Byron Bay

Originally the centre for farming and dairy cattle, then a 1970’s hippie community, Bryon Bay has developed into an area of surf culture, alternative lifestyles and luxury indulgence. Palatial estates have been built into the hills surrounding the town by local and international megastars and today it is one of the most popular areas of New South Wales to visit. A nine hour drive or short flight from Sydney, this town of 6,000 residents is Australia’s easternmost town, and casts a spell over everyone who visits there. Byron is a chic seaside town, known as the style capital of the North Coast and with a New Age feel and glorious beaches.

With an outstanding beauty of a surrounding subtropical hinterland set against lush volcanic hills, and stunning white beaches, Bryon Bay’s natural credentials are impeccable. The Cape Bryon Marine Park encompasses approximately 22,000 hectares from Brunswick Heads in the north to Lennox Head in the south. This habitat includes reefs, rocky shoreline and islands, coastal creeks and lakes and coral formations. Many forms of marine life can be found including dolphins (who swim with the surfers at Lennox Head), seabirds, marine plants and threatened marine species like the grey nurse shark. The annual migration of humpback whales during the winter months is a beautiful sight and there are whale-watching cruises during this time. Scuba dive and snorkel at the fabulous Julian Rocks Marine Reserve which is now a part of the Cape Bryon Marine Park.

Take a sunrise stroll along the 5 kilometer (3 mi) Cape Bryon Walking Track, and experience aboriginal culture at the Cape Bryon Headland Reserve. The Aboriginal people call this headland Walgun or the shoulder and it is a part of their Dreaming as well as a place for ceremonies. Enjoy a yoga session on the beach, or perhaps go horse riding on one of the beaches south of Byron Bay. At Broken Head Reserve visit the spectacular Kings Beach. As you drive the Rainforest Way from Ballina, take a detour and discover the dramatic Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. As well you can relax and enjoy a cruise on the Richmond River, or wander Thursday Plantation, where Australia’s first tea-tree plantation is located.

For the more adventurous souls, explore the cycleways in Ballina, 20 minutes from Bryon Bay with a rented bike, or kayak one of the local estuarine wetlands. Take an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy the sunrise while sipping champagne.

Or for those who just want to relax, then sip a smoothie at an outdoor café while watching the world go by. Stop by the Pass Café for a delicious breakfast or just enjoy eating take-away fish and chips while sitting on the beach and watching the sunset. Make sure to stop by any of the number of roadside stands for macadamias and avocados, or make a visit to The Macademia Castle at Knockrow near Byron Bay. Stop by the Bangalow Markets on the fourth Sunday of each month, or check out the latest beach fashions at one of Bryon Bay’s boutique shops. The nearby small villages of Mullumbimby and Bangalow are known for their wonderful art. Experience the nightlife at the Arts Factory which consists of an Art House Cinema, a restaurant and a performance stage. And around Easter make sure to attend the East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival which attracts lots of International Stars.

Be it relaxation, adventure, shopping or great cuisine, Bryon Bay is the place to experience it all.