Byron Bay Film Festival must-sees and must-dos

March 4, 2015 - 4 min read

You don’t have to be a movie-buff to enjoy an event or two at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF). Whether you like rom-coms or thrillers, there is something for everyone at this event. We’ve come up with a list of must-see programs and must-visit restaurants and bars to help you plan your film festival […]

You don’t have to be a movie-buff to enjoy an event or two at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF). Whether you like rom-coms or thrillers, there is something for everyone at this event. We’ve come up with a list of must-see programs and must-visit restaurants and bars to help you plan your film festival experience. So, grab the popcorn and a drink, here is our survival guide for the BBFF.
BBFF #1
After you have graced the BBFF red carpet arrival night at the Byron Bay Community Centre on Friday the 6th, chances are that you will want to keep the Hollywood feeling carrying on into the night.
Rae’s Fish Cafe

raes (1)
Rae’s Fish Cafe – Byron Bay

Word on the street is that Brangelina even pop in for a meal at this exclusive Byron Bay restaurant, so if your feet aren’t too sore from your shiny new shoes, Rae’s Fish Cafe should definitely be on your list. Rae’s boasts an unlimited dining option for its guests, ranging from private dining for that romantic dinner right through to a seat in the restaurant with ocean views. The al fresco dining at Rae’s seats 60 and has been named as the best restaurant in Byron Bay. The chefs do not spare any expense when it comes to the dishes served from this kitchen. End your red carpet evening with a meal that the world’s most famous celebrities would travel the globe for.
Where: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay, NSW.
BBFF #2
Are you a protector of the environment or a wildlife warrior? Session 9 at the Byron Bay Community Centre on Sunday the 8th at 4pm has a lineup of some amazing environmental films. Discuss your thoughts about these moving pictures at a grassroots indie bar.
The Northern
Grab a window seat and enjoy the wonderful tunes of grassroots music at its purest. With your typical pub menu and great music every night, The Northern is a great place to grab some grub and discuss the BBFF. The front room has a bar that overlooks Byron Bay’s main street, allowing you to soak in the town while you chat over a drink. Once you have thrown back your favourite pub meal, grab some locally brewed ale and hit the dance floor.
Where: 35-43 Johnson St, Byron Bay, NSW.
BBFF #3
Before you head to the Gala Party on Saturday the 14th, grab some pre-drinks and share a plate of great food with friends at a Melbourne style bar/restaurant.
St Elmo Dining Room & Bar
styelmo1
St Elmo Dining Room & Bar – Byron Bay

This contemporary dining room and bar is dedicated to its innovative menu and global drinks list. Enjoy a plate of modern Spanish tapas with your friends as you discuss the highlights of your festival experiences. St Elmo’s entire menu is design to be shared, so make sure you invite all of your BBFF friends, new and old. Choose between salad and vegetable, nibbles and cured meats, seafood, meats, desserts and cheese and plenty more. This is the perfect way to get ready to meet some of your favourite filmmakers from throughout the festival. Enjoy exclusive international wines and creative cocktail mixes while you fill your stomach up with tasty delights.
Where: 22 Fletcher St, Byron Bay, NSW.
BBFF #4
On the last day of the festival, If you have a love for all things Italian, you won’t want to miss Cabras Where Fables Are Born on Sunday the 15th at the Byron Bay Community Centre. But before you check out the beauty and spirit of the people of Sardinia, enjoy an Italian feast at our next restaurant.
Italian at the Pacific
italian (1)
Italian at the Pacific – Byron Bay

Contemporary Italian meals served in the stunning Byron Bay scenery, for Italian-lovers outside of Australia it might not get any better than this. Italian at the Pacific is located directly opposite Byron Bay’s Main Beach and offers it’s patrons some of the freshest and most generous meals they could ask for. Choose from the menu or enjoy the Chef’s blackboard specials that reflect the seasonal produce available in the region. Italian at the Pacific combines comtemporary a la Carte cooking with the traditional Italian cuisine many of us have come to love. Grab a glass of wine, enjoy the Byron Bay backdrop and discuss Cabras at your leisure.
Where: Bay St, Byron Bay, NSW.
Are you planning on going to the Byron Bay International Film Festival? Let us know about your must-sees in the comments below!