Nestled under the high lighthouse, on Australia’s eastern most headland, lies one of the coast’s most popular destinations, Byron Bay.
Captain Cook discovered and named the cape. However, nearly 200 years later, in the 1960’s, roving, adventure-seeking surfers ‘re-discovered’ the town, and placed it on the surfer’s, and eventually, the holidaymaker’s highway.
Since then, Byron Bay has flourished, attracting visitors to its balmy, sub tropical climate, its beautiful, safe, wide, white sand beaches, warm clear waters, and great surf breaks. However, the town has also boomed, due in part to the cultural influences of its neighbouring town, Nimbin, which happens to be the hippy and alternative lifestyle capital of Australia.
Today, much of the essence of Byron Bay’s laid-back, beach side and business ambiance is due to the impacts of those early surfing and hippy communities. Those soul spirits are especially evident in the town’s agenda of cultural events, the burgeoning alternative health and wellbeing industry, and the dynamic arts and crafts movements.
Cape Byron’s lighthouse is the sentinel to east coast shipping, serving to warn of rocks in the area, which have become popular snorkelling and Scuba diving spots. Its high lookout areas provide panoramic coastal views. Additionally they are one of the best places along the entire east coast to observe the annual migrations of humpback whales.
From June, the whales pass on their journey to their warm birthing waters in north Queensland, later returning with their calves to Antarctic waters up to November. At this turning point in their journeys, whales are close to the coast, easily allowing watchers to spot the blow-spouts, curving backs, breaches and frolics of the marine visitors.
However, if you really want eyeball-to-eyeball encounters, take a trip aboard Byron Bay Eco Tour’s vessel. You’ll get close and personal, not just with whales, but also with dolphins and turtles, as do paddlers on kayaking tours with Cape Byron Kayaks or Go Sea Kayaks.
As the area developed, so too did the variety of accommodation. Today all types and budgets are available. However, in peak periods and during main events, such as the Easter Blues & Roots Festival, accommodation can book out, due, in part, to development restrictions imposed by the town’s council.
Nearby are World Heritage listed rainforests and nature reserves, offering the walker views of serene, fern draped, mossy creeks, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic splendours. Driving along the Rainforest Way is a worthwhile experience. Vision Walks offers a unique experience, watching forest wildlife at night through military standard night vision equipment. As well, Green Triangle and Byron Bay Day Tours provide superb guided coach trips through the region’s hinterlands and coastal attractions.
Naturally, fresh seafood is a favourite base to the many cuisines offered in town. A weekly culinary highlight is the Farmers Market, offering a bounty of fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables and tasty temptations of the region, and an opportunity to meet some of its characters. However, would you believe that only 35 minutes drive north is an orchard growing the world’s largest variety of tropical fruits? With its playground of activities and delicious temptations, Tropical Fruit World is definitely worth visiting.
Another 30 minutes drive north is the spectacular Gold Coast, with its huge variety of renowned attractions, activities, theme parks, tours, shopping venues and dazzling nightlife. Regular coach services operate to major destinations, and to Brisbane. Alternatively, hire cars are readily available.
If you are interested in a day or overnight stay, view our Gold Coast section, let us know your requirements and we’ll handle your bookings and travel arrangements.
