Shannon Bennett returns to the restaurant scene with a bold new multi-venue dining precinct in Byron Bay, blending barefoot ease with world-class innovation.
Byron Bay is about to welcome a new chapter in its culinary evolution – and it’s arriving with serious pedigree. The Belongil , a new venture from acclaimed chef Shannon Bennett, opens its doors this December, reimagining the way locals and travellers experience food, connection and place.
A precinct, not a restaurant
The Belongil is a new venture from acclaimed chef Shannon Bennett.
Forget the traditional restaurant model; The Belongil is a multi-venue precinct built around contrast, craft and community. Designed as “a living precinct," it blends raw Byron energy with world-class ambition across four distinct spaces: The Kiosk, Belongil Bistro, FEU and Blind Tiger.
Co-founded by Bennett and his neighbour Glen Norman, The Belongil represents a shared investment of more than $10 million – a collaboration built on their long friendship and mutual passion for design, architecture and gastronomy.
The Belongil’s culinary direction comes courtesy of a powerhouse team of Bennett’s long-time collaborators – Cory Campbell, Ryan Henley, Steven Kirkpatrick and Carlos Simoes Santos – all alumni of Vue de monde. Together, they bring a depth of experience spanning Noma in Copenhagen to Gordon Ramsay’s kitchens in London.
Bennett and The Belongil team have journeyed along Australia’s east coast over the past year, meeting the growers, fishers, farmers and makers behind Australia’s finest produce.
“Every ingredient on our menu tells a story. We’ve stood in the dirt, by the ocean, and in the sheds with the people who make it possible. We know them. We trust them. And we want you to taste that connection," Bennett says.
“This project is more than a restaurant – it’s four venues that together reflect how I now see hospitality. There should be something for everyone in the community: from dog walkers, surfers and backpackers to those celebrating their big night out once a year."
The Belongil is a multi-venue precinct built around contrast, craft and community.
Kiosk will be open seven days from late November.
FEU fine dining will start on 18 December.
Belongil Bistro opens on 15 December.
Blind Tiger will be an invitation-only cocktail enclave.
First to open will be The Kiosk , an everyday beachside spot serving “high-end simplicity" – think sunrise coffee, fresh snacks and a laidback rhythm that mirrors Byron’s daily pulse. It’s the kind of place for sandy feet and salty hair, open seven days from late November.
Then comes Belongil Bistro on 15 December, a barefoot-friendly bistro where they invite you to come as you are and stay as long as you like. Expect sun-soaked lunches, wine-soaked dinners, and a menu grounded in sustainability and local produce.
The showstopper, FEU , will ignite on 18 December – a 40-seat tasting room that promises a full sensory experience that blurs the line between dining and dreaming. Described as a “culinary uprising," FEU invites guests to choose their own journey through multi-course menus that push creativity to the edge.
For those in the know, there’s Blind Tiger – an invitation-only cocktail enclave that’s part speakeasy, part sensory riddle. Think Japanese-inspired stillness, smoke, mystery and mixology as art. In true Bennett fashion, sustainability and sensory design are deeply intertwined. The Blind Tiger incorporates elements of a 300-year-old Japanese temple that was painstakingly relocated and rebuilt by hand. Across the precinct, a pioneering E-water sanitation system replaces harsh chemicals, while an on-site composter ensures near-zero food waste
Built on connection
The Belongil is located steps away from Belongil Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
The Belongil stands on the former site of the much-loved Belongil Italian, a spot Bennett remembers fondly. “I really loved the old Belongil Italian, and I feel that since they closed, Byron Bay has been missing something. I felt that I could bring the vigor [sic] back to my own little small community," he says.
Blending barefoot ease with refined craft, The Belongil is set to become a new kind of Byron institution; a sanctuary for travellers, locals and wanderers alike.
The Belongil opens in stages from late November 2025, with the Bistro debuting on 15 December and FEU following on 18 December.
Where: 33-35 Childe Street, Byron Bay, NSW
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.
The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.
If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.
Savour the summer dining scene
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.
The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.
Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.
Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.
Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.
And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.
Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.
Dive into ocean pools
The ocean pools beckon.
Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.
Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.
Experience local arts and culture
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.
Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.
Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.
Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.
The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).
If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.
Get into nature
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.
Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.
If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.
The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.
If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.
