Byron Bay, Australia- Believe the Hype

If you are listening to the local radio 2LM it’s Australia’s best address. But with such a large country and so many beautiful places it’s a bold statement. But if you’ve ever spent a bit of time there you’ll start believing them. Byron Bay is a country town, so close to 2 of Australia’s largest cities, but so relaxed in mind-set, that only the summer crowds could put you off the place.

the Tweed River with Mt. Warning seen in the background

Byron Bay is unlike so many Australian towns. It’s not large, and it’s in the country. It’s also a former capital of hippy relaxation. But Byron is an international town. Hippies, mix with surfers, bohemians, amazing artists, farmers, backpackers, and the international residents from around the world that never returned from their holiday.

It has so much to see and do. But if you don’t want to do anything, the amazing bayside beaches, with jaw dropping views get better the further from town you walk. Byron Bay has the great advantage also, that from the centre of town you can take a nature walk past 4 beaches to the lighthouse, and it won’t make you absolutely tired. The Byron Bay Lighthouse is one of the main attractions of the town, and what better way to visit it than a leisurely walk, past great surfing beaches, with amazing views, rainforest, surfers at the game, and the pick of the crop of the most attractive backpackers in Australia at that time.

On a beautiful day in summer and autumn, Clarkes Beach can look as if you were in the Caribbean. The surfing is well, one of the best spots on the east coast of Australia, with a wave for every wind on the compass. I could name, names but the locals wouldn’t be happy. You could say that it is the real “Surfers Paradise”.

Byron Bay’s CBD area also has some great places to eat. The Balcony, Buddha Bar and St.Elmos are some great places to eat that have a great outlook and ambience. The Buddha Bar also brews its own beers.

As for night life, Byron Bay is the party capital of the area. Even the larger surrounding towns have their residents party most often in Byron Bay. Some pubs like the Rails, have one band per night. Being Australia’s country town capital of bohemian culture, the international musical acts are outstanding and rival that of major cities. Where else can you see bands of 4 guitaring brothers, have one of their 17yr old member play Jimi Hendrix, behind his back, or see a local blues band Chris Aronsten, play such a tight act, that you can’t help but applaud even if you are not into jazz. After the Rails kicks off, people head to the Beach Hotel, where the young both male and female are so attractive that it features on the list of world beautiful people haunts. Keep your tongue in your mouth because the locals and tourists that visit are smoking.

As for the rest of the arts cultures, artisans abound, with former, known painters, sculptures and the like raising the bar of the local art scene so high that the artisans at the local markets, look like you are buying the art of someone before they become famous. You can see some of these arts displayed at the Byron markets 1st Sunday of every month or at Bangalow markets 4th Sunday of every month.

It’s not just about the main town, the whole area will amaze you. Brunswick Heads, Ballina, Nimbin region. There are many tours out to the hinterland. The Northern Rivers region has many rainforests, waterfalls, and nature walks to visit, with Mount Warning near the village of Uki being the jewel in the crown.

So what’s this about hype? Way too much publicity in general or bad publicity, don’t listen just visit. Byron Bay is truly a place to visit to believe. Many foreign expats can’t be wrong.