Although it’s a popular resort town, Byron Bay nonetheless has plenty of unspoiled beach area that provides an intimate and relaxing setting for travelers. This coastal retreat has everything needed for the perfect holiday, from luxurious accommodation and fine dining to unspoiled scenery and loads of fun activities. Best of all, if you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast, getting to Byron is easy and makes for a great day trip.
Perhaps the easiest way by far to get down to Byron Bay is by car, and if you’re flying in to the Gold Coast airport, it’s really as easy as making your way over to a car hire kiosk and picking up the vehicle you’ve either pre-booked online, or seeing what’s available on the spot.
While there are other transport options like busses and taxis, you can’t beat the convenience of being able to jump straight into a car for maximum convenience and dare we say; cost-cutting if you’re travelling with a family. Plus, the bonus of taking the drive yourself means there’s plenty more you can see at will along the way, no matter where you’re going.
If you’re considering including Byron Bay on your itinerary, here’s our top picks of ways to make the most out of your visit.
Image Courtesy of thinboyfatter / flickr.com
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Lighthouse – Image Courtesy of thinboyfatter / flickr.com
Situated on the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland, this lighthouse is an easy walk from the local beach, but also car parking is available if hitting the pavement isn’t exactly your style. Tours happen throughout the day, and after you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the grounds and lighthouse tower, there’s a cafe at hand where you can grab something to eat while taking in the surrounds.
Surfing and Scuba Diving
Surfer Byron Bay Australia – Source
As you might imagine, surfing and scuba diving are among the top draw cards at Byron. Most of the surfing takes placeat Byron Main, although you can also catch a wave at Wategos Beach – which is slightly north of the main beach. This location is often chosen for evening surfing because dolphins regularly come out during the twilight hours, and it’s not uncommon to get a playful interaction happening at times.
For budding scuba divers, there are several scuba outfittersin town that provide tours; most of which take place at Julian Rocks. This area takes around five minutes to get to by boat, and it contains waters that are up to 25 metres deep- so, perfect for discovering the riches of the ocean.
Whale Watching
Whale Watching Australia – Source
If you happen to be holidaying between the months of June and November, you’ll most likely be treated to a spot of whale watching, as it’s during this time that whales make their annual migration from Antarctica. Peak whale watching season is during the months of September and October, so while it’s common to spot whales from June onwards, if you’re specifically wanting to plan whale watching into your trip the safest way is to plan around the latter months.
There are several tour companies that offer whale watching charters, and a few of them guarantee travellers that they will spot humpbacked whales or receive a second trip free of charge. So, nothing to lose there!
Music Festivals
Byron Bay Bluesfest – Source
Tourists visiting the Byron Bay over the Easter holidays will be able to experience the East Coast Blues and Roots music festival, which takes place at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm. Here there are plenty of campsites, which can be reserved for this special event for those inclined. A word of warning, though – accommodation around the area fills up fast ahead of the festival, so be sure to get in early if you’re getting amongst it.
For those who prefer more pop-oriented music, the Splendour in the Grass music festival, which takes place inJuly, attracts a number of top performing artists. This festival takes place at Belongil Fields over a three-day period, and it also includes vibrant displays of artwork and sculpture to enthral festival goers while also lending a dramatic flair to the grounds. Again – same goes for accommodation…be sure to plan ahead and lock something in early to avoid disappointment.
For a small coastal town, Byron Bay has plenty on offer for young and old, with no shortage of calendared events the year around. Whether you’re heading down with the family, or taking a well-earned brake with a bunch of friends, you could do a lot worse than to take a drive down to Byron to experience what makes this little place such a bustling town.
