Byron Bay

Byron is an extraordinarily beautiful place and a must for anyone travelling Australia, surfie or not.

All most people know about Byron Bay is that it is a surfers mecca, their corner of paradise, and they love it.

But labelling Bryon a surfie paradise is a touch harsh. There is much, much more to the place than surf.

Byron used to enjoy a reputation as a hippy haven, surfie sanctuary (obviously) and backpackers refuge. Thankfully, and depending on your persuasion, the hippies have moved on (or perhaps, and more likely, just grown up). The backpackers and surfie’s remain. However they are today joined by a growing number of tourists, of all ages, attracted to Byron’s beauty, looking for a lovely beach holiday.

Byron is famed worldwide for its beaches, scuba diving, whale watching, rural beauty and a laid back lifestyle. It is a major tourist centre.

NO SECRET

Beware, though. Byron is no secret (clue was in the phrase ‘tourist centre’). When it’s good, Byron is marvellous: long days, great weather, endless beaches, an abundance of apartments to rent and everything from upmarket hotels to chalet parks and backpackers’ hostels, wonderful food and a delirious nightlife.

It can be very crowded. And that is Byron at its worst (that said, we found the charisma and hospitality of the local, strong willed, community more than made up for the crowds so don’t be put off).

ALTERNATIVE ATMOSPHERE

Byron has gained a reputation of having a relaxed and often alternative atmosphere and there is a real lack of urgency wherever you go. Its atmosphere coupled with its many beaches, nearby world heritage listed national parks and other natural (as well as manmade) wonders, has helped cement it’s reputation as a world-renowned place to visit.

NATURAL BEAUTY, SUPERB WEATHER (AND SHOPPING)

Byron Bay is located on the North coast of NSW with Cape Byron (named by Captain Cook no less) being Australia's most easterly point. Summer temperatures can sore to well above 30°C and winter temperatures average between 15°C and 21°C, giving Byron Bay an excellent year-round climate. The many beaches around Byron Bay offer clean warm water, 26°C in summer and 21°C in winter, with the chance to see dolphins regularly and whales May through October.

It is possible to walk for miles along narrow paths, through woodland and scrub. There is an abundance of colour and wildlife, and you often see snakes basking in the trees.

Sitting almost at the edge of the rainforest, it is an area rich in wildlife. Byron Shire is home to 10 varieties of snake, most of them poisonous. Fortunately few are aggressive.

Byron Bay lighthouse dominates the skyline and is a huge lighthouse, perched 300 feet above the sea. It is one of the most power beacons in the southern hemisphere and the present building, painted white, dates back to the start of the last century.

Okay, there are lovely walks, great views, a huge lighthouse, and a fair amount of history. Other highlights include; shopping the unique boutiques, the Byron Bay community markets, an active nightlife, and an annual food festival, writers festival, film festival, and more...

So whether you're visiting from around the corner or around the world you should find plenty on offer in Byron Bay, a town renowned for capturing the hearts of the people that visit. Many people end up staying.

SURFING…best beaches

• Byron Main, the best-known beach in Byron, usually has smaller waves, which break close to shore. At the southern end of Byron Main beach is the Pass. The Pass can be very crowded, along with Byron Main on summer days but is perfect for longboarding.
• Watego's Beach is just around the corner from the Pass and Byron Main. It is hidden from view, and is popular with longboarders. It has smaller surf than the Pass and gets crowded when the winds or swell are right. Perfect for the inexperienced or beginners.
• Tallow's Beach is least used Byron beach (although it is popular with those that surf). It is on the south side of the Byron headland, is very long and has a variety of breaks. The surf is generally large and you don’t normally see tourists.

NIGHTLIFE

If you are of a certain age, or enjoy a night out and a bit of debauchery, then by far one of Byron's biggest draws is the number of options for a good night out, with drinks offers to match. Cheeky Monkeys, one of the east coast’s most infamous clubs, is a top pick. We’d also suggest checking out Aquarius Bar (it has some of the best happy hour prices in town).

If that seems a bit full-on, then the Beachy might be a better option and is more of a local’s hangout, overlooking Main Beach.