Laid-back beauty
Get active or take a chill pill in the lush surrounds of Byron Bay, Australia
Published in Australian Doctor, 1st October 2010
Byron Bay, a small and bustling seaside town in the far northeastern corner of New South Wales and the jewel in the crown of the lush, semi-tropical Byron Shire, has long been a favourite amongst Australian holidaymakers. First the hippies, then the yuppies, then the celebrities hit town. Today, Byron Bay is a mind-boggling blend of all three: dreadlocked surfers sit alongside well-manicured ladies that lunch; Kombi vans packed with budget conscious backpackers park across the road from beachfront mansions.
Whatever your take on Byron – named by Captain Cook himself as he sailed up the east coast of Australia in 1770 – it’s still beautiful, and still immensely popular. Day trippers from surrounding towns head here in droves on weekends and public holidays, and it’s a must-see on the itinerary of many a beach loving traveler to Australia.
It’s true. Byron is a beach lovers’ paradise, with the shire boasting 37km of sparkling white-blond sand. Some beaches, like Main Beach and Broken Head are patrolled, and recommended for families and inexperienced swimmers. Other spots like The Pass, The Wreck and Clarkes Beach are more rugged, and suitable for those who want to participate in the wind and water sports this stretch of the coastline is renowned for: surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
I don’t do any of these things, preferring to lie on a towel and alternately read a book, gaze dreamily into the distance, and watch as daredevils plough, glide and sail through the winds and waves. Of course it helps if you know what you’re doing, but even if you don’t, you can try, and there are surf schools and instructors aplenty to help you hang ten, pronto. There’s even a nude beach secreted 500m west of Belongil Creek, if you’re feeling adventurous!
I take a more traditional route and complete a 5km circuit around Cape Byron, a rocky headland jutting into the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific Ocean that is also Australia’s easternmost point. The trek is comfortable and traverses well worn paths taking in the southerly track down the ridge towards Captain Cook's Lookout, and the northerly track that winds around the cliffs to the eastern point then descends to Little Wategos and Wategos Beach, both lovely swimming spots.
The walk also includes the Cape Byron lighthouse, a well known landmark. Completed in 1901 and standing 22m high, the lighthouse is magnificent, towering roughly 100m above waves that lap at the rocks below. At one time it was Australia’s most powerful lighthouse, and is still in operation today. Technology rendered lighthouse keepers obsolete in the mid 1990s, and it is possible to stay in the heritage-listed lighthouse keeper’s quarters.
Byron Bay and the surrounding shire offer breath-taking outdoor entertainment for all the family. It’s best enjoyed in the warmer months, but, provided you’re willing to rug up, can also be enjoyed all year round. In fact, as one friendly local tells me, this stretch of coastline is ideal for spotting humpback whales as they migrate to and from the Antarctic along the coastline from May to November. I’m too early for this, but the laid back beauty of Byron is already calling me back.
FACTFILE
Getting there: Byron Bay is located 6km off the Pacific Highway, 180km south of Brisbane. If flying, head to one of three airports: Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway Airport in Ballina (serviced by Virgin Blue, Regional Express and Jetstar), 35mins by shuttle bus; Coolangatta on the Gold Coast (serviced by all domestic carriers), 40 mins by shuttle bus; Brisbane International and Domestic Airport at Eagle Farm (serviced by all domestic carriers), two hours by shuttle bus.
Where to stay: Watch your pennies and get into the spirit of things at the Arts Factory Backpacker Lodge, $60/night www.artsfactory.com.au. Wake up to the waves at Cape Beach House Bed and Breakfast, $215/night www.thecape.com.au, or head for the hills at the exclusive Four Winds Villas, $259/night.
More information: Visit www.visitbyronbay.com. Phone or drop into the Byron Bay Visitors Centre at 80 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, (02) 6680 9271.