Luxury on wheels

Words Melinda Burton | Photos Paul Broben & Byron Luxury Tours

Amidst the sun-kissed beaches and bohemian vibes of Byron Bay, a spirited entrepreneur has revolutionised the concept of high-end tours with a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

    The rugged backdrop of Byron Bay headland is setting the stage and capturing the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV in its element.

    Having freshly arrived from overseas, the new generation GLC is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

    Boasting a cutting-edge 48V mild-hybrid system with a starter-alternator that generates an impressive 17kW/200Nm, this Mercedes-Benz ensures a seamless stop and start experience with an exhilarating surge of additional power during acceleration.

    “This car is pure adrenaline,” says our Driver and owner of Byron Luxury Tours Jack Entwistle.

     

      It’s responsive acceleration and agile manoeuvring make driving an exhilarating adventure.

    Effortlessly blending style and substance, the GLC creates an immersive driving experience, all while exuding an air of dominance with its sleek contours and commanding presence.

    As Jack slides behind the wheel, the plush leather seat envelops him in a perfect fusion of luxury and sportiness.

    “It’s definitely a head-turner and an invitation to enjoy the open road,” he says.

    Jack is somewhat of a Mercedes-Benz fan.

    Fuelled by the desire to break the monotony of typical backpacker adventures in the Byron area, Jack decided to disrupt the norm with an exceptional level of luxury, and it all started with the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz V-Class Van in late 2018.

     Their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail were the perfect fit for the level of elegance I wanted to provide the clientele I aimed to serve.

    “I was naturally drawn to the Mercedes-Benz Vans,” says Jack.

    The endeavour to fill a gap in the market quickly became a flourishing enterprise and now, Byron Luxury Tours has captivated a VIP audience who enjoy exclusive experiences, luxurious airport transfers and wedding transportation.

    “When I started, there was no one doing luxury experiences in the area and it was only the backpacker variety tours offering sausage sizzles and waterfall hikes,” says Jack.

    “So, I had this vision of putting together high-end tours.

    “I curated some nice boutique packages tailored to people wanting to enjoy a high-end experience around Byron and from there, I progressed into airport transfers and weddings.”

    Now, the company has become the go-to for exclusive tours and transfers, partnering with esteemed high-end hotels such as Elements of Byron, Raes on Wategos and Halcyon House, while catering to a distinguished clientele that includes Hollywood A-listers.

    “The majority of what we do is exclusive airport transfers and weddings, particularly for the bridal cars and parties and of course, we cater and specialise in transporting VIPs, whether it’s celebrities, politicians or corporate customers,” he says.

    We take care of a lot of the well-known Hollywood personalities who call Byron home, along with many A-listers who are known to visit the area from time to time when they are in Australia.

    “It’s fun and exciting work and it’s not something everyone gets to experience.”

    Jack has worn a lot of hats within the business and whether it’s driving Natalie Portman to and from film sets or answering phones, he’s done so with humble ease.

    “I’ve personally taken on every role, from washing cars and managing drivers to handling calls, invoicing and administrative tasks, you name it,” he says.

    “It’s been a process, but it’s great to see the business progressing and growing which has allowed me to operate a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vans.”

    Before establishing the business, Jack faced the challenge of not having any pre-existing contacts within the exclusive realm of VIPs, celebrities and luxury hotel chains.

    “I persevered and I kept poking my head in the doors of Bryon’s top hotels and guest houses,” he says.

     

    “I didn’t know anyone within the VIP or celebrity circles, it all came about through organic growth, and I was lucky to get in at the right time with the right crowd, and from there I made sure I was the best in the area.

    “Byron Luxury Tours is now well known for its reliability, professionalism and the ability to cater to the needs of premium hotels, brands and customers.”

    As the business continues to grow, Jack remains focused on expansion and further solidifying their reputation.

    “We definitely have room to grow, particularly in the Byron area, but we’d also like to set our sights on the Gold Coast within the next year,” says Jack.