Byron Beach Cafe

Case Study: Making the best use of Crown land

Byron Beach Café - a Crown land jewel

The Byron Beach Café, overlooking the sands of Clarkes Beach, is one of many successful businesses operating on Crown land throughout NSW.

Thats no surprise because all the beaches and foreshores of our state are Crown land reserved for the enjoyment and benefit of the people.

Like many businesses on Crown land, the Byron Beach Café operates under a lease.

Many leases are managed by councils on behalf of the Land and Property Management Authority but it is the authority that is ultimately responsible for ensuring Crown land is well managed.

LPMA can and will act when things go wrong as occurred with the café, then named Clarkes Beach Café.

The café was established in 1982 to provide a niche beachside eatery with the laidback charm characteristic of Byron.

The lease was administered by Byron Shire Council and the café operated successfully for over 20 years.

Regulations changed, the café was unable to keep pace with new requirements and was forced to close due to non-compliance.

The lease expired in 2004 and councils attempts to re-tender stalled.

LPMA stepped in to resume control of the site, and the adjoining Clarks Beach Caravan Park, to ensure better management of beachside Crown land assets in Bryon Shire.

LPMA advertised the opportunity to re-establish the café and, through a transparent and fair process, selected experienced restaurateurs Beachfoods Pty Ltd.

Beachfoods initiated a simple but stunning redesign of the café with landscaping improvements to the adjoining parkland. The design and furnishings reflect the local coastal character and accentuate the natural qualities of the site.

The Byron Beach Café opened in November 2007 and is now one of hottest food destinations at one of Australias most popular beaches.

Diners are willing to book months in advance to enjoy top class cuisine prepared by world class chefs in a unique location with spectacular views from every table.

Byron Beach Café has been featured by the Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue Entertainment and Travel and Gourmet Traveller.

It is a wonderful example of a Crown land site enhancing the enjoyment of both residents and visitors.

Todays vibrant café resulted from LPMA working with the community to make the best use of a wonderful Crown land site that supports the local economy.