Byron Bay is a beautiful coastal town situated in New South Wales, Australia. With its clean beaches and excellent surfing and scuba diving sites, it has become a popular holiday destination in Australia. Humpback whales can be seen from headland viewpoints such as the lighthouse at Cape Byron State Conservation Park and Captain Cook Lookout. Most visitors come to Byron Bay to spend their days sunbathing on the beaches or surfing. However, there is a whole lot more to do and see in and around this lovely coastal town.
What is Byron Bay Famous For?
During the 1960s, Byron Bay was most famous for three things: surfing, whaling, and meat. The whaling station was situated right on the main beach where locals could watch humpback whales being slaughtered for their blubber and oil. Later it became a meatworks which eventually also closed down altogether. Today tourists can enjoy watching whales and lots of dolphins going by on their migration route along the coast.
What to do in Byron Bay
Surfing
Thanks to the seven major breaks, surfing in the aqua blue waters of Byron Bay has long been a major attraction for surfers from all around the world. Today it remains one of the most well-known surfing spots in Australia and the world.
Rainforest Exploration
Just half an hour’s drive from the town is the rainforest regions complete with bubbling brooks, cascading waterfalls, and acres of rolling green hills overflowing with flora and fauna. You can spend hours exploring small country towns with big character and unusual names like Mullumbimby or Nimbin.
To Know About Minyon Falls Lookout, click here.
Byron Bay Lighthouse
Watch the sunrise from the lighthouse situated on Australia’s most easterly point. It takes around 45 minutes to get there on the walking trail and on the way back a slight detour will take you to Fisherman’s Lookout from where you can watch the early morning surfers catch waves at The Pass.
Kayak Trips
Paddle next to a school of dolphins on a kayak trip and from May to October you may even see a humpback whale pop up right next to you. For the more adventurous there is Surf Kayaking which is a thrilling way to surf the waves.
Stand-up Paddling
Stand-up paddling is a great thing to try and it’s easier than it looks. A river tour includes lessons on how to stand up on the board and paddling down the river under a canopy of trees.
Local Markets
Byron Bay is full of creative people and local markets where you can view and buy their wares. Byron Bay Markets are open on the first Sunday of every month; Byron Bay Artisan Market is open every Saturday night from October to March; the Byron Bay Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday morning.
Snorkel or Scuba Dive at Julian Rocks
Julian Rocks is one of Australia’s premium diving destinations and a protected reserve for the Grey Nurse Shark with its gentle nature. This is one of the best places in Australia to dive with sea turtles and more than 500 fish species to see. Options include an Intro Dive, a Snorkel Tour, or a Certified Dive.
Get to some travel stories about Byron Bay onhttp://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20131206-voices-of-byron-bay-australia
Hire a Bike
One of the best ways to explore Byron Bay’s rainforest and outer beaches is to take to the many bike trails that start out at the town center. Options include rainforest and coastal mountain bike tours.
Byron Bay is also famous for events like Splendour in the Grass, The Bluesfest, the Byron Bay Malibu Classic, Byron Bay Triathlon & Ocean Swim, Byron Bay Writer’s Festival, and many more. And don’t forget that you can party the night away at one of the many nightspots with live music offered any day of the week.