Have you heard of Byron Bay? A small beach town boasts the second largest number of tourists in Australia after the famous Sydney. Here are some reasons why this small beach captures the imagination of so many.
Sunset celebrated
Byron Bay sits at the easternmost point of Australia, a fantastic place to catch the sunrise. The admiration for the movements of the sun continues at dusk, with the locals celebrating the sun’s disappearance through a bongo drumming ritual in a beach car park. Many visitors come to this uniquely unpretentious event. It is the laidback appreciation of nature that draws millions of visitors to this small beach town each year.
Iconic Lighthouse
Although it is pumping with people during the summer holidays, you can still find some charm. An early morning walk to the lighthouse offers spectacular serene views. Across the sparkling ocean, you’ll admire ancient volcanic peaks and maybe a hot air balloon on a joyous cruise between them.
The lighthouse walk is not only a decent workout, as it is a five kilometer round trip, but also has some fun stops along the way. The hang gliding ramp overlooks Tallows beach with a dreamy view of surfers and wallabies in the sand dunes. If you look long enough, you’ll see pods of local dolphins bobbing in cerulean blue waters. Whale sightings are guaranteed during their migration seasons.
A place to bring your hippy
It is a great place to stop and meditate. Byron Bay is famous for holistic therapies and you might feel like a calf massage after doing the lighthouse stairs. In the city and neighboring suburbs, alternative health practices are dotted everywhere.
The hippy cultural movement from the 1960s still has an influence on many offerings in the city. Healthy food options abound and tie-dye and festival clothing shops feature among quality styles brought to city escapers.
Central Relaxation
Many people who live in the burnt city take a break from the fast pace and constant noise for peaceful moments and stress relief. Pretty fantastic climate all year round, palm trees, and waves can fulfill subtropical dreams. Many who come here, end up looking for a way to stay.
There’s enough pulse for creative types to thrive and make connections, and work-life balance to suit budding entrepreneurs. Boutique businesses emerge in the Arts and Industry Estate, a melting pot for style and unique vision.
Old School Holiday Vibes
If you seek to return to an older Byron Bay before it lost its status as a secret place, you will have an idea in the regional towns a short drive away. Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads are where some locals moved when Byron became too popular. The Mullumbimby River flows all the way to the Brunswick River Mouth where the ocean meets the fresh water.
It is here where time can really slow down and the beautiful Brunswick river is an oasis for fun. The calm waters are perfect for water sports such as kayaking and fishing.
Blow up a paddle board and cruise on the wavy sand banks, observing fish, turtles, and stingrays in the clear waters below. The lush forest backdrop has abundant birds, a sensory experience for anyone in need of tree bathing and calm.
Ancient Magic
Journeys into the magical hinterland find waterfalls and hikes in the ancient rainforest. Minyon Falls has an incredible view and forest as far as the eye can see. It is a place to remember what the landscape was like for the indigenous population.
Time out in the Byron Bay region is sure to cheer you up and maybe even rekindle a long-forgotten passion or creative pursuit. You may even become enraptured with the sunset as if it is the first time you’ve appreciated it in a long time.