“At Byron Bay Tea Company we acknowledge the people of the Bundjalung nation, including those from the Arakwal, Widjabul, Bandjalang and Nyangbal tribes whose land we operate on and from. We acknowledge these people as the traditional custodians of this land. We acknowledge that they have occupied and cared for this country over countless generations and we celebrate their continuing contribution to the life and culture of this region. We pay our respects to their elders, past present and emerging”. Sarita Merlo, Founder

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point, has undoubtedly experienced its magic. It has been a healing centre for the Bundjalung Arakwal Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Minjungbal name for Byron Bay was Cavanba, meaning “meeting place”. The cape itself was known as Walgun, meaning “the shoulder”, which was a place for ceremony and spiritual inspiration and remains part of many dreamtime stories.

To this day, Byron Bay is still well recognised as a place of rest and relaxation, a place to revitalise the body, mind and soul. The Byron Bay Tea Company has strived to encapsulate the essence of Byron’s magic in their unique and flavoursome range of healing herbal teas.

With a particular fondness of the native plants in the area, founder Sarita Merlo chooses to partner with local suppliers who encourage and support organic sustainable farming methods that aim to preserve native flora and fauna and their habitats. Furthermore, choosing to align with those who also pay tribute to Australia’s indigenous people through education, understanding and employment initiatives.

Cover image by Rose Fletcher