From Silicon Valley to Byron Bay: How a Tiny Tech Meetup Sparked a Thriving Creative Community

A little background...

After a decade of honing skills and gaining experience working alongside intelligent, driven, and innovative people in Silicon Valley’s fast-paced startup ecosystem, I carefully chose Byron Bay as the place to share that energy and expertise.

Picture right: Silicon Valley innovation, blockchain and product design meetups.

Although I felt right at home among the ambition and entrepreneurial passion of the Bay Area, I’m now meeting equally talented and driven people here in Byron — and feel lucky to have experienced both communities.

A decade of experience in the U.S. tech industry now informs recent projects — blending refined skills, deep insight, and strategic expertise. See my latest projects.

Byron is home not only to purpose-driven companies, innovative founders, artisans, and sustainability-minded operators — but also to a thriving creative community. Many have come from major Australian and international cities, including the San Francisco Bay Area, choosing Byron as their remote base to live, create, and build.

Byron Bay’s First Tech Meetup — From a Handful of Creatives to Hundreds Now Connecting at Local Design Thinking Events

It didn’t take long for the word to spread. What started as a search for fellow creatives quickly grew into a vibrant network of hundreds — emerging from their hybrid work oases nestled in the hinterland, across the local area, and throughout Queensland to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.

Picture Above: The second ever Byron Bay Design Thinking Tech Meetup in 2024.

When I first arrived in Byron, I was eager to connect with the local creative community. That led me to meeting William Stuart at Byron’s very first Design Thinking Meetup — just five of us in a small room, sharing ideas and big ambitions on how to structure and grow the community.

Considering Byron is a creative and innovative community, we wondered where all the people were, why are they not meeting and how can we get them actively involved.

Fast forward, that first meetup now draws hundreds, all connecting, collaborating, and discussing innovation, AI, product design, and development.

Today, we’re lucky to have an abundance of talented keynote speakers at these Design Thinking events, covering a wide range of topics including product design, AI, service design, user experience, digital strategy, and innovation. Featured guests have come from Google, Canva, leading digital agencies, and prominent voices in marketing and product design.

Picture right: AI and Tech at Otherworld Byron Bay in 2024.

These events now attract talent from Sydney, Queensland, and deep into the hinterland — drawing remote workers away from their desks to connect, collaborate, mentor, and grow together.

So, in the spirit of celebrating what makes Byron Bay and its creative community so special — here are some of my favourite local spots to reset, refocus, and get inspired.

If you’re ever here, don’t miss them.

1. The Pass

An iconic surf break with long, rolling waves and a wooden lookout. It’s buzzing in summer, tranquil in winter — my go-to for ocean views and mind-clearing walks.

2. Boulders Beach

A wild, volcanic coastline where lava once met the sea. Massive black boulders give it a prehistoric edge. Quiet, grounding, and powerfully peaceful.

3. Killen Falls

A short walk through lush rainforest leads you to this hidden gem near Tintenbar. The tea tree–infused waters offer a calming, restorative swim — perfect for clarity and offline reflection.

4. Minyon Falls

Tucked in Nightcap National Park, this 100m waterfall is truly breathtaking — especially after rain. It reminds me of how small we are (in the best way).

5. Quarry Bexhill

Once an industrial site, now a surreal creative backdrop. The raw textures, still water, and unexpected beauty make it a top spot for visual inspiration.

6. Coastal Trail Walk from The Pass to Wategos

My absolute favourite walk. Coastal, shaded, and dolphin-spotted — a place I go to stretch my legs and reset my brain.

7. Flat Rock & Skennars Beach

Natural rock platforms filled with tidal pools, next to a quiet stretch of sand. Understated, uncrowded, and always creatively recharging.

8. Byron’s Best Sustainable Bakery

Nothing fuels flow state like flaky croissants and slow-fermented sourdough. This bakery champions sustainability and serious craft — just how I like it.

9. Byron Bay Op Shops

Three must-visits for vintage lovers and treasure hunters:

• Global Ripple (open daily)
• Anglican Op Shop (weekdays 9–1pm)
• Uniting Church Op Shop (weekdays 9–1pm)

Support local, score something unique.

10. Wategos to Lighthouse Stairs

One of the best views in Byron — period. A short but solid climb, with panoramic ocean views, wildflowers, and a creative energy that’s hard to explain.

11. Tallow Ridge Track

Start near Patterson Street and Lee Lane. A quiet, lesser-known bush trail that runs parallel to Tallow Beach, with sneak peeks through to the waves. It's pure magic.

Final Thoughts

Grateful for the incredible experiences in both Silicon Valley and Byron Bay, each shaping a unique and valuable perspective. Now based in Byron, surrounded by a vibrant, growing community of talented creatives — looking forward to the next adventure.

If you're a Byron Bay business or a founder anywhere looking to build a standout brand or digital product — let’s chat. We’re local. We’re global. And we’re just getting started.

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