The easternmost edge of Australia is home to one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, according to those who are qualified to rate these things. If miles of sandy beach in a semi-tropical climate with a background of mountains, waterfalls and rainforest sound attractive, you will probably agree. Byron Bay, the town and the surrounding area, has all this and more, including a reputation as a laid-back and hedonistic melting pot of cultures and lifestyles.
This town is the place where surfers mingle with celebrities and indigenous natives with travelers from all over the world – a truly eclectic mix of attitudes, philosophies and interests that make a fascinating overlay for the wealth of natural beauty. The surge of tourism that began in the 1960′s when the area was ‘discovered’ by longboard surfers has brought more than a touch of cosmopolitan influence to the area, but there is a nice balance of chic and casual that’s irresistible.
There is no manufacturing or big business, and the many and widely varied small businesses lean towards the arts and education – and food and partying, of course. Most of the action is outdoors, on the sea, the beaches, the inland mountainsides and rivers, and even in the air. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and whale watching are high on the list of attractions, and swimmers sharing the water with frolicking dolphins is a common occurrence.
On land, the hiking and biking trails are another big draw; most points in the area are walkable, though a climb to the peak of Mt. Warning (if you go very early you’ll catch the first sunlight to reach Australia’s mainland) is quite arduous. In or around town, walking is encouraged as there is limited public transport, and the town council recently installed parking metres at $2.00 an hour.
This area, the northern coast of New South Wales, has been home to the Bunjalung people for at least 20,000 years, and they are a distinct presence in the culture and heritage of Byron Bay and the rural countryside inland. Bunjalung National Park, established on more than 4,200 acres of beach, coastal rainforest and cypress stands and lagoons, preserves more than natural resources; campsites and middens of the aboriginal peoples from thousands of years ago are still visible throughout the park.
It’s worth a note that if you want to see the glories of the landscape in ‘panavision’, there are sky diving, ballooning and hang-gliding/para-gliding opportunities galore. If the sea is your preference, try ocean kayaking for spectacular views of Cape Byron and close encounters with dolphins, whales and turtles.
Byron Bay may be one of the most welcoming towns in Australia, and though the emphasis is more on relaxing and/or adventurous pursuits than on high-end resorts and shopping malls, there is no lack of restaurants, pubs and cafes, plus a few very lively nightspots. Visitors can pick up a copy of “The Bagg” that comes out every Monday to see what’s up and where.
