With its numerous beaches, unspoilt hinterland and relaxed alternative lifestyle, Byron Bay is a popular destination with both domestic and international tourists, attracting everyone from backpackers to the rich and famous. The area is also noted for its coastal scenery and wildlife, with whale watching a significant contributor to the local economy.
As a locality, Byron is famous for its trademark lighthouse as well as its pristine beaches and lush rainforests. The lighthouse is on Cape Byron, Australia's most easterly point, 153° 39´ east, located on the north coast of New South Wales. James Cook named Cape Byron after circumnavigator of the world John Byron, grandfather of the poet, Lord Byron.
Once a whaling station, the town is now home to people from all social levels and is a world class holiday resort, known as much for its alternative lifestyle as its idyllic geographic location. The town attracts a colourful mix of people from all over the world. It has a friendly village atmosphere, with over 100 different eateries which suite every taste and budget and reflect the laid back Byron lifestyle. Byron is Australia's most easterly town.
Byron Bay has a full calendar of events throughout the year, including the world class Blues & Roots Music Festival at Easter; the well established Writers Festival (July); or for those of you who love a real challenge - the Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic and the Byron Triathlon (both in May); Easter also has the Byron Easter Surf Classic; and not to be forgotten, the Film Festival in February, features some of the latest and greatest in cinematography.
With average summer temperatures of 21C - 28C, and average winter temperatures of 15C - 21C, both locals and visitors are able to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities including the many festivals throughout the year.
Byron Shire has a population of close to 30,000, while the town of Byron Bay has a population of about 9,000. Byron Bay is located just off the Pacific Highway, 800kms north of Sydney, 175kms south of Brisbane. Airports are located in Ballina (30 mins. south) or Coolangatta (60 mins. north) and busses and trains arrive regularly.
Byron's Beaches
Byron Bay’s beaches are among some of the best in Australia. There are approximately 30 km of beaches stretching from Broken Head in the South to Brunswick Heads in the North. The beaches are clean and generally uncrowded.
The headlands between the beaches makes surfing with offshore winds possible every day, which goes a long way to explaining why Byron Bay is a swimmers' paradise.
Tallow Beach: a long sweeping beach with a cosy corner on the Northern end and Broken Head in the South. Popular with fisherman, surfers and dolphins.
Broken Head: a beautiful beach protected by a rainforest headland and a series of rocky headlands. A quiet place to relax with great waves with the right swell conditions.
Cosy Corner: offers protection from the Northerlies. Facing East, it is also open to catching the biggest of swells.
Wategos Beach: a very picturesque North facing beach popular with Malibu surfers. It is very protected and a great beach for learning how to surf. Its also an ideal place for a barbecue after a refreshing swim or surf. People like Tom Cruise, Richard Branson and Mick Jagger have holidayed here.
The Pass: one of Byron Bay’s more famous surf spots. On a good day, rides of three hundred metres are common. The view from the Pass lookout is sensational and a great place to watch the surfing action.
Clarkes Beach: a well protected beach and an ideal place to learn to surf and good for swimming and relaxing. The snorkelling can also be good here.
Main Beach: right in town and very popular with all nationalities because it is so close to everything in town. This beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers through the summer months.
See Kayaking: if lazing around all day on the beach is not enough action for you, try a sea kayaking adventure. Tours, which include a guide, operate twice a day, giving the opportunity to get up close and personal with the residential Byron Bay Dolphins whilst Sea kayaking around some of the most spectacular coastline.
You can also escape away with your special friend on a guided journey of the Byron Bay aquatic wonderland. This tour is limited to just two people plus your guide who will lead your exploration over underwater volcanic reefs, local shipwrecks and iconic coastline and headlands. You can view the local dolphin population from up close, snorkel with the local green turtles at middle reef and enjoy a choice morning or afternoon tea on a secluded beach of champagne, seasonal fresh local organic fruits and other treats.
This tour is run at the time of day that suits you, at a pace that suits you. All special needs are catered for. Tour includes private pick up and drop off, morning/afternoon tea, free photos and snorkelling. The tour can also start at any location if requested by customers.(weather dependant).
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