Editor’s Note: A New Chapter Begins

WORDS: Brian Usher - [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHY Ocean Road Magazine

Introducing future RESIDENCE and celebrating a season of exploration, storytelling and world-class coastal living

We are incredibly proud to launch future RESIDENCE, a brand-new publication arriving with the Ocean Road Summer 2026 Edition. This marks the most significant evolution in our 15-year history — a dedicated magazine celebrating the extraordinary surge of luxury high-rise living across the Gold and Tweed Coast. Our region is entering a remarkable new era of architectural ambition and lifestyle sophistication, and we’re excited to give this movement the spotlight it deserves.

In this Summer Edition, we feature Byron Bay model Camilla Muller, whose story graces our cover. Camilla opens up about her life, her roots, and her deep affection for the magic of Byron Bay — a place that continues to inspire creativity and connection.

Our Ocean Road Travel team also hit the road, venturing just over the border to Tyalgum and the serene Selah Valley Estate. As the story’s title suggests, STOP, PAUSE, LISTEN — and that’s exactly what we did. With no kids in tow, Steve brought his guitar, I packed my camera, and Estelle and Melissa simply soaked in the stillness. It was the perfect place to reset, breathe, and appreciate the beauty right on our doorstep.

From there, we boarded a short flight to Island Magic Resort in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Just over two hours from Brisbane, it feels like stepping into another world — slower, softer, and rich in culture. Yes, there are potholes and unsealed roads, but that’s part of the charm. For the adventurous, a small-plane trip to Mount Yasur on Tanna Island is an unforgettable bucket-list experience. Watching a volcano erupt before your eyes is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but you’ll remember it for the rest of your life — especially if, like me, the pilot lets you take the controls! Our overnight stay at Rockwater Resort made it one of the most memorable travel moments I’ve ever had.

So get out there — see the world, and explore your own backyard too. Vanuatu may be close, but once you arrive, you’ll feel wonderfully far away. The food, the history, the water, the reef, the fishing… and yes, there’s even great surf if you know where to look.

Until our next edition — stay safe, embrace the adventure, and live life to the fullest.