Alpine Parc du Mercantour. Splash around the coastline’s scattering of sub-tropical islands, or bed down in your very own treehouse under the stars. And this pretty region’s clement climate ensures its beautiful beaches are unmissable too. The best ones run all the way from the rugged path that rings the St-Tropez Peninsula to the famed Promenade des Anglais at Nice. There are, of course, dozens more things for you to see. Here are the South of France with Kids author’s top six:

1. Explore Nice’s Promenade des Anglais

Running from the airport west of town to the pleasure port to the east, Nice’s five-kilometre stretch of seafront promenade has it all. The almost-entirely pedestrianised Promenade des Anglais is sweepingly wide and flat – making it idyllic for strolling, cycling and rollerblading. Get moving on a Roller Station bike (€10/half-day), rollerblades (€7/half-day) and skateboards (€6/half-day). Then spend the afternoon splashing around at hip HI-Beach. This private beach is divided into themed sections (play, energy, relax), as well as offering shady, softly padded Family Houses (€49/half-day), Asian-influenced cuisine and blanket WiFi.

2. See wild Mongolian horses

Nestled into the Haut-Thorenc region, the Réserve des Monts d’Azur is a 700-hectare wilderness reserve open to the public between April and mid-November. The protected Haut-Thorenc region may sit just a short drive from St-Tropez’s summertime crowds, but the reserve is another world, populated by herds of bison, red deer, eagles and endangered Mongolian wild horses. Guided walking safaris (1.5hrs) cost €19 per adult, €15 per child (12-17 years old), €11 per child 11 years and under, and should be booked at least two days in advance. Alternatively, daily tours in picturesque horse-drawn, all-terrain carriages are also a fun option.

3. Scope out your own stretch of sand

A public sentier du littoral, or coastal walking path, edges the South of France’s coastline almost the entire way from Marseille to the resort of Menton on the Italian border. One of the prettiest sections hops between the deserted beaches of the St-Tropez Peninsula, connecting family-friendly Plage Gigaro and ritzy Plage Pampelonne. Most of these quiet coves are great for snorkelling and swimming. Note that the trek can be challenging in parts, and is best undertaken with surefooted kids. For a smoother, flatter stretch of the South of France’s sentier du littoral, try ambling one of the three peninsulas surrounding Nice: Cap Martin (easiest), Cap d’Antibes (moderate, although not a complete loop) or Cap Ferrat (moderate to challenging).

4. Snooze beneath the stars

Orion B&B’s (two-night family stays from €350 depending on season) five fantastical treehouses are set just outside St-Paul-de-Vence, the South of France’s archetypal village perchée (hilltop village). In particular, King Louie and Colonel Hathi will charm kids and Ewok-fantasists alike, and can fit families of four and five respectively. Grown-ups can indulge in yoga lessons or aromatherapy massages; little ones can splash around Orion’s natural outdoor swimming pool. The treehouses, as well as plenty of woodpeckers, dragonflies and ancient olive trees, are dotted over 7000 square metres of sun-dappled grounds. Book well in advance.

5. Track wild wolves

Tucked into the mountainous Parc du Mercantour’s Boréon Valley, the Alpha Wolf Park (€12 adult, €10 children 4-12 years old, free for children 3 and under) is dedicated to restoring the South of France’s indigenous wolf population. Local wolves came close to extinction over the last century. Happily, the nature reserve is home to three growing packs of wild wolves. Allow a good two hours to explore the park’s hiking trails, observation huts and kids’ playground. Be sure to bring along a jumper: the park sits at 1500 metres and can be chilly even in summer.

6. Escape to a deserted island

Pack a picnic lunch and cast off for the Ile Ste-Marguerite. This sub-tropical island floats just over the water from Cannes. OK, so it’s not exactly deserted, but this fragrant, entirely car-free gem is a delightful respite from the Riviera’s summertime buzz. Dotted with Aleppo pines and skirted by gentle Mediterranean waves, Ile Ste Marguerite is also home to Musée de la Mer, an ancient fort that boasts the scary cell where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned for 11 years. Daily ferries (return €12 adult, €7.50 children 5-10 years old, free for children 4 and under; 15-minute journey) depart from Cannes year-round.

Kathryn Tomasetti is the author of Footprint’s guidebook South of France with Kids. Her work has also been featured in the Guardian, Sunday Times Travel, The Independent and Time Out.

Images: courtesy of Kathryn Tomasetti

Footprint Travel Guides has 5 copies of Kathryn Tomasetti’s South of France with Kids up for grabs. To be in with a chance to win yourself a copy, leave a comment below simply telling us you’d like to win it. The winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org and notified by email. All Abroad Baby followers worldwide are eligible to enter. This giveaway opens 9am (AEST) 15 May 2013 and closes midnight (AEST) 23 May 2013.

All Abroad Baby has followers all over the world, from Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, Spain and the States. Become an ‘All Abroad Baby’ by subscribing to our free e-news full of family travel tips, fashion for little ones, recipes from around the globe and regular giveaways – click here.

Out of this world bedding from the Netherlands… 

This astronaut bedding is possibly the grooviest and most unique we’ve ever seen. It’s made by a Dutch design duo who originally created a cardboard-box-print duvet cover with the aim of donating a large part of the proceeds to The Dutch Foundation for Homesless Youngsters. They did this and many magazines, newspapers and blogs wrote about it. Then other foundations in the UK and Germany joined in and people all over the world started emailing the designers wanting to buy their quirky bedding.

Fast forward 18 months and we have designs like the fabulous Astronaut, above, Trampoline and Princess. It’s enough to have you wanting one of their original designs in double, queen and king sizes. Well, guess what, they do! Be the first in the galaxy to own one. You’ll find them here.

These bite-size tarts from this westernmost European country are fantastic for a little one’s birthday party – they’re easy to make, nutritious and the recipe makes 36 of each version (if you don’t need this many just halve each of the ingredients). Mini savoury egg custards are also a great snack that includes some greens, so make a full batch of each, pop them in the freezer and whip them out when the kids are hungry or when visitors pop by. All Abroad Baby readers have the chance to win a copy of José Avillez’s cookbook, Petiscar com Estilo (see below recipe for details). 

To make the leek egg custard

50g unsalted butter
500g leeks
100ml cream
2 egg yolks
Salt
Pepper

Method

Melt the butter in a deep pan. Add the leeks sliced into thin strips. Season, cover and let them stew. Add a little water and let it cook. When the leeks are cooked, add the cream and let it boil. Whiz everything in a blender, sieve and leave to cool. When it is cold, add the egg yolks, check the seasoning and reserve.

To make the pea and mint egg custard

50g unsalted butter
500g frozen peas
Mint (we used a handful of fresh mint leaves)
100ml cream
2 egg yolks
Salt
Pepper

Method

Melt the butter in a deep pan. Add the peas and mint. Season, cover with water. Let it boil for 4 minutes. Whiz everything in a blender, sieve, add the cream and leave to cool. When it is cold, add the egg yolks, check the seasoning and reserve.

To prepare the puff pastry

Puff pastry (we used 4 sheets of supermarket puff pasty)
Melted butter

Method

Lay out the pastry and brush with melted butter at room temperature and roll out the pastry as if it were for a tart. Let it rest for 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Cut the roll into rough coin-sized shapes (we used a round pastry cutter) and put them in individual pie shapes on a pie tray (we used mini muffin trays). Push the pastry to fit the shape. Fill each pie with the filling of your choice and put them in a preheated oven at 220ºC for approximately 8 minutes or until golden.

Win a copy of José Avillez’s latest cookbook Petiscar com Estilo. To be in with a chance to win, leave a comment below simply telling us that you would like to win it. The winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org and notified by email. All Abroad Baby followers worldwide are eligible to enter. This giveaway opens 9am (AEST) 3 May 2013 and closes midnight (AEST) 21 May 2013.

All Abroad Baby has followers all over the world, from Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, Spain and the States. Become an ‘All Abroad Baby’ by subscribing to our free e-news full of global recipes, family travel tips, fashion for little ones and regular giveaways – click here.

Travel writer David Robert Hogg reminds us – the window is closing… 

Can I have 3 minutes of your life?

3 minutes – that’s it.

Read this!

I’m going to convince you to travel with your kids. That it’s worth it. That it’s special. That you can do this.

It’s not going to be the trip you had before you had kids. It’s going to demand a lot of you. You’ve got to be On all the time. You’ve got to plan. You’ve got to Go when you want to Stop and Stop when you want to Go. You’ve got to have stores of patience to rival a monk.

But there’s the payoff. It’s great. Like parenthood itself, it’s something you can’t quite explain until you’re in it. You can’t get there by some other route. There’s something unique about traveling with kids. You can’t sleepwalk through it. Or fake it. You can’t sum it up in a postcard.

I loved traveling when I was single. I loved traveling with my wife just after we were married. But I love it more now that I have kids. It takes it to another level. A different level. It’s almost a whole different experience. You can drink a glass of water. You can dive into the ocean. They both involve water but are almost totally different.

There’s something else added that changes it. Alters it. You see another side of local life. You’re accepted in. You share something with the locals that other travelers don’t. Even the most jaded and shady taxi driver or tout will let his guard down when he sees your kids. He’ll talk about his own children and where he lives and how last year his whole family took the train up North, into the mountains, to a little village where his mom still lives.

Believe me. I’ve done it both ways. There’s nothing those young backpackers can do to experience what you’re experiencing. What your kids are experiencing.

Don’t believe the hype. You can do this. I know you can.

Don’t be one of those people who gets to the end of their life and wishes they had done this or done that, hiked this trail or spent a month on that island just down by the tip of Italy. Don’t get to the end of your life and wish you’d done something special and unique with your kids when you could have.

You’ve got a window, and it’s closing – from the moment they’re born it’s closing.

You’ve got a choice. There’s a lot in life you want to do. You dream about. But this isn’t like reading Shakespeare or learning Greek or taking a pottery course. Those things you can do when you’re 22 or 82 and it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference.

But traveling with your kids is something you have to do now. You have to start now. Start planning. Start thinking. Start thumbing through guide books, running your fingers over maps, staring at pictures of beaches and mountains and rope bridges and great teeming Asian markets and see yourself, with your kids, slowly weaving your way through the magic.

This can be the start right here! The day you read this piece.

And 2 years from now or 20. One night while you’re sitting around the dinner table, someone will ask you: “Where was that photo of your daughter taken?”. And you’ll begin a tale about your kids buying a strange piece of fruit at the market. And they didn’t know how to open it. So they handed it back to the fruit seller. This lady who didn’t speak a word of English, who sat on this mat with fruit from god knows what tree ringed around her like gold around a king — and she took the fruit with her hand and banged it once. And then twice. And poof it split open. And she held it all in both hands and offered it back to us like she was paying a debt her grandfather had owed. Only she had this smile, I don’t know, this smile like — you gotta taste this. And my daughter slowly slides her hands out to grab it and the look on her face! Well, that’s when I took that picture. And those are the lady’s hands right there, you can just make them out.

“And what made you decide to go?”, they’ll ask.

Well, uhmm, this sounds sort of corny, but one day I was bouncing between different websites and I stumbled upon this one travel blog about this guy who traveled with his kids and he was saying how magical it was, how special it was, and that you’ve just got one chance and you’ve got to take it now or it’s going to slip away and it won’t come back. It’s not coming out on DVD. There are no night classes for the missed credits. And, I don’t know, I just said to myself we’re doing it. We’re going on a trip.

All You Need to Know is That It’s Possible!

“One of the under-reported stories of the internet is this: it constantly reports on what’s possible. Somewhere in the world, someone is doing something that you decided couldn’t be done.” – Seth Godin

David Robert Hogg publishes a hotel guide for families at Samkip.com, his writing is featured on LonelyPlanet.com and he blogs about travelling the world with kids at My Little Nomads.

All Abroad Baby has followers all over the world, from Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, Spain and the States. Become an ‘All Abroad Baby’ by subscribing to our free e-news full of family travel tips, fashion for little ones, recipes from around the globe and regular giveaways. Click here to subscribe.

These funky retro tees from Brooklyn, NYC, feature iconic and often out-of-print book covers. The designers work with artists, authors and publishers to license the content, so you’ll find tees featuring children’s classics, such as Charlotte’s Web, Babar Comes to America, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Frog and Toad are Friends and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

Mum and Dad don’t miss out either – classics such as A Clockwork Orange, Catch-22, The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451 and Little Women are also available. And they’re not just to be found on T-shirts. Have your much-loved book cover printed on a tote bag, coasters, your phone cases or a greeting card. For each product sold, a book is donated to a community in need via Books for Africa. Check out the selection of book covers here.

For your funky little flyer…

We couldn’t not share this fantastic canvas aeroplane-applique suitcase with you. It’s made of strong canvas for durability and it comes in a range of colours, from this orange wave print above, to turquoise, black, green and purple. They’re also available in two sizes – medium (38Wx28Hx11D) and large (45Wx32Hx15D). They’re designed by this clever French duo who live on the Indonesian island of Bali and we found them on sale here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
2 onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 kilogram chicken (we used chicken thighs)
3/4 tablespoon red chilli powder (we opted to leave this out as our little ones aren’t used to chilli)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 tablespoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (optional, see Sailu’s tips, below)
1/4 cup tomato puree
1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
10 cashew nuts (soaked in 2 tablespoons milk or water for 15 minutes then grind to a fine paste)
1 sprig fresh curry leaves
Salt (to taste)

Method

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed vessel, add the chopped onions and sauté for 4 minutes.

2. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook on high heat for 4 minutes. Reduce heat and cook the chicken for 5 minutes.

3. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and kasuri methi and mix. Place lid and cook on low to medium heat for 8 minutes.

4. Add tomato puree and mix. Cook for 3 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt and place lid. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.

5. Add garam masala powder, cashew nut paste and curry leaves. Mix and cook without lid until you achieve the desired curry consistency.

6. Turn off heat and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm with rice or rotis.

Tips

* Kasuri methi is optional. If you don’t have it on hand, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint/pudina leaves or coriander leaves.

* If you don’t have ready-made tomato puree on hand, make your own. Grind a large tomato to a fine paste and use it in place of store-bought tomato puree.

* Tomato puree and cashew nut paste are essential for this recipe, so don’t omit them.

* If you don’t have curry leaves, omit them. Use fresh coriander leaves as a final garnish.

Image: courtesy of Sailu’s Kitchen

All Abroad Baby has followers all over the world, from Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, Spain and the States. Become an ‘All Abroad Baby’ by subscribing to our free e-news full of global recipes, family travel tips, fashion for little ones and regular giveaways – click here.

Much more than just a beach… 

While chatting with a waitress about what keeps us coming back to this Australian seaside town on the far north coast of New South Wales, she commented: “It’s a magical place. I’ve never known anywhere like it. Everyone here is so lovely.” And she was right. I’d never had a bad experience in Byron Bay – before or after we’d had children. 

Walk past a middle-aged couple leaving their apartment at the end of their holiday and they’ll offer you the juicy, ripe, whole watermelon they’d bought the day before but didn’t get around to eating. Ask the local baker if he can make a few cupcakes in 24 hours for your little one’s birthday and you’ll pick up a box of deliriously delicious toddler-size, number-three-shaped chocolate mudcakes. Stop to watch the hippie surfer throwing a pebble across the beach for his dog to chase, collect and eagerly bring back, and he’ll introduce your excited little ones to ‘Benny’. Pop your toddler in a high chair at a busy cafe and the staff will take the time to bring out some crayons, a colouring book, a few toys and a book. Yes, these stories are based on true events. The waitress was right – everyone here is lovely.

On top of its friendly community vibe, Byron Bay has us returning year after year for more reasons than this feature has room for. It’s the way our little ones happily embrace the ocean at Main Beach, which is usually calm, protected by the Cape Byron Headland. It’s the well-equipped, tree-shaded playground on Bay Street, in front of Main Beach, where you can pop across the road to the town centre and grab some healthy, takeaway lunch for a picnic in the park. The enticing array of places to eat with plenty of high chairs in sight serving fare from everywhere – Japanese, Moroccan, French, Indian and Thai, to Persian, Italian, Spanish, Mexican and good old fish and chips. The way that so many shops, cafes and restaurants take pride in supporting local farmers, designers and artists. That there is so much else to do when you’re not at the beach. Last but not least, the colourful mix of locals, tourists, backpackers, buskers and families from all walks of life all here for one thing in particular – a soulful experience by the sea.

But parents of little ones are likely to laugh at the combination of the words sea, soulful, family, holiday in one sentence. Going on a beach vacation with children under the age of five is a different experience to taking school-age kids, for the obvious reason that they’re not as independent. They need you to entertain them, and let’s face it, being on the go 24/7 defeats the purpose of a holiday – to relax. So in the name of parents of little ones who love the beach, arty communities and who won’t retreat to the safety of their accommodation at the sight of a dreadlocked backpacker, All Abroad Baby went in search of what Byron Bay has to offer little ones that will ensure mum and dad have a holiday too. Here are our top five things to do with kids under five:

1. Swim at Main Beach 

Sheltered from the wind by the Cape Byron Headland, patrolled by surf lifesavers, a baby change facility in the surf club, a playground shaded by trees and located smack bang at the end of Jonson Street where you’ll find the town’s cluster of cafes, restaurants and shops, Main Beach screams ‘This is one of Australia’s best beaches for families’. Entry: Free.

2. Do a Drum and Jungle Jam class

What child wouldn’t enjoy banging on a kid-size African djembe drum on a Saturday afternoon in a ‘drum and jungle jam’ class? Little ones can feel the rhythm of their own beat and get their groove on in this special class for kids by Threeworlds. Cost: $15AU per class.

3. Head to Byron Bay Regional Markets

If your trip includes a weekend, dress the kids in fairy wings and head to one (or more) of Byron’s regional markets. Byron Bay Market (1st Sunday of the month as well as the 3rd Sunday in December and January), The Channon Markets (3rd Sunday) and Bangalow Markets (4th Sunday) are the largest in the area and there’s plenty for the kids to do (face painting, candle making, rides and even tie dying on offer). You’ll often see live bands playing music, featured buskers, and for mums and dads there’s fresh locally grown produce, art and craft stalls aplenty and fare from all over the world (organic food buffs, vegetarians and vegans won’t be disappointed). Entry: Free.

4. Take part in a Kinder Circus class

Children aged 1-5 years have plenty of fun in this Saturday circus skills class. With the help of mum or dad (who are present throughout the class) and an instructor, kids make their way around an obstacle course that includes a balance beam, mini-trampoline, tightwire, foam wheels, hula hoops and a big parachute. The indoor Play Space will keep kids occupied for hours ($8 for 2 hours play or $5 with any class). Go to Circus Arts Byron Bay to book a class. Cost: $12AU per class, $20 for 2 children (same family). $28 for 3 children (same family).

5. Picnic at Cape Byron Lighthouse

A visit to Byron Bay without a trip to its iconic lighthouse would be like going to London without seeing Buckingham Palace. Cape Byron is mainland Australia’s most-easterly point and the lighthouse sits atop a 94-metre cliff with jaw-dropping views out to sea. Have a picnic breakfast, lunch or dinner (whichever suits your little one’s sleep times) and take in the magnificent scenery, enjoy some dolphin spotting and, from June to November, see whales on their migration! Top your day off with an ice cream from The Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe. Entry: $7AU per car.

Resources for more information:

Byron Visitor Centre

Northern Rivers Tourism

Australia: Spellbound by Byron Bay from Condé Nast Traveller

Images: courtesy of Northern Rivers Tourism, Circus Arts Byron Bay

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